Supporting Mid-Year Joiners in a Primary School

YMCA Christian Academy is a community-minded primary school located in the heart of Hong Kong Island that focuses on differentiated learning with small class sizes. The school utilises the International Primary Curriculum to promote inquiry-based learning where students construct their learning through observation, investigation and innovative discovery. Students have daily English, Maths and Mandarin classes for fluency in literacy and numeracy.

In recent years, YCA has seen an increase in midyear school student transfers from local schools. The Learning Diversity Team is able to support their holistic learning needs such as self-confidence, self-directed learning skills, growth-mindset and a sense of belonging. Hence, their Vice-Principal (Pastoral Care), Mr. Vallecer has developed a series of coaching for these students which focuses on child-centered empowerment with the goal of developing love for going to school and joy of learning.

Growth Mindset is believing that you can succeed if you work hard and try. The school promotes this by training students to understand the importance of the concepts of voice, choice and responsibility as well as learning how to bounce back from challenges with an optimistic view. Part of the learning involves learning about emotions and how to control through strategy and effort. This is important to today’s children because it prepares them for the ever-changing world.

Self-Directed Learning was identified by Partnership for 21st Century Skills as one of the life and career skills necessary to prepare students for education and the workforce. The school teaches children the skills for successful independent study as well as how to engage in the learning process and evaluate their learning. Part of the learning involves critical thinking, time management, communication and self-management skills.

YCA will be hosting a Zoom Information Session for Mid-Year Joiners on 29 February at 12.30pm. They will be sharing how IPC curriculum will benefit students from traditional curriculums, skills coaching, learning support and inclusivity. Please register here: https://bit.ly/4aZKahM

Should you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Team at admission@yca.edu.hk.

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