Teaching and Learning

Triliteracy and Four Languages

Chinese Culture

21^st Century Learners

Triliteracy and Four Languages

We emphasize triliteracy and four languages: Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Spanish. English is the primary medium of instruction for English, Math, and General Studies, with the exception of Chinese Language lessons.

In Grades 1-3, Mandarin is used as the medium of instruction, while in Grades 4-6, we transition to Cantonese.

To further enhance students’ global competency, we require all students to learn Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Students receive 4 to 6 Spanish lessons per week at every grade level, ensuring that after six years of study, they achieve fluency in Spanish.

Chinese Culture

Aligned with the vision of DSHK, Chinese culture, virtues, and values are integral to our educational approach. Our curriculum emphasizes the lasting impact of Chinese culture on students’ lives, guided by the motto “I am not led, I lead.” This philosophy encourages students to develop a deep understanding of ancient Chinese values, empowering them to lead with integrity and wisdom.

Beyond academics, we immerse our students in Chinese cultural heritage through daily learning experiences. Each year, we celebrate Chinese Cultural Days, including Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year, as well as a dedicated Chinese Day. These celebrations are complemented by cross-subject activities, often in collaboration with Visual Arts, where students engage in exciting and interactive experiences.

Through these activities, students not only enjoy themselves but also deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and acquire valuable knowledge, ensuring that the values and traditions of Chinese culture become a meaningful part of their everyday lives.

21^st Century Learners

To nurture critical thinkers and adaptable lifelong learners, our educational approach strikes a balance between academic rigor, real-world skills, and personal growth.

Academic Excellence

We provide a strong foundation in core subjects like mathematics and general studies (sciences and humanities). However, our curriculum transcends rote memorization, focusing instead on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections.

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on projects, community service, field trips, and other experiential activities. These real-world experiences allow them to apply critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in authentic contexts.

Global Competence

Through foreign language instruction, study tours, and exposure to diverse perspectives, we cultivate students’ global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.

Social-Emotional Development

We place a high priority on students’ social-emotional learning, integrating life and values education into the curriculum. Through mindfulness practices, counseling support, and collaborative learning, students develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and leadership skills.

Future-Readiness

To prepare our students for the future, we incorporate emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and design thinking into the curriculum. This fosters innovative mindsets and adaptability—essential assets for navigating an uncertain job market.

By embracing this holistic approach, we empower our students to become self-directed, ethically-minded, and adaptable learners, equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.