Teaching & Learning Overview

Teaching & Learning

HKIS uses a comprehensive standards-based curriculum in which we teach for understanding. We align curriculum, instruction, and assessment to allow students to demonstrate understanding. Students understand when they acquire important new knowledge and skills, make meaning of big ideas related to the knowledge and skills and transfer this learning to new and authentic situations.  Please click below to learn more about the Core Subjects and Specialist Subjects taught at the Lower Primary School.

 

Core Subjects


 

Specialist Subjects


SPACING

Social Emotional Learning and Counseling Program


Our counselors teach lessons that support social-emotional development for Reception 2 to Grade 2. Reception 1 counselors support classes directly as well. In this way, they get to know each child personally, and establish a relationship with them as learners and school community members. The goals of these classes is to enhance every child's personal, social and educational development, and to build skills for effective living and well-being. Our school-wide Student Learning Result (SLR) in the area of character development is that our students will demonstrate responsible behaviors and caring attitudes at school and in the community, as well as the integrity and courage to stand up for what is right. The following are some sample lesson topics:

Main lesson topics include:

  • Acceptance of self and others.
  • Positive risk taking.
  • Cooperation.
  • Good judgment.
  • Responsibility.
  • Facing frustration positively.

Other counseling interventions include social skills groups, individual counseling and support for children in transition. Counselors meet with "New Students Groups" to focus on the adjustments new students might experiencing, how to make friends and to whom they can go if they should need help. Counselors also meet with "Good bye Groups," which are designed for children who are leaving HKIS. Discussions may include what the children will miss from their present setting, what they are looking forward to in the new location, how they will go about keeping in touch with old friends, as well as ways to make new friends. Counselors also facilitate Active Parenting classes each semester and are available for consultation with parents. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers, administrators and the counseling staff as family needs arise, so that we can work together to support the children involved. The counselors collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including classroom teachers, to ensure that the most appropriate services are provide for each child.