BRIGHT FUTURES
Welcome Letter from Principal
YCA is a hidden gem located in the vibrant Soho district in the heart of Hong Kong Island. We are well known as a “small school, with a big heart”... a unique learning community built on a solid foundation of authentic, meaningful relationships. Mutual trust and respect are highly valued, building a strong sense of shared understanding of purpose within our community. Building on this foundation, YCA has an aspirational, future-focused orientation, o ering each and every student a personalised, meaningful and empowering learning journey. We achieve this through international best-practice, inclusive pedagogical approaches such as experiential learning, service learning, and project-based learning embedded in our dynamic, engaging curriculum.
YCA is a learning community where success in various forms is attainable by all, with each child being known and supported to be their best selves. We believe that school should be a place where a love of learning is ignited through learning opportunities that empower students, exposing them to a broad range of experiences and giving them real world, transferable skills. Our experienced and passionate sta are committed to accompany our students on every step of their learning journey, nurturing students to explore and develop as AGENTS, taking charge of and growing their own unique “brightness”.
We are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining a culture of adaptability so that we can stay in tune with the needs of the modern learner in an ever-changing world. Our membership with Future Schools Alliance reinforces our commitment to providing our students with an education that supports them in prospering from the opportunities and navigating the challenges of their own bright futures. I would encourage you to come and visit for a school tour and witness the YCA advantage for yourself.
Geoff Blaik - YCA Principal
Our School: Our Community
YMCA Christian Academy (YCA) is a unique community-oriented private primary school on Hong Kong Island o ering a vibrant, future-ready international curriculum. People come first at YCA - our sta , our families, our community. We are a community united in serving and prioritising the needs of our students in a nurturing Christian school culture. Our safe and inclusive learning environment provides an authentic, holistic education that encompasses the academic, spiritual, emotional, physical, and cultural needs of each and every student.
Central to our mission is the development of personal skills and qualities to prepare your child with the confidence they need for secondary school, university, and the future workplace. We also empower students with a humble, service-oriented mindset that will enable them to experience authentic fulfilment. We seek to equip our students with the ability to know genuine balance of happiness in their life, rich relationships, and opportunities to prosper in the communities in which they live.
Guiding Statements
Vision
Future-ready, Christ-like ambassadors inspiring an abundant, sustainable future
Mission
Empowering a community of life-long learners who are caring, curious, confident and Christ-like
Learning Definition
Learning is a dynamic, student-centered process that develops growth mindset and transferable knowledge, skills and understandings to maximise student potential as life-long learners
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
Caring
YCA Agents
。Take charge of their own learning & development
。Contribute to their community
。Make informed decisions
。Actively reflect on actions & progress
As a YCA Agent, I work hard to be...
Aware Green
Self-aware, socially-aware and informed about relevant local and global issues
Valuing our finite earth and championing environmental causes
Entrepreneurial iNnovative
Turning ideas into considered plans to help solve problems
Youthful Communityminded
Thinking out of the box, applying creativity in solving problems and challenges Valuing community and putting community needs first Wide-eyed, energised, open-minded, positive risk-takers willing to try and make mistakes
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
Science, Technology & Innovation
Meaningful, Inquiry-based, Experiential Learning
Holistic Social & Emotional
Learning
Collaborative & Co-constructed Learning
Strong Maths and Literacy
Foundations
Character & Values-based Learning
Normal school day starts from 8.00am to 2.30pm, Monday through Friday.
Students start the day with a daily devotion and end the day with an option to join one of our wide selection of extra-curricular activities.
School bus service is available with routes from the ferry piers in Central, various districts on Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon. Please contact the school regarding the specific bus routes.
