YMCA of Hong Kong Christian International Kindergarten

The YMCA of Hong Kong Christian International Kindergarten was established in 1992 to provide quality education in an English setting to an international body of students.

The Kindergarten was awarded the valued UNICEF ‘Child Friendly School’ award in December 2009 and recognised as the top school in Kowloon by a leading HK Community website. The students are encouraged to serve rather than take, show respect for all living things. and develop social responsibility. Proud of our cultural diversity we offer a progressive curriculum which allows us to create a stimulating environment. Children are encouraged to solve problems, make choices and be active learners; all the time upholding spiritual and moral values. They are motivated to show curiosity, ask questions, develop independence, work alongside others and to enjoy their learning. As an inclusive school, we aim to integrate children with any developmental delays or needs into school life.

We believe that every child is unique and special. Our teaching approach is based on our belief that "play" has a vital role in children's learning experience. Our "learn through play" program is designed with the following objectives:

• To enhance communication and verbal skills.
• To encourage creativity.
• To develop habits of observation, questioning, and listening.
• To offer opportunities to socialize.
• To develop motor skills.
• To increase eye-hand co-ordination.
• To teach problem-solving techniques.

The school provides K1, K2 and K3 classes for children aged 3 years to 6+ years, and hosts Pre-Kindergarten classes for the Pre-School Education Section of the YMCA of Hong Kong. Christian ethics and moral teaching is the thread throughout the school. All students are made aware of the plight of children throughout the world through the involvement with UNICEF and other children’s charities. Each Christmas the students perform a Nativity Play for parents and a musical play is performed at the end of the school year. Students moving up to Primary school have their own special evening in June.

Based in the prestigious YMCA building in Tsim Sha Tsui, Christian International Kindergarten has access to facilities including a gymnasium, dance studios, outside play area and climbing walls.

Students learning is conducted through structured play. Stories, songs and physical activities are featured together with introducing them to a caring world. Two family outings are arranged through the school year together with a visit to the Flower Market at Chinese New Year. Many students in this year are getting ready for primary school and the K2 class enables this whilst encompassing all other development areas. Jolly Phonics is introduced with the aim of motivating the students to become passionate readers. Field trips are arranged according to the current theme. Students’ ages range from 5 to 6+. Themes, including such topics as environmental issues and world events, are developed over a full term with the full involvement of the students who also take an active part in all areas of school life.