A Small School With a Big Heart
.jpg?itok=qumUdQ1O)
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]
YMCA Christian Academy (YCA) is a unique community-oriented private primary school on Hong Kong Island offering a vibrant, future-ready curriculum. “We are blessed with a closely connected community, amazing parents, and engaged and motivated students. The majority of our new students join YCA through parent referrals” says Geoff Blaik, Principal. Following the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and through our broad, balanced curriculum, students are empowered to identify and follow their passions and interests. Students learn how to be agents, taking ownership of their learning and development, maintaining a curious and reflective posture. We focus on the development of the whole child so that every student will grow and thrive academically, physically, spiritually, and socially. “We have watched as my son gained confidence in himself and in his ability to support his peers who have become his good friends,” says a Year 1 parent. For this to happen, we maintain a nurturing learning environment and offer a range of support for students’ wellbeing and pastoral care.
Wellbeing Curriculum & Pastoral Care Matters
We offer a holistic, child-centred approach. We use the best of both the Jigsaw PSHE programme (UK) and Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (Australia) to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive as an individual, a family member, and as part of the wider community. “From the moment they arrive at school, they are greeted by name. They have personal conversations with staff and wellbeing check-ins as they enter the class,” says Mr. Blaik.
Throughout the curriculum, students develop skills to help them monitor and manage their wellbeing, such as self-control, problem solving, and gratitude. “They are trained to build habits that can help with their wellbeing, such as daily reflection, positively expressing emotions, and seeking collaborative support,” says Mr. Vallecer, Vice-Principal of Pastoral Care. Students are constantly encouraged to reflect on how they are feeling, why they are feeling that way and what strategies they can use to improve how they feel. “My child can sometimes be emotional, but I have seen a remarkable improvement during her time at YCA,” says a Year 3 parent.
As part of our pastoral care, we have our Learning Diversity Team (LDT) to assist students who need emotional support. This makes them more confident in class and also provides the student with the care and attention they need. “For students with learning barriers such as managing their impulsivity, they will receive coaching through age appropriate role play, contextual feedback and positive reinforcement,” says Mr. Vallecer.
1:32
YMCA Christian Academy Promo
Importance of a Growth Mindset
We foster a growth mindset in our school - a positive mindset is a superpower! We help students understand that well-directed effort moves them closer to their goals. Students learn to reflect, listen to feedback, and improve on their next try. They learn that challenges are opportunities to grow and improve, and failures are just stepping stones in the learning process. “I very much appreciate the school’s approach to help my daughter learn and develop her growth mindset. They created an open platform for students to discuss topics like how to be a good learner in class, and listening to my daughter’s ideas on how to improve recess play environment,” says a Year 3 parent.
Students are encouraged to ask research questions, conduct observations, investigate, understand, record, consolidate and present their ideas. Our Year 5 and 6 students wanted to help those in need, and so, they came up with an idea for a Wacky Hair Day fundraising event. They wrote a letter to the principal to convince him that it would be a fun idea and that they could give the money to those in need. Wacky Hair Day is now an annual event at YCA.
Another annual event at YCA is the Global Citizenship Expo. Not only do students spend the day learning about different cultures, but they also use this opportunity to spread awareness and support charities. Each year group selects a charity of their choice, and will conduct a full research project on the global issue the charity is tackling and what others can do to help. Students know that they are action takers and impact makers.
At YCA, we have developed a series of coaching for students who are transferred to our school throughout the school year. Our LDT are able to support their holistic learning needs such as self-confidence, self-directed learning skills, growth mindset and a sense of belonging. “During the transition, we closely collaborate with the family and have continuous wellbeing check-ins to make sure the child is settling well,” says Mr. Vallecer. If needed, these transition support can be extended until the child is fully settled in school. Teachers also develop close and responsive relationships with parents, and they’ll arrange wellbeing calls when there is a concern raised. “I am grateful for the warm welcome and support you have extended to my daughter and our family as recent transfer students. Initially, we were nervous about adjusting to a new school and community, but the YCA culture has made all the difference. It has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive, and we feel right at home,” says a Year 4 parent.
