Playtimes HK Magazine February 2018 Issue | Page 24

news enthusiasm and expertise, the school supports them. As the children prepare for primary school, GIS holds parent workshops, answering their questions and providing information on the skills that the children will need for the coming years. From bringing in a psychologist to talk about social skills, to informing on the local primary one admission process, the school helps families face the challenges ahead. For some families, one of these challenges may be language. To meet the language needs of all students, GIS offers instruction in English with both Cantonese and Mandarin studied as subjects each day. Traditional Chinese characters are taught, in line with local and many international schools. Esther says, “Children will learn vocabulary and concepts related to their unit of inquiry, which includes Chinese culture as well.” Language is offered as one of the school’s extension programmes – or after school classes. The school hopes to grow this programme and offer more opportunities for learning, but for now they offer classes in drama, art, music, science and language. The extension programme is another way GIS helps students prepare for primary school. Anika says, “through the extension programme students get used to different teachers, a longer day, and sharing creative activities with their peers.” Sharing is a common theme running throughout the school. At the end of a unit of inquiry the students’ work is displayed in the foyer, and other classes take a ‘gallery walk’ to celebrate the success and learning of their friends. Alumni of the school are also invited back to share their experiences of primary school a few months in, and they still come back and participate in the Christmas Fair and Easter Parade. While the school places a strong emphasis on global thinking, it’s obvious many of the students leave knowing that small, local communities have much to offer as well. www.gis.edu.hk Choosing the right preschool for your child is essential for giving your child the right foundation to be successful, comfortable, and familiar in a school setting. GIS has been a very successful and reputable preschool that follows IB PYP (Primary Years Program) for over 4 years. We prepare children ages 2 to 6 years old for Primary schooling; spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. Applications for PN-K3 now open Peace Garden, 2 Peace Avenue, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon Tel [phone] | [email protected] | www.gis.edu.hk Galilee International School 22 www.playtimes.com.hk gishongkong