Sunday Programme
11 May 2025
Keynote Speaker: Clare Healy Walls
Title of Presentation: Montessori Principles Today – Inside and Outside the Box
Montessori herself was a radical “out of the box” thinker. Let us continue that journey without losing the essentials of her core principles that will never go out of date. This presentation explores core Montessori principles, emphasising their relevance from infants to elders. They promote holistic development, joyful learning, and peace but require innovative, “out of the box” thinking to apply effectively in today’s overstimulated and technologically advanced world.
Montessori emphasised the importance of spiritual/psychic preparation, which we need to nurture in modern times. Educators observe, listen to, and respond to the unique needs of each child, and, at the same time, navigate the challenging skill of self-awareness. The support of experienced practitioners is an invaluable support on this journey. The prepared environment serves as a foundational structure for independent learning. It must evolve to meet the needs of today’s children, incorporating creative ideas while maintaining Montessori’s core principles.
Montessori materials, though essential, are not the whole philosophy. Educators should present them flexibly, considering each child’s progress, which is not always linear. By revisiting and reinterpreting Montessori principles in the light of modern developments, educators can protect the essential aspects of the method whilst innovatively carrying it forward.
11 May 2025
Adolescent Forum Student Project Plan Showcase: A Vision for the Future
On Sunday morning, the Adolescent Forum Student Project Plan Showcase will present the remarkable work of the young changemakers participating in the Adolescent Forum. This showcase is a unique opportunity for the wider Montessori Europe Congress attendees to witness the passion, innovation, and dedication of adolescents from across Europe who are actively engaged in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.
During the Adolescent Forum, which has run parallel to the Montessori Europe Congress, students have worked in collaboration with peers, educators, and expert mentors – including guides from Global Shapers, prominent climate activist Filippo Giorgi, and student activist Riemer Brandsma – to develop project plans aimed at addressing key global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and community well-being. The projects have been carefully crafted through a series of workshops and mentorships that emphasise practical, actionable solutions for real-world impact.
The showcase will feature presentations from the adolescents themselves, highlighting their innovative solutions and action plans. These presentations will provide insight into how young people view the future and the tangible steps they are taking to address the issues that matter most to them. For congress attendees, this is a powerful opportunity to engage in inter-generational dialogue, exchanging ideas with the next generation of leaders who are already driving positive change in their communities. This meaningful exchange of ideas fosters collaboration between adults and adolescents on innovative solutions, reinforcing Montessori’s vision of education as a lifelong, dynamic process. By supporting the voices of the next generation, attendees acknowledge that these adolescents represent not only the future but also the present drivers of change in sustainability, social equity, and beyond.
This session is a call to listen, learn, and collaborate across generations, with insights from these young changemakers that have the potential to inspire and inform ongoing work in education, sustainability, and beyond.
Clare Healy Walls
When Clare discovered that Montessori philosophy was not only a method of education, but a tool for living, offering satisfaction, joyful learning and peace at macro and micro levels, she became passionate about spreading this version of Montessori and researching modern tools to support that quest! This has led to ongoing exploration of adult learning techniques, flexible learning methods and ways in which to apply the Montessori philosophy to all ages from birth to 100.
Clare has worked with Montessori in Norway since 1991. She is a graduate of Montessori St. Nicholas, London and holds an MA in Education (Management) from the Open University. Clare founded Waterpark Montessori International (WMI) in 1999 with support from Norwegian Montessorians, including Oslo Montessori School.
Clare is the author of Montessori in a Nutshell (now in nine languages), At the Heart of Montessori series (6 books), The Conscious Parent and Conscious Adult Conscious Child, an interactive handbook of stories designed for educators and parents. She lives in the south of Ireland.