By incorporating enjoyable learning activities into Summer Academy programmes, Anfield International Kindergarten ensures participants stay sharp and enjoy their holidays, says school principal Denise Jarrett. “Young children are sponges when it comes to learning, provided the learning is geared to their interests, and is appropriate to their stage of development,’’ she says. With a standard two-month summer break for international schools in Hong Kong, it makes sense for youngsters to spend a few hours a day in a stimulating environment, with experienced teachers and engaged fellow students. Jarrett emphasises that the Summer Academy programmes are not just replicas of regular lessons, as the summer holidays should be a time for kids to have a break from their normal routine. “Therefore, classes and activities are carefully planned and structured to offer something different from the usual term-time fare,” she says. “The children feel that [taking part in the programme] is just a lovely thing to do,” Jarrett says, adding that the view of leading experts in child development is that such programmes help to prevent the “summer slide” or “summer set back”. Skills acquired during the previous academic year are maintained, and useful information and new abilities are picked up along the way. Geared to children aged between one and six, the Anfield programmes have a playgroup, plus programmes taught in English and Putonghua. Recognising the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle from an early age, there is also a “Toddlerrobics” class, which is a special exercise programme designed to develop children’s physical and musical skills through dancing, jumping, singing, and other activities accompanied by music. There are also chances to play instruments, while songs, rhymes and games are used to enhance language development. “There is a strong play-based element that runs throughout our curriculum,” says Jarrett, adding that each topic is carefully chosen, with teacher staking a creative, hands-on approach. “But this is structured play, where opportunities to practise, rehearse and transfer learning are planned in. “We know that when children are fully engaged, interested, and enjoying what they are doing, their learning will be at its maximum.” she says. Jarrett adds that the summer programmes have themes, and this allows for a cross-curricular approach. Teaching staff have been trained to “scaffold” children’s learning through interactive discussions and exploring new topics. There will be morning and afternoon programmes at Anfield’s Kowloon Tong campus this year, Jarrett says. There is also a provision for full-day attendance. Jarrett believes that there are major advantages in attending sessions daily for children aged three and above. “The curriculum builds and flows,” she says. “Plus it is so much easier to build friend ships when children attend regularly.”
