Big The Transition
Hopping on ESFs through-train at preschool offers more than just peace of mind for parents, it also makes for an easier transition to big school for kids. We caught up with ALLISON BANBURY, Principal of ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten, who shared some insights into how the Kindy transition programme works.
The through-train concept
According to Allison, the through-train concept in the context of ESF enables a child to join at age three and make a smooth transition between different phases of education – right through until they leave at the age of 18. “This way, it offers a seamless transition from Kindergarten to Year 1, and then from Primary to Secondary School,” she says. “In Hong Kong, this is relevant for many parents because the demand for school places has traditionally been high.” A throughtrain school removes the stress of interviews and financial pressures of a new set of debentures at a new school.”
Making the transition
So, how exactly are the little learners at ESF Tung Chung transitioned from the fun of Kindergarten into the big wide world of Primary School? Allison says they are individually guided through a doublestrand programme.
Learning strand
This strand ensures there is learning alignment from Kindergarten to Primary School. ESF Primary Schools operate as IB World Schools, and so too does the Tung Chung Kindergarten. This continuity of curriculum (Primary Years Program) means it’s not a stop-start between K2 and Year 1, no matter which ESF Primary School a student attends.
Social and Emotional strand
This strand focuses on emotional support as students make their transition. In 2020, ESF schools have been making this strand a more virtual experience. In past years, students would go and visit their new ESF Primary School premises, engage in classroom activity, meet teachers or have a school tour. This allows students to prepare for moving forward. Current transitioning students have been introduced to new faces and buildings via videos from school leaders.
tck.edu.hk
Find out how this kindergarten’s kids are preparing for the next step in their education.
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JUN-AUG 2020