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2021-22 EARLY YEARS

K2 HANDBOOK 1

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD Dear Parents, I am delighted to welcome you to Harrow Hong Kong and, in particular, our Early Years Department. This is an important and precious time in a child’s educational journey and we are committed to ensuring your son and daughter’s first years of a formal school experience are full of learning, curiosity and fun. Our School has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and is a School with courteous and considerate pupils who are confident, positive and happy. It is our aim to nurture and guide boys and girls to become well-rounded, healthy and resourceful individuals who will relish a challenge and have the confidence to seize life’s opportunities. Dedicated, creative and experienced teachers deliver an intellectually rigorous curriculum in order to feed curious little minds. We value each child as a unique individual and ensure that all relationships are based on mutual respect. All staff take special care to ensure that children settle down quickly and happily into School. They are also eager to get to know parents and give you a chance to become more familiar with the School. Harrow Hong Kong is an extraordinary place where pupils are offered support and encouragement to develop their potential to the full. I hope that this booklet will help you to prepare for this new, exciting chapter in your little one’s life. I look forward to meeting you soon and seeing your child flourish as they move through the School.

Ann Haydon HEAD

WELCOME TO EARLY YEARS During your time with us we aim for pupils in the Early Years to develop their independence and confidence in all areas. We create an environment where pupils feel safe, secure, happy and motivated to learn through a variety of stimulating and challenging experiences which develop the whole child in line with our School values of honour, humility, courage and fellowship. We believe that young pupils learn the skills and knowledge they need for life through play. When pupils direct their own learning they figure how the world works out for themselves, take calculated risks and find innovative ways to think about the world around them. Pupils learn to overcome obstacles, solve problems, communicate their needs and feelings effectively and work independently and as part of a team. At Harrow Hong Kong we are especially proud of the environments we create, which encourage investigation and exploration to take place. Our resources are open ended, reflect real life and are organised to enable our pupils to access them independently. I hope the following information gives you an insight into life in the Early Years at Harrow Hong Kong Ms R. Woods Early Years Leader

CONTENTS WELCOME 3 AN INTRODUCTION TO K2

AN EXPLANATION OF THE 7 AREAS OF LEARNING

- Communication & Language

- Physical Development

- Personal, Social & Emotional Development

- Curriculum Subjects

SPECIAL EVENTS, DRESS UP DAYS & OUTINGS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DAILY ROUTINE

USEFUL CONTACTS

AM I READY FOR K2?

OUR STAFF

SENIOR STAFF

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

MR B. SHANAHAN

DEPUTY HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL (TEACHING AND LEARNING) MR G. HANCOCK

DEPUTY HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL (PUPIL WELLBEING) MRS L. BERNER

There are a number of key personnel in the Early Years Department, who have leadership responsibilities and work closely together to provide a network of support for the pupils, and to ensure the smooth running of this phase of the School.

OUR STAFF

CLASS TEACHERS

EARLY YEARS LEADER K2 TURTLES TEACHER

K2 SEAHORSES TEACHER

K2 DOLPHINS TEACHER

MS R. WOODS

MR C. PANG

MRS S. PURNELL

The Class Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day pastoral care of the K2 children in their classes. They plan and deliver a range of exciting lessons and plan open-ended activities for your children to explore by themselves. The Class Teachers are the first point of contact with the parents and are available to discuss any aspect of your child’s education with you.

EARLY YEARS

AN INTRODUCTION TO K2 The K2 classes are part of the Early Years Foundation Stage known as the EYFS. The EYFS sets the standards to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through School and life. At Harrow Hong Kong, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum for our youngest pupils, aged 3 to 5 years, baked on the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Pupils learn new skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.

THE EYFS In the EYFS there are seven areas of learning. There are three prime areas, which support development in all other areas.

THE THREE PRIME AREAS

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Communication & Language

Physical Development

These prime areas are those most essential for a pupil’s healthy development and future learning. Personal, Social and Emotional Development involves helping our pupils develop a positive sense of themselves and others: to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and have confidence in their own ability. Communication and Language Development involves giving pupils opportunities to speak and listen in a range of situations and develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves. Physical Development involves providing opportunities for pupils to be active and interactive, and to develop their coordination, control and movement in gross and fine motor activities.

THE FOUR SPECIFIC AREAS There are then four specific areas of learning that are essential skills and knowledge which are required for children to participate successfully in society.

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding of the World

Expressive Arts & Design 9

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING The Characteristics of Effective Learning describe how children learn in the Early Years and can be divided into three groups:

PLAYING AND EXPLORING Finding out and exploring, being able to ‘have a go’ and experience new opportunities alongside playing with what they know.

