Highgate, what next?

[laminkins]

I have a nearly 2 year old toddler that has been attending playgroup at highgate for just under a year now. We love the school, it's surroundings and the people there. He has also attended tutor time and esf (hillside) but you just cannot beat highgate for the fun factor. After all, babies should just have fun.

Problem is, I am now considering kindergarten for him. Of course, I would like to let him continue at highgate, however, looking at the classes for older kids, it really seems it's all play. I do understand that Waldorf is about learning through play... But being in hk and with school places so scarce, would a kindy education like this make him totally unprepared for primary school? Would he even get into any school at this rate?

 

[JadaYuen]

Hi,
If Highgate is all play, you should think about sending him to another kindergarten. You're right, school places are scarce and it is getting more and more competitive to get into good primary schools. In kindergarten, he should be learning alphabets, shapes, basic math and even some Chinese. Obviously, having fun is important in childhood but that's not just it. Some reputable kindergartens you might want to check out: Sheng Kung Hui Kindergarten, Victoria Kindergarten. Hope that helps

Jada

 

[rani]

Hi, we went to ESF kindy and yes it was all play. Was told by an ESF P1 teacher that they are aware that most kids are coming from playschools and hence they don't expect the kids to know very much. Phonics is introduced right away and by term 2 (or even sooner) the kids from playschools catch up with the others. If you are ready to switch schools I would look into Small World. It's a lovely school and so many parents speak highly of it. Small World students can follow through to Island Christian Academy which a new primary school in Mid-Levels.


Admission procedure | Island Christian Academy

 

[Portia]

Laminkins - Have sent you a PM.

 

[rani]

Portia, can you tell us more about Island Christian?

 

[Portia]

Portia, can you tell us more about Island Christian?

It's a lovely school with caring teachers, small classes, very happy children and lots of personal attention. The school opened in August 2012 with 5 classes from Year 1-3. There are only around 18 students per class this year. The school is not as glitzy as some of the other international schools, but is very well equipped indeed, including a specialist music room, ICT room, Mandarin room, science room and individual needs room. There are specialist teachers for music, PE and Mandarin (45 minutes daily I think). We are really happy with the school!

 

[rani]

Thanks Portia! Sounds lovely! If I had a younger one would hv definitely applied.