| Core Subjects | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Math | English | Exploratory Units |
| Specialist Subjects | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Visual Arts | Physical Education | ICT |
| Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Individualised learning | Young Pioneers Young Paoneers | Academic Support | Service Learning |
The dual-language learning environment at YK Pao School is unique. We are one of only a very small number of schools in the world where a substantial number of Chinese and English native-speaking students are immersed equally in both languages. This means that we not only teach in two languages, but we also offer a rich classroom environment in terms of culture, as students share the benefits of their differing cultural backgrounds with the class. In addition, students are immersed in the two languages in specialist subjects such as Art, Music, PE and ICT. This ensures both languages are used in an authentic as well as academic way. In addition, some subjects are taught bilingually to ensure students have understandings of skills and concepts in both languages. Research indicates that a proficiency in both languages takes at least five years to develop so, over time, students at YK Pao School are immersed equally in both languages although there may be variations from year to year.
Comprehensive and practical, the Chinese course focuses on cultivating students' ability to use the spoken and written Chinese language. It serves as a foundation course for future study of the Chinese language while also helping students develop virtuous character traits and a correct outlook on life. In the Primary School curriculum, students will initially learn to use Chinese for basic communication. They will also learn about ancient and modern Chinese culture and the cultures of other countries. The Chinese classroom focuses on the interplay between listening, speaking, reading and writing. The Chinese course uses the Chinese National Curriculum textbook. In the teaching process, we adopt a combination of formative assessment and summative evaluation. Every year group, there are five hours of classroom study time per week.
In English, teachers provide a positive learning environment that fosters creativity and independent growth within the English language. English is taught to students 5 hours a week with learning goals divided between speaking, listening, reading and writing with further support for phonics, spelling and grammar. Teachers guide students towards the sourced learning standards by using reflective practices, giving regular focused learning feedback and differentiated instruction in order to meet their individual needs.
The mathematics course is designed to help students enjoy learning about mathematics, appreciate its beauty and understand its importance. Mathematics is a core subject of the national curriculum standards and are categorised into five strands: using and applying mathematics; number; algebra; shape and space; handling data. The mathematics syllabus is organised on a subject basis outside the main topic framework of the curriculum (although topic work will often also include mathematical activities). Mathematics is taught for 3.5 hours per week.
EU is a highly motivating, child-centered programme taught as a multidisciplinary subject. The key learning areas include: Humanities and Science. Humanities helps students develop knowledge, skills, and understandings that will enhance their sense of personal and social identity and enable them to participate actively in maintaining or improving the quality of our society and our environment. Science courses help students understand natural phenomena and in acquiring the skills, thinking processes, knowledge and skills relevant to science and scientific investigation. The philosophy of the subject of EU is designed around two essential constructs: The Learning Goals for the subject of EU seek to encourage the holistic development of internationally-minded learners, with three categories of Learning Goals consisting of: ‘Character traits’; ‘International’; and ‘Subject’.
The Music curriculum is designed for everyone, whether or not they have a lot of musical experience or background. In Music we explore cultures and ideas through the disciplines of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising. Students will develop their singing and will use a number of instruments to explore music from different cultures and times. Each class has one hour-long lesson per week. Students will learn vocal, ensemble, creative and listening skills throughout the course. Not only do we wish to equip our students with musical and life skills, but we also want to instill a life-long love of music and learning.
In the art programme we strive to give students a well-rounded and dynamic education in the Visual Arts. We acknowledge the importance of creativity and the fostering self-expression in each of our students as they develop into the whole child. Our vision is to create children that understand and enjoy art and will continue to explore its many possibilities confidently in future years after their primary education. Art classes are held across each grade level for one hour per week. Students keep a record of their ideas and learning in a sketchbook format. Each unit will culminate with a final project, where the main focus is the process rather than the outcome. Students are assessed based on the entire process of creating, solving and their attitude towards learning.
The aim of our PE syllabus is to develop in each student, the knowledge, skills, understanding and values needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. In doing so, this syllabus will form the basis for students to adopt a responsible and productive role in society. Students in Year 1-5 have a 60-minute class of PE and a 60-minute class of swimming per week. Students will also be given opportunities to participate in the school's sports teams via CCAs and morning and lunchtime training sessions. All physical education lessons and sports team training sessions are considered an essential and compulsory part of the school’s curriculum. Above all, we value effort, positive attitude and commitment as key qualities we expect from each student.
The ICT curriculum is designed around the school’s learning goals within Information and Communication Technology. The curriculum is designed to incorporate the 4Cs of 21st century learning, with each unit structured to provide opportunity for: Communication, Collaboration, Analytical Thinking and Creativity. The 5 strands of ICT are adapted and implemented alongside YK Pao School's units of study, promoting opportunities for cross-subject links, greater depth of understanding, project based learning and analytical thinking: Applications for Learning - Computer Programming – Robotics – Augmented/Virtual Reality – Design.