ACTIVE LEARNING Being involved and concentrating, learning to persevere and taking pleasure from what they do.

CREATING AND THINKING CRITICALLY Having their own ideas, making links and connections with previous knowledge and deciding how best to approach challenges.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE

AREAS OF LEARNING 11

PRIME AREAS

COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE LISTENING & ATTENTION Activities are organised to enable children to listen to others one-to-one or in small groups when conversation interests them. Stories and rhymes form a focal part of the K2 routine. We encourage the children to listen with increasing attention and to recall a story. Children are expected to follow directions as appropriate and to focus their attention.

UNDERSTANDING Children are shown how objects work and their purpose and should use their knowledge of this in day-to-day tasks. Simple instructions are given and children are encouraged to respond appropriately.

SPEAKING Children will explore retelling a simple past event in order. They will practise using talk to connect ideas and explain what is happening, and anticipate what might happen next. They should recall and relive past experiences in the role play area, during show and tell and in small world play. Children will be taught to question why things happen and to give explanations. They should ask who, what, when and how and will use vocabulary focused on objects and people that are of particular importance to them. In their play they should be able to use talk to pretend that objects stand for something else.

PRIME AREAS

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT MOVING & HANDLING Children are taught to move physically in a variety of ways with confidence. They have a variety of opportunities during playtime, PE sessions and within the classrooms to learn about spatial awareness and how to negotiate space and speed.

HEALTH & SELF-CARE Children are encouraged to rest, drink water when thirsty and to ask for help when needed. They are encouraged to be independent in toileting and hand washing routines (this will be monitored carefully and support and help will be given where appropriate). Independence in dressing themselves is also expected by the end of the School year.

SWIMMING As swimming is a very important life skill, we place great emphasis on learning to swim in K2. All children in EYFS will participate in weekly swimming sessions assisted by a number of adults. We have a dedicated, qualified swimming teacher, plus Class Teachers and Teaching Assistants and parents/helpers who will all be in the pool with the children. There is a parent/helper rota which will be sent out at the beginning of the term. You will be invited to an introductory swim in September. Swimming is compulsory. If children are unable to swim they must have a doctor’s note to explain why.

PRIME AREAS

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT SELF-CONFIDENCE & SELF-AWARENESS Children will be able to select and use resources and activities independently in the classroom. They will be encouraged to ask adults for help and to respond to praise positively. Children are given the responsibility of carrying out small tasks independently. They will be introduced to a range of social situations and will be expected to develop confidence when engaging with new or less familiar people.

MANAGING FEELINGS & BEHAVIOUR Children will be aware of their own and others’ feelings and how to express them appropriately. They will learn to take turns and share resources. K2 children will be exposed to a wide range of events and experiences through the School year and explore how to engage with and respond to these.

MAKING RELATIONSHIPS Children will learn to play in a group, to initiate play and respond to what others are saying or doing. They will be encouraged to demonstrate friendly behaviour, to initiate conversations and form good relationships with peers and familiar adults.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM In each classroom you will see a rainbow – all children should add their name to the rainbow when they arrive at School. During the day, pupils who demonstrate the School’s six Leadership Attributes may see their name moved up to the sunshine.

SPECIFIC AREAS

CURRICULUM SUBJECTS

Literacy Phonics, Reading, Writing.

Mathematics Number, Shape, Space and Measure.

Understanding Of The World People and communities, The world, Technology.

Expressive Arts & Design Exploring and using media and materials, Being imaginative.

Literacy development involves teaching pupils to read and write, both through listening to others reading and being encouraged to begin to read and write themselves. We offer a wide range of reading materials - books, poems and other written materials, to ignite pupil interest. Mathematics development involves providing pupils with opportunities to practise and improve their skills in counting, numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems and recognising numerical patterns. Understanding Of The World involves guiding pupils to make sense of their physical surroundings and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Expressive Arts & Design involves supporting pupils to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role play and design.

SPECIALIST MUSIC LESSONS We have Music specialists who teach two lessons per week. The children learn exciting new songs, how to distinguish between different pitches, play musical instruments and how to put movements to music. 15

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

We Never Give Up Facing Challenges with Determination

We Work Together Solving Problems Collaboratively

We Are Problem Solvers Solving Problems Creatively

We Like to Help Contributing Positively to the Community

We Are Fair Making Fair & Just Choices

We Care For Others Applying Knowledge with Compassion

REWARDS During weekly assemblies, children from each class are awarded ‘Leader of the Week’. This is given for a number of reasons that reflect personal progress on an individual basis and are also linked to the Leadership Attributes of the School. At lunchtimes one child from each table is awarded ‘Marvellous Manners’. The behaviour expected at lunchtimes includes using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, eating a sensible amount in an appropriate time, keeping elbows off the table, using cutlery or chopsticks with control, using an indoor voice during after dinner conversations, helping friends to clear up.

