The new model of ‘Learning Communities’ is an integral part of Yew Chung International School’s (YCIS) educational philosophy. It is a shift away from traditional pedagogies that promote hierarchical relationships between teachers and students. For Murray Forrest, Western Co-Principal of YCIS Primary, visualising the school as a community can empower and inspire students to move the curriculum in exciting and unexpected directions. “It’s a fairly revolutionary step. You are essentially putting the curriculum in the hands of the students,” he says.
Citing a current Year Five project on refugees and displacement, Forrest explains, “Many years ago, the same project was on the theme of exploration, mostly about the journeys made by Renaissance explorers from the West. Over time, students became more interested in the movement of peoples and teachers responded to their changing interests by moving the curriculum towards more current issues.” Since then, the project is now informed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and prepares students to be more globally competent and compassionate actors in their community. The Year Fives have had the opportunity to learn about the situation of refugees locally and globally, contact charities and fundraise for them together in groups.
As the school curriculum encourages Project-Based Learning, students are guided by teachers to marshal knowledge from different fields to explore an overarching question for several weeks. STEM is not taught in discrete lessons but is incorporated into each and every lesson. “For their fundraising projects, the Year Fives had to conduct research on migration, design their own websites and create eye-grabbing posters to attract funding. Similarly, the Year Fours, who have been involved in a project themed around chocolates, had to design and engineer their own chocolate mould. The project ended with a physical product.”
Under the new model of Learning Communities, the flexibility to move around the school is crucial. The Primary campus’ newly renovated Flexible Learning Spaces are open-plan and equipped with an eclectic range of movable furniture to encourage students to move around and learn from their peers, teachers and even those who are in other classes. “In the model of Learning Communities, you have the opportunity to collaborate with who you know is going to help you best,” Forrest explains, “Our model of Learning Communities emphasises enjoyment and curiosity. Children are willing to learn when the curriculum is student-driven. The teachers are there to support students on their individual learning paths according to their own pace.”
Forrest believes that it is ultimately the pedagogy and philosophy that is liberating for students.
Yew Chung International School
Tel: 2338 7106
Email: admissions@ycef.com
Website: www.ycis-hk.com
