Meet Jordan De Worsop – Year 6 Graduate 2013

Meet Jordan De Worsop who was a Year 6 graduate of MMC in 2013.

At the core of Montessori pedagogy is the ‘love of learning’. This is nurtured by fostering children’s natural curiosity and encouraging self-directed exploration, where children can follow their interests at their own pace.

Jordan De Worsop was a primary school student at MMC who had an early interest in the arts. That interest evolved into a passion that has led to successful theatre and music performances, all while Jordan is studying a Bachelor of Law and Global Studies.

We are very fortunate to have a video of Jordan’s recent performance as a baritone soloist singing the Anthem of Empowerment at St Patrick’s Cathedral with singers from multiple choirs. Enjoy listening to Jordan’s  incredible voice.

Listen here

The biggest piece of advice I can give is don’t let anyone try and tell you that you’re not good enough or that you won’t succeed. With enough hard work and perseverance, you can do anything you set your mind to, regardless of what other people think.

What were you passionate about at school during your primary school years?

I started at MMC as a 5-year-old and left in 2013 when the school only went up to year 6. My love of the arts began at MMC. From a really young age, I loved art and always enjoyed creating art. I also developed a real passion for music and recall my ability to harmonise to whatever music we were playing at the time from quite a young age. Ironically, while I did sing back then, I never put it to good use in a performance sense until my very final year at MMC. I wasn’t interested in doing choir or drama then but now the arts and performance are a major passion of mine.

Another passion I had at MMC was writing, mostly poetry – I got quite fond of limericks – and my blog. Our whole class had a blog that Naomi (Heath) set up for us and let’s just say I got more use out of blogging than anyone! When it started, my blog focused on wildlife but then it changed to being structured like my own TV show and I talked about my interests. Ultimately I began writing my own fan fiction where I was a superhero who would fight crime. I wrote on my blog so much that people said I was obsessed with it. To be fair, that was kind of true, but so what? I enjoyed my blog.

I often reflect on my final year at MMC. I had a really special connection with two teachers, Jennie Schoenfeld and Naomi Heath, and it was a really good year. I still think of them every now and then.

Looking back, what skills do you think a Montessori education gave you? 

As time passed and I went to high school and now university, I think Montessori has helped me appreciate learning and school. Sure, it’s not easy at times and I wasn’t exactly a hard worker, but when I did work hard, it was rewarding.

What are your memories of your time at MMC?

I remember Art with Jenny – that’s something I really enjoyed doing. One of my artworks even made the school website.

It took me a while to actually take an interest in performing at events like the school concerts, but I still enjoyed Drama classes regardless. When I did take an interest in the concerts towards the end of my time at MMC, they created some of my fondest memories. I relished the opportunity to perform at school assembly or to host school meetings.

Music was a big interest for me. I just wish I wasn’t so hesitant about singing back then when I had an angelic voice! Oh well, at least high school fixed that.

Excursions were also a highlight for me, whether that was to the farm, the National Gallery of Victoria or anywhere else.

And of course, friendships. I was fortunate to go to school with family friends and I formed a few other great friendships as well.

What are you currently focused on?

I’m studying a Bachelor of Law and Global Studies at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). It’s a pretty interesting degree. Do I want to do law as a career? For the most part, yes, though I’m also open to working in TV or radio. During high school, I guess I never thought much about what I wanted to do until later. But my passion for theatre got stronger during that time and I finally started developing an interest in singing, thanks to my Mum’s encouragement.