Facilities
YCA is well equipped with excellent facilities and teaching resources that facilitate e ective learning for students. We have a full science lab, music room, art room, library, indoor climbing wall, rooftop pitch and an innovation hub. In addition we are blessed with the proximity to our CYMCA Bridges Street Centre, just opposite to our school, where we can enjoy access to their facilities including, but not limited to, their swimming pool.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
YCA Curriculum
We o er a broad and balanced international curriculum, rooted in a clear Christian ethos and vision of education. It focuses on the development of the whole child, so that every child will grow and thrive academically, physically, spiritually and socially. We deliver this learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which is a comprehensive, thematic and creative curriculum for 5-11 years old. The IPC has a clear process of learning and with specific learning goals for every subject, including international mindedness and personal learning.
All IPC units follow a process to facilitate learning which places the learner at the centre and is structured to make sure that children’s learning experiences are stimulating and therefore e ective.
All learning starts with an Entry Point to engage the children and end with an Exit Point in which the children can synthesise and celebrate their learning alongside their peers and families.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
Core Curricula
English
English literacy is essential for learning, thinking and communicating in the global era, and it is integrated throughout YCA’s primary education. Students follow a well-structured language programme based on the UK National Curriculum. This programme teaches students to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others whilst also developing their love of reading through a variety of engaging core texts.
In our writing programme, we focus on articulating and communicating ideas, and then organising them coherently and dynamically for the reader. At YCA we have a well established progression of clearly articulated objectives for all areas of English literacy learning. This allows our students to build their knowledge, skills and understanding through a well-paced, developmentally appropriate continuum.
Maths
We teach students to make connections between concrete in the classroom and in everyday life. Linking mathematics to real-world experiences awakens children to the power and
We use the UK National Curriculum to guide instruction in the class and provide solid benchmarks against which students
Calculation, Measurement, Geometry and Statistics, moving
We use the White Rose Maths Programme to sequence the learning blocks and give the children opportunities for not only fluency practice but regular experience of reasoning and problem solving. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are built.
Specialist Classes
Christian Studies
Innovation / STEM
We provide a bespoke Christian Education curriculum called Journey 2:52, based on the verse: Luke 2:52. It is developed on the premise that faith is a personal journey, and though we are all at di erent stages of our lives, we are able to learn and grow together in our faith. The curriculum teaches Christian values and is grounded in our shared vision for all students - to grow in Christlikeness and develop in mind, body and spirit.
We know that powerful learning in science based subjects sparks children. Children develop this curiosity by asking questions and learning experiences.
Our Innovation Hub at YCA combines a fully operational science lab with a growing maker space/design technology area. This provides opportunities for students to engage in cross disciplinary project based learning such as building mars rovers, coding robots and designing and constructing their own inventions. Our curriculum is built around students studying scientific and engineering principles that govern
the world around them. We empower them to ask questions and then refine them so that they can investigate and find answers by themselves. Our aim is for them to be able to follow a cycle that allows them to prototype, to test, to refine and to communicate their ideas and leverage the power of community.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
Our high-quality Physical Education curriculum inspires all students to understand and adopt healthy attitudes and habits with regard to physical fitness and well being. Our programme is taught twice weekly and supports students in developing the skills required to become physically confident and access a wide range of sports. These opportunities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.
We are blessed with a wide range of facilities in the local community that enables us to access a broad range of sporting activities such as swimming, basketball and football.
We follow a well-researched and field tested music programme called The First Steps in Music. This curriculum prepares and nurtures students’ music growth in three ways: to be tuneful, to be beatful and to be artful.
There are eight parts to every lesson from pitch exploration to song fragments to Arioso (child-created tunes) to movement with the beat. The classes are taught following the Or music education approach, where students are taught Music Literacy, develop confidence in Music
Performances and have a good understanding of di erent music genres through Music Appreciation.
Art
We value creativity at YCA. Our high-quality art curriculum engages, inspires and challenges students whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. As students develop these skills, they become confident in thinking critically and developing a more rigorous understanding of what art is.
We believe that art should contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our community and o er children the experience of taking their artistic skills outside the classroom by visiting galleries, engaging in community projects and displaying their work in the community.
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Global Citizenship and Intercultural Learning Wellbeing
At our school, we are committed to preparing our students to be responsible, engaged citizens of the world. As a school, we identified four key focus areas that align with our school's guiding statements of being Caring, Curious, Confident and Christlike. These are: inclusion & diversity, sustainability, intercultural understanding & language learning, and community engagement.
