Our Vision and Mission“Encouraging young minds to be big

thinkers.”At Abacus we provide a safe and nurturing setting where everyone is encouraged to be unique, respectful and reach their full potential.Our exciting play based curriculum provides children with the opportunity to take risks, inquire and be creative. We provide an individualised programme that develops attitudes and skills. We encourage children to be independent and work together to become lifelong learners.We teach children about their responsibilities to the community and the importance of caring for their environment, its inhabitants and resources.

StaffingPrincipal – Frances HurleyPYP Coordinator – Flora Winter6 Class Teachers – 1st Language English Speakers

or Chinese Speakers – All hold Teaching qualification

2 Part Time Chinese Teachers6 Educational Assistants – Many of which hold a

local teaching qualification2 Office Staff –3 Cleaning Staff and Mr Wu our Gardener

Life for your child at AbacusSession times are 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-

3.30pmIndoor class time, snack time and outdoor play. Teacher /EA directed learning, structured play

and child chosen play activities.

Life for your child at AbacusPlay based using inquiry and designed to develop

a range of concepts and skills. We have a no homework and no

Worksheet philosophy, however we do send home reading books and ideas for play activities you can do with your child each week.

Class names – chosen by the children.

IBO Primary Years ProgrammeContinuity to ESF Primary and other

International SchoolsSupport from CWBS and we have ESF

Kindergarten AdvisorTeachers and EAs have all received trainingAuthorised in May 2013

Personal and Social

Physical Development

LanguagesChinese

Science and Technology

Social StudiesMathematics

Arts

Bilingual ProgramBegan August 2013 1 x Chinese Teacher and 1 x English

Teacher + 1 Educational Assistant in K1 – Extra Cost $1000

Both teachers responsible for carpet sessions and focus activities – delivering them in their own language

Takes 5-7 years to become fluent – this is an introduction to lay the foundations

Parental Support and Homework

Outside at AbacusOutside time is planned to maximise learning time.Microgardens - Plants and animal life.Develop Physical and Problem Solving and

Communication Skills.

Nature and Natural Materials

K1 overviewWho We Are How We Express

OurselvesHow We Organise

OurselvesHow the World

Works

Playing and Learning

The Arts Food Transport

By asking questions and testing ideas people come to new understandings about the world.

Through the arts people can use a range of mediums to express their ideas.

Food comes from many places and goes through many changes.

Humans develop transport to meet their needs.

the ways in which we can come to new understandings by reflecting on our wonderings

the ways in which people take responsibility for choices in their learning

the cultures people belong to

●   The ways in which people express themselves●   How different mediums are used in the arts●   How people respond to the arts

Where food comes from

The ways in which humans can use science to manage food waste

How common substances interact when they are mixed

The Simple scientific principles of how vehicles work

Why humans use transport

The ways in which vehicles have changed to meet our needs

EventsTrips – Fair – Sports Day – Arts Day – Christmas

Carols – Chinese New Year Celebration

Differentiation and InclusionCatering for the needs of all children.

Programmes are differentiated for different skill levels.

We include children with special needs. Providing children with diverse needs with the support they need is part of our inclusion philosophy.

Voluntary – Paid for by parents

Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, Hearing and Vision

Health Screenings

Teachers Track Children’s Progress in order to:

Plan and teach activities for individual needs of children

Report to parents and arrange support where necessary

Review their teaching and whole class needs

Ongoing informal assessment – Portfolios and Gateway Assessments

Regular reporting to parents:

•Term 1 K1– Parents Evening and Report

•Mid K1 – Parents Evening

•End K1 – Report and Voluntary Parent Meeting

Assessment, Portfolios and Reporting

Partnership with ParentsWeekly information about the curriculum goes

home.NewslettersParent volunteers welcome either regularly or for

special occasions.Communication encouraged via email, or phone to discuss concerns.Diaries.Abacus Parents GroupClass Reps

Most of our children go on to Clearwater Bay School,

Renaissance College or other ESF Schools More also attending - HK Academy, Kellett in

recent years.

All children must go through an interview to gain entrance to

ESF Primary. The interview is based on English Language

ability. No priority for interview this year.

Year 1 Primary

Play VisitParent and Child spend time in a class playing.For you to see the activities we offer and meet

the teachers. To screen for SEN to ensure correct provision in

place and we can meet the needs of every child.To ensure appropriate language development in

first language as declared on application form.

No assessment of reading / writing / number skills

Play Date – Follow UpOne of Several OutcomesOffered a Place.Offered a place pending a speech and

language assessment.Asked to Return for a follow up meeting to

assess needs of your child in more detail.Remain on the waiting list until a place is

available.

QUESTIONSTime to ask questions.

Thank you for choosing ESF international kindergarten.