SPECIAL EVENTS, DRESS UP DAYS & OUTINGS THE NATIVITY Every child in the EYC takes part in the Early Years Christmas Nativity. This takes place at the end of the Autumn Term and parents are all invited to come and watch. Dates and timings of the performances will be sent out closer to the time.

CHINESE NEW YEAR The School organises a celebration of Chinese New Year. This is a colourful and vibrant occasion and has a special place in the School calendar.

EASTER The children take part in an Easter Hat Parade and an Easter Egg Hunt at School. The children create their hats at home and bring them in for judging on a date which will be emailed to all parents. It is a light-hearted and fun event for all the EYC children and their families.

SPORTS DAY All children in the EYC take part in a competitive Sports Day at the end of the Summer Term, to which all parents are warmly invited.

SCHOOL TRIPS Out of School experiences are very valuable. These will be arranged as appropriate and will support the curriculum. Further details will be sent out before any trip, outlining what the children will be doing, where they will be going and what support will be needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LEAVING YOUR CHILD When bringing your child into School, please encourage them to be involved in their morning routine.

Put their bag into their cubby hole

Put their water bottle in the tray

Put their diary into the basket

Say ‘Good Morning’ to their teacher

For the first week of School you are very welcome to come into the classroom and settle your child. When we start the carpet session with the whole class we ask that you please say goodbye and leave at this time. We are very sensitive towards the needs of the children and will support them accordingly. If you are at all worried, please let us know and we will give you a call later to let you know that all is well. If you have any changes in circumstance e.g. illness in the family or anything that might unsettle your child during the day, please let us know. Even if it seems very trivial, it could help us to support them.

PUPIL DIARIES Every child will have a Pupil Diary, which will be checked and signed by a member of the EY team each day. We will write in any information regarding what your child may need to bring in or remember for a forthcoming event in School. Please check your child’s bag and diary every night.

CLOTHING Please see the uniform list that you have been sent for the full list of items that your child will need in the EYC each day (also available on the website). Please can all clothing and other uniform items be clearly named. This helps us to identify items and also helps your child to be responsible for their own belongings. Sun hats, mosquito repellent, a bottle of sun cream, a spare set of clothes, a pair of wellies and a raincoat are also required and should be kept in School.

SNACKTIME We provide all children with a healthy snack in the morning. A range of snacks is available including fresh fruit, healthy sandwiches, milk, raisin buns and cheese with crackers.

LUNCHTIME Children all eat lunch together in the Early Years dining area. We have a family approach to dining and staff sit with the children to eat. A healthy meal is provided by the School for your child. The EY staff will encourage your child during lunch and monitor closely what they eat. We are sensitive to children who find mealtimes difficult and will work with parents to ensure that they are eating enough to sustain a busy day at School. Most children will eat well at School because they can see their peers eating and many will try new foods with confidence as a result. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements. Details of meals being served in the EYC can be found on the School website.

PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS & REPORTS There will be a ‘Meet the Teacher’ meeting in the first half of the Autumn Term where the K2 Curriculum will be outlined to parents. There will also be a Parent/Teacher consultation where you will be able to discuss how your child has settled and what progress they have made in that first term. At the end of the Autumn Term you will receive a short report outlining progress and areas for development. In the Spring Term, we will hold a Celebration of Learning Day where you will be invited into the classroom to participate in a session with your child and have an informal meeting with your child and the teacher to update you with progress and targets. In the Summer Term, a full academic report will be sent to you summing up your child’s achievement over the K2 year. You are always very welcome to come and chat to the K2 staff about your child and do not need to wait until the parents’ evening to discuss any queries you may have. Staff will meet and greet each morning and at home times and this may be a good time for a quick chat. If a longer session is required, please make an appointment with your Class Teacher.

COLLECTING YOUR CHILD If there is a change in childcare arrangements, we would encourage you to write changes/ play arrangements in your child’s diary or directly contact the Early Years Centre Office. In the event that someone unfamiliar to the Class Teacher comes to collect a child, parents will be contacted to check before the child is allowed to go. Informing us of any changes in advance makes this process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

ILLNESS It is good practise in Hong Kong to check a child’s temperature before they come to School each day. Any child with a fever (oral temperature higher than 37.5°C or ear temperature higher than 38°C) should stay off School for 24 hours. If your child requires Panadol or other pain-relieving medicines to attend School without a temperature they should not be sent to School. Any child who has suffered from sickness or diarrhoea must stay away from the EYC for at least 48 hours from the last bout of illness. We will call you if your child suffers from a fever, sickness or diarrhoea whilst at School and ask you to come and collect them. This is to protect our youngest and most vulnerable children from infection. You must please inform us immediately if your child has an infectious disease. The EYC reserves the right to refuse admission to any child on health grounds and follows the whole School sickness policy.

