Symposium on Early Years Education: Visitors on 5th June to HNS
The 5th June was a very special day for Hiba Academy Shanghai when they welcomed 20 very important visitors from state and private nurseries in Shanghai as well as representatives from social media in education sector to look around the provision and share joint views and vision for early years education in China.
The morning started with an introduction from Director Yin on behalf of the Kindergarten Principals and this was followed by greeting from Chair of Governors Mrs Joy Qiao. Both leaders were keen to support collaboration and communication between their early years educators as well as emphasizing the need to begin more detailed action research projects into the most effective methods of teaching this unique age group in a Chinese context.
Opening speech by Director Yin
Speech by Mrs Joy Qiao
Following the introductions, Fiona Carter, the Director of Academics for Early Years presented on the ways in which Hiba Nurseries are building on the Chinese Framework with key principles of the English EYFS curriculum and used images and examples of practice to demonstrate how this is being developed. The way in which the curriculum is delivered, through child - centred approaches where free choice and play is at the heart of teaching methods is critical and is reflected in learning environments, outdoor play and daily routines. Moreover, the focus on how young children learn rather than just what they are learning was the main topic of discussion and included an explanation of the Characteristics of Effective Learning. These are weaved into all points of the day plus explained to parents as the real foundations for a lifelong love of learning and for children to reach their true potential. The presentation finished on the importance of working with our families and the weekly and termly events which help to inform parents of how to support their child at home.13843167612
Lecture by Mrs Fiona Carter
The main part of the morning was spent touring the nursery and the children were delighted to explain what they were doing in English and in Chinese. The visitors appeared impressed with the learning environment which plays a crucial role in the approach and model of bilingual teaching as well as asking lots of questions on practical issues such as children sleeping and how they were supported to be independent in their learning.
After the tour, there was an opportunity for the Head of Nursery, Vanessa Szucs-Hussain and her deputy, Yuki Gong to answer questions about how they monitor the quality of teaching and learning in their school and the ways in which they support both Chinese and Ex Pat teachers to reflect the Hiba values of Courage, Respect, Integrity, Kindness and Responsibility. Director Yin and other Chinese colleagues ended the morning by talking about the importance of Early Years education in China and that such collaborations are critical if improvements are continued to be made. As Shanghai is such a cosmopolitan city, it has the opportunity to lead not only bilingual education in China but around the world, such is the unique nature of the development of this model of education. Working with partners like Hiba was suggested as a highly effective way to build on the foundations already made and the whole group are looking forward to future communications from joint kindergarten visits to action research and the publications of articles on theory and practice.
