Chinese

Chinese Curriculum Objectives

1. Language Proficiency: Enhance students’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening while fostering critical thinking and self-learning, aligning with the Dalton Plan’s focus on independence and responsibility.
2. Language Engagement: Cultivate a strong interest in Chinese language study, promoting positive attitudes and habits for lifelong learning.
3. Aesthetic Development: Nurture an appreciation for aesthetics, enriching students’ cultural understanding and reflective thinking.
4. Character Building: Strengthen students’ sense of responsibility and integrity, fostering character development in line with Dalton’s emphasis on personal growth.
5. Cultural Identity: Promote a deep understanding of Chinese culture, helping students develop a strong sense of identity and connection to their heritage.

Features of the Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to create a multilingual learning environment that fosters students’ interest in Chinese and enhances their self-learning abilities. Recognizing that young children are adept at acquiring new languages, we use Putonghua as the medium of instruction for Chinese language classes from P1 to P3. This early exposure allows our students to develop fluency in Putonghua from a young age.

As students progress to P4 through P6, we prepare them for the transition to secondary school by shifting the medium of instruction for Chinese language to Cantonese, aligning with the language used in most local secondary schools. However, we continue to include Putonghua classes in the curriculum to ensure students maintain their proficiency in both Cantonese and Putonghua.

Chinese Cultural Activities

At DSHK, the promotion and preservation of Chinese culture are central to our mission. We are dedicated to instilling a deep appreciation and understanding of Chinese heritage in our students. Through annual cultural events such as Chinese Cultural Days, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chinese New Year, we provide immersive experiences that connect students with their cultural roots. These activities are often integrated with Visual Arts, allowing students to explore traditional Chinese values—such as benevolence, propriety, wisdom, and integrity—through creative and reflective practices. By engaging in these rich cultural experiences, students develop a strong sense of identity and responsibility, in line with the Dalton Plan’s principles of reflection, responsibility, and collaboration.

English 

The school-based English curriculum integrates the four essential language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn English through active participation in various meaningful and engaging activities. These activities not only foster students’ interest in learning and enhance their language abilities but also develop their generic skills, enabling them to use English effectively.

To further develop students’ competency in using English for everyday communication, the school provides dedicated speaking lessons. These lessons help students gain a deeper understanding of the language in real-life contexts.

We cultivate a genuine interest in reading through school-based initiatives like morning reading sessions and Character Day, which are regularly reviewed and enhanced to better meet students’ needs.

To monitor students’ progress, we employ a range of diversified assessments, including cross-subject projects, role-plays, and creative poster designs. These assessments support learning and provide a comprehensive view of each student’s development.

Mathematics

Our school’s mathematics curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, nurture creativity, and develop a range of learning skills. We aim to cultivate new ways of mathematical thinking and an appreciation for the subject. To achieve this, we offer tailored learning experiences that help students master key areas such as counting systems, measurement, arithmetic, geometry, and spatial awareness.

In the classroom, our teachers employ diverse strategies to stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to articulate their ideas and apply mathematical thinking in real-world contexts, nurturing the Dalton principles of responsibility and independent problem-solving. We also provide opportunities for students to express their creativity in mathematics through various classroom projects. We believe that effective teaching and learning are reinforced through regular practice, using both workbooks and school-based supplementary exercises.

General Studies

We believe that General Studies plays a crucial role in developing students’ learning skills, positive values, and attitudes through hands-on activities that foster their natural curiosity. Our dynamic, school-based curriculum is specifically designed to spark children’s interest in exploring themes related to science, technology, and society, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.

By integrating cross-subject themes with engaging activities such as project-based learning, experiments, and site visits, our curriculum aims to unlock students’ potential and empower them to become confident, lifelong learners.

Spanish

Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, and the desire to learn this vibrant and rich language is growing rapidly. Our Spanish Department, staffed by native and highly qualified teachers, has developed a curriculum rooted in authentic resources from Spain.

Students will have the opportunity to engage in real-life situations, enhancing their reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills. Additionally, we immerse students in the dynamic world of Hispanic culture through various activities, such as visits to Hispanic restaurants and participation in cultural events like shows, movies, and exhibitions.

Music

We are committed to nurturing each student’s individual talent and helping them realize their full potential. Our music program uniquely blends the best of international (Western) and local approaches, offering a rich and diverse learning experience. Students are guided by a team of highly experienced and well-qualified music teachers and instructors from a variety of cultural backgrounds, ensuring a broad and inclusive education.

Physical Education

In today’s society, where children are increasingly absorbed in new technologies and spend long hours on homework, it is more important than ever for schools to promote healthy lifestyles.

At our school, we consider Physical Education one of the most vital subjects in our curriculum. We encourage our students to lead active lives and develop lifelong habits of physical activity. Rather than focusing solely on competition, we emphasize personal effort, teamwork, and perseverance. We believe that Physical Education provides an ideal environment for students to confront challenges, try new things, and build self-confidence.

Through a variety of games and sports, we encourage students to be supportive and kind to their classmates, respect rules, and take an active role in PE lessons. This approach fosters problem-solving skills, creativity, and a positive attitude towards physical fitness.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts curriculum empowers students to explore, observe, and acquire new visual languages, skills, and forms, both in their learning and in their daily lives. It encourages each student to connect with their inner self and use aesthetic expression as a means of deepening their understanding of themselves, others, their surroundings, and the world at large.

Our Art Education program is characterized by its focus on integrated learning and cross-curricular connections. We encourage students to explore diverse cultural elements and experience the significance of artistic creation in everyday life. Recently, the school has incorporated Chinese and Hispanic cultures into the curriculum, enriching the art education experience and providing students with fresh and engaging learning opportunities.

Computer Studies

The Computer Studies curriculum is vital as technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Computing at the primary school level is a creative, practical, and knowledge-rich subject that equips students with the confidence and skills to excel in the digital world.

Objectives:

1. Develop students’ interest and confidence in using Information Technology.
2. Teach the use of computer programs for tasks such as English and Chinese word processing, calculations, photo editing, and more.
3. Instill ethical principles and foster the right attitudes to help students become responsible digital citizens, in alignment with the Dalton Plan’s emphasis on independence and collaboration.