A Typical Day in Hiba Primary

A typical day in Primary begins with English. Many of our Lower Primary pupils will be introduced to the essential linguistic skills needed for lifelong learning. One of these key areas is phonics, which will be a daily focus with reading, writing and spelling being central and tailored to meet the specific abilities of every pupil. In English lessons we will also explore and analyse texts and encourage pupils to link their learning to our theme units and everyday life situations. In the lower Primary School, we want pupils to foster a love of reading so that, as their language begins to develop, they can be introduced to grammar and writing tasks.

English lessons for an Upper Primary pupil involve more advanced reading and writing tasks with more complex texts being introduced. A day could begin with an exploration of biographies or poetry. They will explore new concepts and cultivate the skills necessary for advancing to Junior High.

As is the case with any pupil entering Hiba Nantong in the opening year, an individualised approach to bilingual learning will be put in place. This will enable the academic staff to fully assess a pupil’s progress in English, which will be a second language for many. Our approach to acquiring the English language in every year and subject will have a big focus on oracy. Promoting speaking throughout the school encourages deeper discussions, which will ultimately aid the foundations of literacy.

As is the case with any pupil entering Hiba Nantong in the opening year, an individualised approach to bilingual learning will be put in place. This will enable the academic staff to fully assess a pupil’s progress in English, which will be a second language for many. Our approach to acquiring the English language in every year and subject will have a big focus on oracy. Promoting speaking throughout the school encourages deeper discussions, which will ultimately aid the foundations of literacy.

A typical day will also see lessons with a thematic approach. Theme lessons incorporate geography, science, history, design and technology and wellbeing. Each grade will have a different Theme Unit every term, ensuring that pupil learning is transferable between subjects and languages. The thematic approach enables us to design and plan units specifically tailored to the needs of pupils.

We will help our pupils to build moral characteristics and to live and breathe the Hiba Values and Identity. Specialist subjects such as PE, ICT, the Arts and moral education allow for a wider focus, while specific subject-based learning allows pupils to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around them. As well as high-level academics, it is important that we allow all pupils to learn healthy, positive and expressive approaches within a multi-lingual environment. Specialist subjects will be spread out across the week to ensure a balance of the taught curriculum every day.

The academic day ends as it started with homeroom time, where pupils we have the chance to talk about how their day went and to discuss any matter of support with their homeroom teachers. Following homeroom time at the end of the school day from Monday – Thursday, assembly time and CCA time will take place. All pupils will have the opportunity to access enhanced educational experiences through our co-curricular activities (CCAs). The CCAs offer the opportunity for pupils explore new sports, artistic pursuits or even develop new academic skills and cultural appreciation.

Each day will be slightly different for all our Hiba pupils, but throughout the weeks, months and academic year you can be assured that all standards and syllabus are covered. The unique, top-quality Hiba Nantong approach to bilingual education promises authentic learning that merges the best of Chinese and Western educational practices.