We are especially focused on empowering our students to demonstrate a wide range of global competencies. Through our curriculum, we encourage students to develop the understandings, skills, and mindsets of active global citizens and we have a dedicated sta and student team to promote and embed global citizenship schoolwide. By prioritising global citizenship, we are equipping our students with the knowledge, capabilities, and compassion to make a positive di erence - not just in their local community, but around the world. We believe this is essential for success in our increasingly interconnected globe.
At YCA we foster a holistic, strength-based approach to student well-being by highlighting key elements of the Jigsaw (UK PSHE Curriculum) and Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (Australian Geelong Grammar Curriculum). By using the strengths of both curriculums, we aim to proactively teach children the skills and concepts of well-being using evidence-based practices from the field of positive psychology. Our well-being curriculum teaches concepts and activities that are developmentally appropriate for the social and emotional development of children at di erent ages and stages. At the beginning of the school year, all children carry out lessons as part of our Social and Emotional Toolkit which includes the topics: Self-Control, Solve It Together, Big Problem vs. Small Problem, Helpful vs. Hurtful words, Fair vs. Equal. Our uniquely adapted curriculum is designed to ensure that children in YCA will be equipped with a toolkit of strategies to support their social and emotional growth; cultivating positive relationships, emotions and character traits that will allow them to live healthy and fulfilling lives full of abundance.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
Chinese
YCA’s Chinese programme uses ACTFL proficiency guidelines and IB language scope and sequence as standards. The programme aims to provide an education in both oral and written Chinese. The classes are taught daily in Mandarin with Traditional Characters by our experienced and specialist Chinese teachers.
We o er three language pathways to best accommodate our learners. Placement is based on each student’s skills abilities in conversing in Mandarin in everyday life situations. For our non-native students, the teacher will provide English instructions, flash cards and games to support home learning.
Foundation Pathway Intermediate Pathway
communicate in social situations, explain and identify story structures and foster abilities in writing, appreciating and understanding literary works.
Students will present and discuss their writing with peers and adults as well as writing, appreciating and understanding advance literary works.
Learning Diversity
As an inclusive school, we ensure that our school provides a secure, safe and respectful environment in which children are empowered to explore learning and celebrate differences within and outside their school community. In collaboration with class and specialist primary teachers, our school’s Learning Diversity Team aims to support students with diverse learning needs within the mainstream classroom. By acknowledging the importance of identifying barriers to learning, we are able to work collectively to co-plan, co-teach and co-assess to enhance differentiated and inclusive practices.
English as an Additional Language Support (EAL)
YCA is an EAL-friendly primary school that provides dedicated support to help students whose first language is not English. This support enables students to develop English language skills and strategies that help them access the school curriculum and acquire the academic language across the different subject areas.
Academic Support / Learning Support
As a premier English medium primary school, YCA takes a proactive and positive approach to supporting the diverse academic learning needs of ALL our students, which include those who are considered to be exceptional learners. We believe that an inclusive learning environment can be created through the elimination of barriers within the learning environment and through the utilisation of evidence and data-informed practices. These include learning accommodations and modifications to the curriculum, strength-based teaching, competency-based intervention, learner skills coaching, instructional strategies and fostering a positive and growth-mindset.
Social and Emotional Learning Support
SEL support aims to help students who need guidance and support in their social-emotional skills and competencies. This support enhances student development towards a healthy sense of self, improved connection with others, and cooperative habits that can further enable positive student contributions to the community. This support includes supporting the social and emotional needs of the gifted and talented.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
ASA & ECA
YMCA Christian Academy o ers a diverse range of After School Activities (ASA) and Extracurricular Activities (ECA).
These highly customised programmes are structured to develop children’s strengths and provide them with opportunities to discover new interests.
Programmes include, but not limited to:
。Battle of the Books
。Basketball
。Chess
。Chinese Hip Hop Club
。Choir
。Environmental Club
。Gymnastics
。Handball
。Hockey
。Instrumental Club
。Orchestra
。Wellbeing Club and more...
