ESF International Kindergarten Abacus

1. ESF International Kindergarten Abacus

2. Our Vision and Mission “Encouraging young minds to be big thinkers.” At Abacus we provide a safe and nurturing setting where everyone is encouraged to be unique, respectful and reach their full potential. Our exciting play based curriculum provides children with the opportunity to take risks, inquire and be creative. We provide an individualized programme that develops attitudes and skills. We encourage children to be independent and work together to become lifelong learners. We teach children about their responsibilities to the community and the importance of caring for their environment, its inhabitants and resources.

3. Life for your child at Abacus • Our sessions are divided up between indoor class time, snack time and outdoor play. • They will have a balance of teacher /EA directed learning, structured play and child chosen play activities. Outside time is planned to maximise learning time. • Session times are 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm • 1 Teacher and 2 Educational Assistants in K1 All teachers speak English as their first language and are degree holders

4. Life for your child at Abacus • Follow the IB PYP curriculum in line with ESF Primary schools. • Play based using inquiry and designed to develop a range of concepts and skills. • No homework - send home library books and ideas for play activities you can do with your child each week. • Class names – chosen by the children.

5. Outside at Abacus • Outside time is planned to maximise learning time. • Microgardens - Plants and animal life. • Develop Physical and Problem Solving and Communication Skills.

6. Nature and Natural Materials

7. The Gateway and Moodle Gateway Calendar, your child’s report, check contact details, book parent conferences, staff emails, assessment and language policies. Login emailed tomorrow. Please complete forms before June 27th. Medical Form – PICS – Opt in – T3 Arrangements Moodle Your child’s portfolio, curriculum information, photos, class information. Login details will be sent home at the beginning of the year in your child’s communication book.

8. PYP Curriculum • Continuity to ESF Primary and other International Schools • Support from CWBS PYP coordinator and ESF teaching and learning advisor • Teachers and EAs have received training • We have verification visit in May 2013 and are authorised to deliver the PYP

9. Personal and Social • Making relationships • Self confidence • Behaviour and self management • Personal care • Attitudes • Developing independence Physical Development • Movement • Sense of space • Health and bodily awareness • Using equipment, tools and materials

10. Languages • Oral Language – Listening and Speaking • Linking sounds and letters • Reading • Writing • Visual Language – Viewing and Presenting

11. Chinese • Support in class and outdoors • Special celebrations • Festivals – Mid autumn • Chinese new year • Dragon boat festival • Customs and traditions • Chinese vocabulary • Chinese stories and songs

12. Science, Technology and Social Studies • Living Things • Earth and Space • Materials and Matter • Forces and Energy • Human Systems • Social Organisation • Human and Natural Environments • Resources and the Environment

13. Mathematics • Number • Measurement • Shape and space • Data Handling • Pattern and Function

14. Arts • Art and Crafts • Music • Dance • Imaginative Play • Imaginative Storytelling

15. Curriculum Info and K1 overview K1 Units can be found on our Moodle Curriculum Page http://abacus.lg.esf.edu.hk/course/view.php?id=1490 Also weekly curriculum information http://abacus.lg.esf.edu.hk/course/view.php?id=873 Including Chinese resources for the Bilingual classes

16. 5 Essential Elements of the PYP Concepts, Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, Action—are incorporated into this framework. Concepts – Big Ideas – ‘Animals grow and change’ – concept is Change Knowledge – ‘Caterpillars turn into butterflies’ Skills – Self Management, communication, social, thinking, research Attitudes – Learner Profile and Attitudes – Caring Action – Follow on From their learning

17. Learner Profile Attitudes • Inquirers • Thinkers • Communicators • Risk-takers • Knowledgeable • Principled • Caring • Open-minded • Balanced • Reflective • Appreciation • Confidence • Cooperation • Creativity • Curiosity • Empathy • Enthusiasm • Independence • Integrity • Respect • Tolerance

18. Action • Follow up from learning at school • Can be child initiated or parent / teacher initiated • As simple as reading a book about something they have learned in class, or talking about something they have learned in class. Could also be follow up work such as growing a plant or looking after their own pet at home. Choosing healthy food over sweets after learning about it in school. • Sometimes may be charity work / giving pocket money to a cause but doesn’t have to be.

19. Bilingual Class • 2 Teachers and 1 EA – Both qualified and first language English or Chinese • In class for entire time • Focus activities and circle times in both languages • Curriculum taught in both languages • Expectations – 5-7 years to become fluent in a language – Children will have a good grounding and understanding but not fluent • Support for parents online and through workshops

20. Events Trips – Fair – Sports Day – Arts Day – Christmas Carols – Chinese New Year Celebration

21. Differentiation and Inclusion • Catering for the needs of all children. • Programmes are differentiated for different skill levels. • We include children with special needs. Providing children with diverse needs with the support they need is part of our inclusion philosophy. Health Screenings - Voluntary

22. Assessment, Portfolios and Reporting • Teachers track children’s progress through their time at kindergarten. Assessment is related to the goals in the curriculum and recorded. It is all informal through observation and discussion. Really important as it helps teachers understand what they need to work on with each child next. • Ongoing regular assessment - Use of portfolios • Regular reporting to parents: • Term 1 K1– Parents Evening and Report • Mid K1 – Parents Evening • End K1 – Report and Voluntary Parent Meeting

23. Partnership with Parents • Really important. • Weekly information about the curriculum goes home. • Parent volunteers welcome either regularly or for special occasions. • Communication encouraged via email, or phone to discuss concerns. • Diaries. • Abacus Parents Group • Class Reps

24. Year 1 Primary Most of our children go on to Clearwater Bay School, Renaissance College or other ESF Schools More also attending - HK Academy, Kellett in recent years. All children must go through an interview to gain entrance to ESF Primary. The interview is based on English Language ability. No priority for interview this year. We assess your child’s language capabilities using Wellcomm and will notify you if we are concerned about your child’s language development.

25. Before Starting School • Forms completed on Gateway. • Fill in All About Me Booklet with your child and bring it on the first day of term. • Buy Uniform – Details in the parent handbook – Second Hand available from the office. • Label Everything. • Children must be toilet trained.

26. Starting School • Staggered Start Date. • Adult must stay until teacher and you decide your child is settled enough to leave. • Teacher may ask you to wait outside for a while. • Don’t Hide or Leave without saying goodbye.

27. Bits and Pieces • Healthy Snacks – Snack Boxes / Water Bottles. • Toileting. • Spare Clothes. • Mosquitoes. • Sun Hats. • Medication.

28. Bits and Pieces • Birthday – Cupcakes • Buses / Pick Up / Security Cards • Typhoon Arrangements • Library Books

29. QUESTIONS • Time to ask questions. • Thank you for choosing ESF international kindergarten. • We all look forward to working in partnership with you to provide the best educational experiences for your child.