Primary School
Inquiry-based Learning
Inquiry Cycle
Students are guided through an inquiry cycle that sparks curiosity, facilitates information gathering and analysis, and encourages the application of understanding in new contexts. Each grade level completes four inquiry units annually, integrating key concepts, skills, and student-driven questions. While Science and Social Studies are central, the process also cultivates essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
Subjects
Chinese Literacy
In partnership with Tsinghua Primary School, DSHK provides a high-level Chinese language education that emphasizes thoughtfulness, eloquence, and strong writing skills. The curriculum integrates research, application, and reflection, ensuring comprehensive language development through methods like Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, and drama education.
English Language Arts
A balanced literacy approach in English language arts focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The curriculum is organized into thematic units that promote fluency, higher-order thinking, and self-reflection, using methods such as word study, read-alouds, and workshops.
- Lower Primary Focus Areas: Phonics, fluency, comprehension, writing development, oral language, and word study.
- Upper Primary Focus Areas: Advanced comprehension, independent reading, critical thinking, genre exploration, public speaking, and vocabulary development.
S.T.E.A.M.
(Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics)
S.T.E.A.M. education is integrative, focusing on creative problem-solving across disciplines. Mathematics serves as the foundation, with science and engineering emphasizing experimentation and inquiry, while art and technology foster creativity and innovation. Hands-on learning experiences inspire curiosity and empower students as problem solvers.
Fine Arts and Performing Arts
The Visual Art program nurtures creativity and imagination through various art forms, fostering problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. Students explore art history and diverse cultures, understanding the vital role of the arts. The Performing Arts program offers opportunities to explore theater, dance, and music, developing artistic skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence.
Physical Education and Health
Physical education promotes well-being, motor skills development, and self-confidence. The program lays the foundation for lifelong physical activity, emphasizing the mastery of fundamental movement skills and increasing physical fitness.
Experiential Learning
Education is connected to real-world contexts through field trips, master classes, guest speakers, and special events. These experiences are linked to inquiry units, with examples including museum visits, 3D sculpting classes, and concerts, enhancing students’ understanding and engagement.
Service Learning
Service learning is integrated into the primary experience, with each grade level participating in projects that apply character education in real-world contexts. For example, grade 2 students participate in a “Kindness Walk” with ImpactHK, reflecting on their learning and using it to serve the community.
Well Being
House
House sessions foster a strong sense of community, allowing students to connect with peers and receive daily guidance from their teacher. This regular interaction helps teachers understand students’ individual needs, creating a supportive and trusting environment.
Character Development
The character development program focuses on social-emotional learning (SEL) and global citizenship. Using the Second Step® curriculum, students build self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Service-learning projects and intercultural exchanges empower students to become leaders who embody courage, agency, resilience, and empathy (C.A.R.E.).
Health and Wellness
The comprehensive health and wellness curriculum addresses academic, mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Students develop skills for managing stress, building resilience, and making informed choices about nutrition, physical activity, and relationships.
Collaboration with Tsinghua University Primary School (THPS)
DSHK is proud to collaborate with Tsinghua University Primary School, a prestigious and innovative institution in China with a history of over 100 years. Initially established for the families of Tsinghua University professors, THPS has grown into a global leader in education, renowned for its commitment to innovation, research, and a global outlook.
THPS’s six-year primary education program is designed to nurture students who are moral, thoughtful, articulate, and scholarly. The essence of their educational philosophy is beautifully captured in the saying:
“一流好品格、一種好思維、一手好漢字、一副好口才、一篇好文章。”
This partnership between DSHK and THPS is rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to student-centered learning. The collaboration brings numerous enriching opportunities to DSHK:
- Student Exchange Programs:DSHK students have the chance to participate in exchange programs at the THPS satellite campus in Beijing. These exchanges offer an immersive experience in a new cultural and academic environment, deepening students’ understanding of Chinese culture and language.
- Teacher Professional Development:The partnership fosters professional growth through the exchange of teaching practices and innovative methods. This initiative strengthens the professional skills of educators at both DSHK and THPS, promoting continuous improvement and excellence in teaching.
- Curriculum Integration:THPS’s well-researched curriculum and award-winning teaching materials are adapted into traditional Chinese characters for use at DSHK. This allows DSHK to incorporate THPS’s high-quality educational resources into its own curriculum, enhancing the rigor and quality of Chinese language instruction in a Hong Kong context.
Through this collaboration, DSHK and THPS are building a dynamic dual-language, multicultural learning community that enriches students’ educational experiences. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, this partnership ensures that students are well-prepared with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a diverse and globalized world.
