There’ll be a new educational offering for families when Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong opens its doors in August, specialising in primary education (nursery, reception and years 1 to 6). We asked the school’s British principal Ben Keeling to tell us more.
What’s special about the offerings at Shrewsbury?
Our teachers focus on providing a daily routine that incorporates a variety of activities that engage children’s interests, allowing them to guide their own learning, be imaginative and curious and have fun while they learn. In our primary age specialist school, Early Years children will have full access to all of the school’s sports, arts and drama facilities, as well as large indoor shared areas and designated outdoor play spaces that are safe, fun and stimulating and take advantage of our beautiful mountain surroundings.
Tell us a bit about the structure of the Early Years program.
Classes in Early Years 1 (EY1) and Early Years 2 (EY2) (from ages three to five) provide a gentle, nurturing environment for children. Learning is structured around a creative, play-based curriculum that focuses on the development of core skills – physical, intellectual and emotional – and which instils confidence, independence and a love of learning. We have four purpose-built classrooms in both EY1 and EY2, with up to 20 students in each. They’re fully equipped with furniture and resources that have been specifically designed for these age groups.
What will some of the curriculum highlights be?
We’ve planned six different and exciting topics across the year for our EY1s and EY2s, one of which will involve a hike in the countryside just next to our school. Our Early Years curriculum will focus a lot on fostering a high level of creativity. The youngest students at Shrewsbury learn through exploration and they learn through play.
What do you think is important about Early Years education?
The Early Years and Foundation Stage framework develops strong, selfassured, healthy, happy learners and skilful, confident communicators. Based on our heritage and teaching style, we’re able to strike a balance between tradition and innovation in the education we provide for our students. Our curriculum at Shrewsbury Hong Kong provides the opportunity for thematic study. With technology embedded, science, design, mathematics and the arts are intertwined with the study of language, physical education and citizenship. This immersion will breed confidence and fluency among our children.
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is at Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O. For more info, contact the admissions team at 2480 1500 or visit shrewsbury.hk
Read more in our Schools section!
5 facts about one of Hong Kong’s newest schools
Bumper guide to international schools in Hong Kong
This article first appeared in the June/July 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