ACCIDENTS & INJURIES Whilst every possible care is taken to ensure that your child is safe in our care, children will at some point inevitably bump or bruise themselves in the course of their play. When this happens, we will comfort a child who is distressed and deal with any minor injury in the EYC (by cleaning a graze, applying a plaster etc.). Any more serious injuries will be referred for further treatment.

TOILETING Your child must be fully toilet trained, wearing underwear (no nappies or pull up pants). We encourage all children to be independent when going to the toilet. Staff can support children where needed and frequent reminders are given during the day. Please provide spare clothes and underwear which can be kept at School so that children can change if needed. A note will be added to the diary if your child has been changed.

ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEYS Every child in EY has their own Online Learning Journey. This is accessible via the internet. You will receive an email asking you to create an account. Then you can see observations of your child, including photos and comments. You can respond to these observations with your own comments. Your child’s work will be kept in a folder and sent home at the end of the year.

OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS Your child only needs to bring the items stipulated on the uniform list to School each day. Please do not send toys or snacks into School with your child as they may get lost or damaged and there is plenty at School for your child to play with and to eat and drink! There may be children in School with your child with severe allergies and this is another reason why we ask that no foodstuffs should be sent in your child’s bag.

WATER All children need to bring a plastic water bottle to School every day, clearly labelled with their name. It should only contain water (Please no juice or fizzy drinks). They are stored so that children can help themselves during the course of the day.

ANY QUESTIONS/QUERIES OR PROBLEMS Please come and talk to your child’s Class Teacher initially. They will have a good relationship with you and your child and should be able to answer any queries or issues that may arise. If you feel that you would like to discuss a matter further, you may make an appointment to chat things through with Ms Woods (Early Years Leader).

DAILY ROUTINE 8.00 AM Main School bell – Early Years Centre opens

8.00 AM - 8.15 AM Flexible drop off

8.15 AM Morning session begins

9.30 AM - 10.00 AM Break time

11.15 PM Lunch

12.35 PM Afternoon session begins

1.55 PM - 2.00 PM Home time – please be prompt to pick up your child between these times.

2.00 PM Buses depart We hope that these activities and the information contained here will assist you in preparing you and your child for K2 at Harrow International School Hong Kong. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ls-info@harrowschool.hk

USEFUL CONTACTS EYC OFFICE ls-info@harrowschool.hk 2299 6233

EARLY YEARS LEADER MS R. WOODS rwoods@harrowschool.hk 2299 6231

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL MR B. SHANAHAN bshanahan@harrowschool.hk 2298 8044

HEALTH CARE CENTRE hcc@harrowschool.hk 2299 6215

LOWER SCHOOL OFFICE ls-info@harrowschool.hk 2298 6122/ 2298 8041

AM I READY FOR K2? INDEPENDENCE I am happy to be away from my Mummy, Daddy or main carer. I am happy to tidy my belongings and look after my things. I am feeling confident about starting School.

SPEAKING & LISTENING I am able to talk about myself and my needs and feelings. I am able to sit still and listen. I can follow instructions. I understand the need to follow rules. I can hear rhymes in words.

SELF-CARE I know when to wash my hands. I can wipe and blow my nose. I can ask for help if I don’t feel well.

ROUTINES I have practised putting on my uniform and getting ready to leave on time. I have a good bedtime routine so I’m not feeling tired for School.

EATING & DRINKING I can use a knife and fork. I can use training chopsticks. I can drink from an open cup.

GOING TO THE TOILET I can go to the toilet on my own, wipe myself properly and flush. I can wash and dry my hands.

GETTING DRESSED I can button and unbutton my clothes. I can put my own shoes and socks on.

SHARING & TAKING TURNS I can share toys and take turns. I can play games with others. I can interact with other children.

INTEREST IN THE WORLD I enjoy learning about the world around me. I am interested in exploring new activities or environments. I like asking questions.

MATHS SKILLS I like singing number rhymes and playing counting games. I can count, recognise and order to 10. I can count 10 objects accurately. I can write some numbers.

LITERACY SKILLS I like tracing patterns and colouring in. I can read and write my name. I can hold a pencil. I am interested in reading stories and looking at picture books.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES I like to climb on play equipment. I can run while avoiding obstacles. I enjoy going to the swimming pool. I can use scissors to cut out shapes.

HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2824 9099 Fax: (+852) 2824 9928

harrowschool.hk