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NATURE IS KEY AT FAIRCHILD CANADIAN ACADEMY
Nature is key at Fairchild
Canadian Academy . The concept behind Fairchild Canadian Academy , encompassing a Junior Academy ( age 8 months-4 years ) in Tin Hau and a Kindergarten ( age 2-6 years ) in Sai Ying Pun , is one of natural wonder . The aim is to bring the outdoors inside and play to learn .
Establishing Fairchild Canadian Academy Established in 2016 by Joseph Fung , Fairchild Canadian Academy ( FCA ) aims to “ cultivate curiosity , creativity and confidence ” in every child through a unique inquiry-based approach called Reggio-Emilia methodology . The programme is guided by the Ontario Early Learning Framework . Essentially , the learning environment is fundamental ; children , as individual and naturally curious knowledgemakers , learn through play .
I sat down with Joseph Fung to understand more about his motivation to create the Academy and how he , as a father , views the nurturing process . Joseph found his inspiration in the great outdoors of Canada , where he grew up from the age of three . His environment – one of wide-open spaces , wild nature , and an amazing school in Vancouver – inspired him to create a setting that is enriching and natural with hands-on experiences for children in Hong Kong .
Joseph views education as being crucial to community . Though he has a background in finance , Joseph admits this was a practical way for him to eventually fulfill his dreams of being involved and giving the best start for the next generation .
The Way Forward Hong Kong has local and international schools based upon the legacy from the UK , but the education system here hasn ’ t evolved as rapidly as it has in the UK and elsewhere . Joseph saw this as an opportunity . There is certainly a niche for play-based and progressive learning in Hong Kong
Fairchild Junior Academy and Fairchild Kindergarten employ a “ play to learn ” philosophy and are set in a specifically naturebased environment . Playing and interacting with the environment are considered to be elemental to learning and development .
FCA fosters the 3 pillars of education — the school and its teachers , parents as supportive guides along the education journey , and the school environment / physical space . Teachers are there to empower the children . The school environment makes use of natural lighting , places few restrictions in a safe space and includes some green space . Fairchild actively encourages parents to be engaged by accompanying children on community school trips , sharing their country ’ s cultures and supporting each family as a community member .
Coping With Online Learning During the course of the pandemic , FCA was able to quickly transition to online learning in creative ways . They recognised the value of making things more personal and brought their class designs online . The mindset was already established so it wasn ’ t difficult for them to transition via Zoom and other tools .
Nurturing Father With his own two daughters , Eleanore ( aged 3 years ) and Charlotte ( aged 4 months ), Joseph aims to give them as much outdoor experience and self-led discovery as he can . Joseph aspires to look at his girls as individuals and let them lead the course of their learning process .
" Children are capable of understanding and some level of reasoning may help avoid battles . Just a few minutes of discussion could save you a few headaches along the way . While we ’ re all at home more than usual , take the opportunity to play , make up games and enjoy things like cooking together and explaining things as you go . You can make anything fun !"
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