Christian Academy Prospectus
Student Testimonials
I started studying at YCA in Year 1. I love camp because we get to do all these activities outdoor and we get to swim in the ocean. My best memory at YCA is the Christmas Fair. I love the choir singing, and I also performed hip hop
I started at this school in Year 2. I love that the teachers understand that we all learn di erently and will help us find ways where we learn best. My most memorable experience is when we played a basketball competition against other schools! We felt really proud to go and represent our school.
I started in this school in Year 1. I love most about YCA is that everybody is caring, curious, confident and chris-like, and helping the environment, poor people and showing those 4Cs. My best memory was having friends in Year 5, and the teacher was so kind to me.
- Yugo (Year 6 | 2023-24)
I started at this school in Year 3. I love this school because everyone is friends here. Our teachers really care about us and always help us in every way. My funniest memory was wacky hair day when we all looked really di erent and funny. We have lots of fun days like that and we really enjoy them!
- Yuzuna (Year 6 | 2022-23)
YMCA
Parents Testimonials
My girls’ first day of school was remarkable! They were so happy and excited about everything! All the worries that could ever hit us disappeared when we picked them up and started to listen to their sharings. YCA is not only a school, it is a community filled with people committed to help kids fully develop all their skills. Learning is meaningful and fun at the same time.
- Parent of Year 2 and Year 3 students
YCA is much more than a school. It’s a nurturing, caring and loving community where students can thrive on their own strengths. My daughter grow from various experiences - from being a student leader, a presenter during IPC exit points, a performer with the choir and orchestra, to being a caring friend taking care of her fellow school mates.
- Parents of Year 4 student
My son has strived at the school. We have watched as he gained confidence in himself and his ability to support his peers who have become his good friends. We are very pleased with his Chinese reading and writing skills, which have greatly improved.
- Parents of Year 2 student
YCA is a great community school. The teachers are very caring. My child has issues controlling her emotions, but I have seen remarkable improvements during her time at YCA. YCA is one of the few Christian international schools in Hong Kong and they really put Christian values into practice.
- Parents of Year 4 student
Next Steps
We o er a Premium Transition to our senior students from primary to secondary schools. We have identified a list of Partnered Secondary Schools of which we have a close relationship with. Should our students apply to these schools, we will be able to work with their Admissions team in supporting our students’ applications.
Every year, we will host an information session for our families to learn more about di erent secondary schools and the admissions process. Additionally, our Partnered Secondary Schools will be invited to join us for a co ee morning. Our parents will be able to meet principals and admissions teams to learn more about di erent schools. Throughout the admissions period, we’ll share secondary school events through our parent app for families to attend.
As a service to our YCA community, our Senior Leadership Team will have dedicated meetings with our senior students and families to discuss their aspirations and their school(s) of choice. We will assist families in identifying a suitable school for their children and assist them as they apply and enrol.
Admissions
YCA has a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications throughout the year. Prospective parents are welcome to book a school tour to see the campus and discuss their child’s education at YCA with our Admissions Team or School Leadership Team.
Age Guidelines
Submit an Online Application On-site Assessment & Interview Placement O er Enrolled Year Level Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
We o er primary education for students with ages ranging from 5 years old (Year 1) to 11 years old. Please refer to the Age Guidelines on the year of birth for children in each year group.
Book a School Tour
YCA Admissions Team runs weekly school tours for prospective families.
Please visit our website to book an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your family.
YMCA Christian Academy Prospectus
School Sponsoring Body
“To serve, not to be served” is the motto of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. Established over 120 years, it was founded in 1901, and committed to the belief that children need to grow in spirit, mind, and body.
With their support, YCA will continue to flourish and o er a holistic education in developing well-rounded children. YCA students will also benefit from the services and resources by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, such as the YMCA Bridges Street Centre, Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village and more.
For more information regarding Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, please visit www.ymca.org.hk/en
+852 2537 2552
