HKA Early Childhood Overview 2021

HONG KONG ACADEMY
EARLY CHILDHOOD OVERVIEW
PLAYGROUP TO KINDERGARTEN
Inclusive Education
Three Programme
IB World School
Exceptional Location
Global Alumni Network
Low Student : Teacher Ratio
Commitment to
Internationalism
State of the Art Facility
Strong Home-School
Partnership
The early years are a time of discovery, curiosity and
growth for HKA students. Our play-based curriculum
encourages our youngest learners to explore their
environment, develop collaboration skills and express
themselves. From Playgroup to Kindergarten, every child
is encouraged to build independence and confidence as
they experience the joy of learning.
Founded in 2000, Hong Kong Academy is an international, non-profit school located in Sai Kung, New Territories. Our
award-winning, sustainable campus and unique educational programmes provide a happy and healthy learning
environment for students in Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 12. HKA’s exceptional faculty and support staff, low
student:teacher ratio and strong home-school partnerships are central to nurturing our diverse and inclusive community.
HKA’s holistic approach to education means that we focus on how students learn as well as what they learn. A fully
authorised, three programme International Baccalaureate World School, we use the Primary Years, Middle Years and
Diploma Programmes along with HKA-developed frameworks to engage students in authentic learning experiences at
every grade level. All HKA students graduate with an HKA Diploma and the Global Citizen Diploma Certificate.
Beyond the classroom, we offer a wide range of activities that inspire students to find their passions and grow as
individuals. Whether on the stage or the sportsground, in the laboratory or the library, behind the camera or the
computer, HKA students are encouraged to pursue their interests and contribute to their communities.

EARLY YEARS PHILOSOPHY
We believe that every child is capable,
competent and creative, and we nurture these
traits in our youngest learners. Play sits at
the heart of our early years philosophy.
Teachers listen deeply to students as they
learn the importance of communicating
through words and actions. Through our
highly interactive programme, students
experience learning as a shared endeavour
and thrive in an environment that celebrates
their individuality.
MANDARIN SUPPORT & STRUCTURE
At HKA, English is the language of instruction and Mandarin is
introduced to our youngest learners as an additional language.
Starting in Playgroup and continuing into Pre-Kindergarten,
Mandarin is infused throughout the day as a mirror language by
fully qualified Mandarin speaking co-teachers. Once children
enter Kindergarten, they continue to learn Mandarin as one of
their specialist subjects. Mandarin teachers collaborate with
homeroom teachers to connect language instruction to units of
inquiry, engaging students in a comprehensive programme that
builds listening, writing and reading skills. Students have further
opportunities to apply their Mandarin skills in fun and
meaningful ways during the parent-run Panda Club. They also
gain deeper insight into Chinese traditions through cultural
events such as Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
LEARNING PATHWAYS AT HKA
CURRICULAR PROGRAMME
Designed to align with the features of the International
Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, our early
childhood curriculum introduces students to the rituals
and routines of learning at HKA. In language-rich
classrooms, the use of songs, read alouds and picture
books support students to broaden their vocabulary
and experiment with letters, words and sounds. Our
resource-based mathematics instruction provides
students with hands-on materials that help them begin
to build their understanding of numbers and shapes.
Units of inquiry provide opportunities for students to
integrate their literacy and numeracy skills and apply them
in developmentally-appropriate ways. Our programme
connects learning to the real world, and students are
encouraged to ask questions to help them make meaning
of their personal and local communities.
SPECIALIST INSTRUCTION
In addition to their hands-on experiences in
homeroom, our early years programme is enriched
through visual arts, music, physical education and
literacy information technology (library) instruction.
Through these specialist subjects, every child is
encouraged to express themselves and connect
and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.
Starting in Playgroup, families are invited to borrow
from the wealth of resources in our library and
continue to build a passion for reading at home.
LEARNER ENHANCEMENTS
We believe that every child has gifts to be nurtured and
celebrated. We challenge, motivate and support each student
to achieve their greatest potential, and our inclusive learning
environment mirrors the real world in its diversity and
complexity. This commitment to inclusivity begins with our
youngest learners and extends through to graduation. For
students at every age, counselling and wellbeing are
fundamental aspects of our programme. Additional
interventions, extensions and language instruction are also
available through personalised learner enhancements.
Learner Support
English Language
Learners
Counselling &
Wellbeing
Child Safeguarding

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Indoor and outdoor early years learning spaces provide
areas for students to explore, play and problem-solve. Flexible
classrooms include common spaces for shared learning
as well as a number of small group areas that offer
opportunities for students to create and imagine. Outdoor
playscapes engage students physically and socially, offering
a safe and stimulating environment for students to challenge
themselves through movement, play and collaboration.
An organic garden invites students to observe and care
for plants and insect life, developing relationships with the
natural world.
CO-CURRICULAR OFFERINGS
Starting in Pre-Kindergarten, we offer a wide
range of developmentally-appropriate after
school activities to complement the curricular
programme. Students are encouraged to
participate in performing arts, sports, STEAM,
language and community activities, providing
them with opportunities to discover their
passions and apply their skills in new and
exciting ways.
Being part of the HKA family has enabled us to become
involved in our children’s education - from watching our
daughter’s imagination take off during Playgroup to taking
part in many of our son’s classroom activities. We are
delighted to be part of a school that has inspired our children
and given them such a passion for learning. It is hard to
describe the pride we feel at our son coming home from
school to read a book to us, or our daughter playing happily
while singing a Mandarin song to herself.
Juliette & Will Burgess
HKA parents
ACCREDITATIONS & AUTHORISATIONS
33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung,
New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
+852 2655 1111
MEMBERSHIPS
The wood-based raw material used to produce the paper for this publication originates from sustainably managed forests, and soy inks were used for printing.