Fostering an international perspective and focusing on personal development are essential for 21st-century education
In the 21st century, educators aim to educate students on integrity as well as skills that will help them flourish in a rapidly changing world. This will ensure that they have a positive influence on the world.
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Nowadays, many parents are pursuing primary education that provides international curricula for their children so that they may continue to study overseas and also establish perspectives as global citizens with strong international awareness. Starting from the school year 2022/23, the school will be renamed YMCA Christian Academy (YCA). With the steadfast support of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong as the school sponsoring body, YCA, an accredited school of CIS, continues to offer holistic education through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to expatriate and local families in Hong Kong.
YCA Teaching Philosophy - YCA AGENCY
As one of the schools under the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YCA’s teaching philosophy promotes student ‘agency’. YCA AGENCY focuses on the students’ personal development and fosters their international perspectives. The incoming Principal of YCA, Mr. Geoff Blaik, says, “YCA is an English medium, Christian primary school that emphasizes close interaction and connection between students and the community, whilst also cultivating a global perspective. We promote a caring campus culture by allowing students of different ages to support one another, creating a happy, nurturing environment. We are just like a big family.”
Mr Blaik believes that in order to cultivate international vision in students, there needs to be a solid teaching philosophy behind it. At YCA, Agency is our beating heart and the key ingredient to Bright Futures. Agency is not just for students, it is a transformative factor community wide – modelled by staff, supported by parents and embodied in our students. We aim for our children to become:
YCA is a school that adopts the International Primary Curriculum. The IPC uses a thematic learning approach to develop students’ critical thinking skills and creativity. Nowadays, more than 90 countries around the world have chosen IPC, showing that this curriculum is deeply loved by both schools and parents. Mr. Blaik says, “When students learn about transportation, the teacher will support the development of meaningful knowledge, skills and understandings. Students will apply this learning in real-world contexts, potentially doing research on future transportation, and creating future vehicles. These learning engagements are designed to let students apply their learning, collaborate, innovate and unleash their creativity.”
In order to promote whole-person development and empower students’ potential, YCA has a variety of extracurricular activity facilities, such as indoor rock climbing walls, a dance studio and an artificial grass rooftop pitch. The school also has a full science laboratory available to all students. It is well equipped to help reinforce scientific principles and conduct experiments and various STEAM activities.
The YCA Open Day will take place on Saturday 9th October. This is a great opportunity to discover how we inspire our students to have the Bright Futures of abundance and fulfilment. You will meet our Principal, Mr. Blaik, our teachers and experience the YCA learning culture. Register your place now to discover the YCA difference for yourself!