Our Vision and Mission“Encouraging young minds to be big

thinkers.”At Abacus we provide a safe and nurturing setting where everyone is encouraged to be unique, respectful and reach their full potential.Our exciting play based curriculum provides children with the opportunity to take risks, inquire and be creative. We provide an individualized programme that develops attitudes and skills. We encourage children to be independent and work together to become lifelong learners.We teach children about their responsibilities to the community and the importance of caring for their environment, its inhabitants and resources.

Life for your child at AbacusOur sessions are divided up between indoor class

time, snack time and outdoor play. They will have a balance of teacher /EA directed

learning, structured play and child chosen play activities. Outside time is planned to maximise learning time.

Session times are 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm

1 Teacher and 2 Educational Assistants in K1All teachers speak English as their first language and are degree holders

Life for your child at AbacusFollow the IB PYP curriculum in line with ESF

Primary schools. Play based using inquiry and designed to develop

a range of concepts and skills. No homework - send home library books and

ideas for play activities you can do with your child each week.

Class names – chosen by the children.

Outside at AbacusOutside time is planned to maximise learning time.Microgardens - Plants and animal life.Develop Physical and Problem Solving and

Communication Skills.

Nature and Natural Materials

Gateway

Calendar, your child’s report, check contact details, book parent conferences, staff emails, assessment and language policies.

Login emailed tomorrow. Please complete forms before June 27th. Medical Form – PICS – Opt in – T3 Arrangements

Moodle

Your child’s portfolio, curriculum information, photos, class information.

Login details will be sent home at the beginning of the year in your child’s communication book.

The Gateway and Moodle

PYP CurriculumContinuity to ESF Primary and other

International SchoolsSupport from CWBS PYP coordinator and

ESF teaching and learning advisorTeachers and EAs have received trainingWe have verification visit in May 2013 and

are authorised to deliver the PYP

Personal and Social Making relationships Self confidence Behaviour and self management Personal care Attitudes Developing independence

Physical DevelopmentMovementSense of spaceHealth and bodily awarenessUsing equipment, tools and materials

Languages• Oral Language –

Listening and Speaking

• Linking sounds and letters

• Reading• Writing• Visual Language –

Viewing and Presenting

ChineseSupport in class and outdoorsSpecial celebrationsFestivals – Mid autumnChinese new yearDragon boat festivalCustoms and traditionsChinese vocabularyChinese stories and songs

Science, Technology and Social Studies- Living Things- Earth and Space- Materials and Matter- Forces and Energy

- Human Systems- Social Organisation- Human and Natural

Environments- Resources and the

Environment

Mathematics• Number• Measurement• Shape and space• Data Handling• Pattern and Function

ArtsArt and CraftsMusicDanceImaginative PlayImaginative

Storytelling

Curriculum Info and K1 overview

K1 Units can be found on our Moodle Curriculum Page

http://abacus.lg.esf.edu.hk/course/view.php?id=1490

Also weekly curriculum informationhttp://abacus.lg.esf.edu.hk/course/view.php?id=873Including Chinese resources for the Bilingual classes

5 Essential Elements of the PYPConcepts, Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes,

Action—are incorporated into this framework.Concepts – Big Ideas – ‘Animals grow and change’

– concept is ChangeKnowledge – ‘Caterpillars turn into butterflies’Skills – Self Management, communication, social,

thinking, researchAttitudes – Learner Profile and Attitudes – CaringAction – Follow on From their learning

Learner Profile AttitudesInquirersThinkersCommunicatorsRisk-takersKnowledgeablePrincipledCaringOpen-mindedBalancedReflective

AppreciationConfidenceCooperationCreativityCuriosityEmpathyEnthusiasmIndependenceIntegrityRespectTolerance

ActionFollow up from learning at schoolCan be child initiated or parent / teacher initiatedAs simple as reading a book about something they

have learned in class, or talking about something they have learned in class. Could also be follow up work such as growing a plant or looking after their own pet at home. Choosing healthy food over sweets after learning about it in school.

Sometimes may be charity work / giving pocket money to a cause but doesn’t have to be.

Bilingual Class2 Teachers and 1 EA – Both qualified and first

language English or ChineseIn class for entire timeFocus activities and circle times in both

languagesCurriculum taught in both languagesExpectations – 5-7 years to become fluent in a

language – Children will have a good grounding and understanding but not fluent

Support for parents online and through workshops

EventsTrips – Fair – Sports Day – Arts Day – Christmas

Carols – Chinese New Year Celebration

Differentiation and InclusionCatering for the needs of all children.

Programmes are differentiated for different skill levels.

We include children with special needs. Providing children with diverse needs with the support they need is part of our inclusion philosophy.

Health Screenings - Voluntary

Teachers track children’s progress through their time at kindergarten. Assessment is related to the goals in the curriculum and recorded. It is all informal through observation and discussion. Really important as it helps teachers understand what they need to work on with each child next.

Ongoing regular assessment - Use of portfolios

Regular reporting to parents:

•Term 1 K1– Parents Evening and Report

•Mid K1 – Parents Evening

•End K1 – Report and Voluntary Parent Meeting

Assessment, Portfolios and Reporting

Partnership with ParentsReally important.Weekly information about the curriculum goes

home.Parent volunteers welcome either regularly or for

special occasions.Communication encouraged via email, or phone to discuss concerns.Diaries.Abacus Parents GroupClass Reps

Most of our children go on to Clearwater Bay School, Renaissance College or other ESF Schools More also attending - HK Academy, Kellett in recent years.

All children must go through an interview to gain entrance toESF Primary. The interview is based on English Language ability. No priority for interview this year.We assess your child’s language capabilities using Wellcomm and will notify you if we are concerned about your child’s language development.

Year 1 Primary

Before Starting SchoolForms completed on Gateway.Fill in All About Me Booklet with your

child and bring it on the first day of term.Buy Uniform – Details in the parent

handbook – Second Hand available from the office.

Label Everything.Children must be toilet trained.

Starting SchoolStaggered Start Date.

Adult must stay until teacher and you decide your child is settled enough to leave.

Teacher may ask you to wait outside for a while.

Don’t Hide or Leave without saying goodbye.

Bits and PiecesHealthy Snacks – Snack Boxes / Water Bottles.

Toileting. Spare Clothes.Mosquitoes.Sun Hats.Medication.

Bits and PiecesBirthday – CupcakesBuses / Pick Up / Security CardsTyphoon ArrangementsLibrary Books

QUESTIONSTime to ask questions.

Thank you for choosing ESF international kindergarten.

We all look forward to working in partnership with you to provide the best educational experiences for your child.