Primary Principals' Newsletter

Last week, Kingston International School hosted an engaging two-day IBPYP professional development workshop focused on fostering conceptual understanding in learning and teaching. The workshop kicked off with sessions aimed at defining specified concepts, conceptual understanding, as well as identifying how these concepts manifest in our learners. Kingston teachers explored the vital role of inquiry in developing conceptual understanding, setting a strong foundation for the days ahead.

Throughout the workshop, teachers delved deeper into conceptually driven learning, examining how concepts can serve as content organizers within the curriculum. They engaged in discussions on transdisciplinarity and the importance of central ideas and lines of inquiry. These sessions provided valuable insights into designing units that promote a holistic approach to learning, ensuring that educators can effectively support their students' conceptual development.

The second day culminated in reflections on current teaching practices and strategies to enhance conceptual understanding. Kingston staff collaborated to define tools that support assessment and evidence of learning, reinforcing their understanding of how to cultivate capable learners.

On October 3, Kingston parents had the opportunity to attend a thought-provoking talk by ICHK Acting Head Sean McDermott on the accelerating changes educators are facing today. His insights into the evolving landscape of education highlighted the urgent need for a broader set of skills and priorities if our children are to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Sean emphasized how ICHK is at the forefront of preparing students for the future. Parents learned about the innovative approaches being implemented, which offer students greater choice and flexibility in their learning paths. It was inspiring to hear how ICHK is not just focused on traditional examinations, but is dedicated to equipping students with essential skills and attributes that are crucial for their personal and professional development.

The discussion also provided a glimpse into the many innovations being developed at ICHK. Sean explained how teachers strive to find the right balance between nurturing students' potential and ensuring their holistic well-being. This approach fosters a positive school experience, encouraging students to engage deeply with their learning while enjoying the journey.

Overall, the event was a valuable reminder of the importance of adaptability in education and the role that schools like ICHK play in shaping a brighter future for our children. It was heartening to see such a commitment to not only academic excellence but also to the overall growth and happiness of students.

On October 22nd, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting a parent workshop led by Kristan Leung, a Senior Occupational Therapist from ChildPsy. This informative session focused on the essential role of sensory integration in children's academic and behavioral development.

Throughout the 45-minute presentation, Kristan provided valuable insights into sensory processing from a neuroscience perspective. She explained the Sensory Integration Model and its significance in addressing sensory challenges. Parents learned how sensory processing issues can impact their children's behavior, learning, and emotional well-being.

Kristan also shared practical home interventions to support children with sensory difficulties. Her wealth of experience and passion for empowering parents made the workshop not only enlightening but also actionable.

ChildPsy is providing free 15 minute Occupational Therapy Assessments and Speech Therapy Assessments for Kingston students. If you are interested in having your child assessed please use the links below to fill in the ChildPsy form. This is a ChildPsy form not a Kingston form. Once you have completed the form someone from ChildPsy will contact you directly.

Occupational Therapy Form

Speech Therapy Form

What is Conceptual Learning?

Conceptual learning is fundamental to the International Baccalaureate (IB) education, particularly in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). It focuses on understanding broad, abstract ideas that connect factual knowledge across subjects. This approach allows students to make meaningful connections and apply their skills in various contexts.

Why is Conceptual Understanding Important?

Connection and Application: Conceptual understanding enables students to link their knowledge across different subjects, enhancing their ability to transfer what they've learned to new situations. For example, understanding the concept of change can help students relate their scientific studies on ecosystems to historical events like climate change.

Critical Thinking: It encourages learners to think critically about their knowledge. They learn to ask important questions, consider multiple solutions to problems, and appreciate different perspectives. This is vital for developing independent thinkers who can navigate complex issues.

Dynamic Learning Process: Conceptual understanding is not static; it evolves as students engage with new experiences and ideas. As they explore and reconfigure their knowledge, they identify misconceptions and deepen their understanding. This ongoing process helps students adapt their thinking and learning strategies.

Exploring Concepts in the PYP

The PYP utilizes specified concepts to guide inquiry-based learning. These concepts include:

Form: What is it like?

Function: How does it work?

Causation: Why is it as it is?

Change: How is it transforming?

Connection: How is it linked to other things?

Perspective: What are the points of view?

Responsibility: What are our obligations?

For instance, in a unit on “health and well-being,” students might explore how relationships impact personal health (Function), recognize the responsibilities they have toward each other (Responsibility), and understand the connections between community and individual health (Connection).

The Role of Inquiry-Based Learning

Concept-based inquiry acts as a powerful vehicle for promoting understanding and engagement with significant ideas. Through carefully crafted units of inquiry, students explore central ideas that invite them to think critically and connect their learning to real-world contexts. This method not only enriches their understanding but also prepares them for future learning.

Differentiating Conceptual and Fact-Based Learning

Unlike fact-based learning, which focuses on memorization and isolated knowledge, conceptual learning encourages exploration and analysis. Concepts are dynamic and can be applied across various subjects, helping students see relationships and patterns. This approach fosters deeper understanding and encourages students to think beyond the facts.

Supporting Conceptual Learning at Home

As parents, you can support your child's conceptual learning by:

• Encouraging them to ask questions about what they learn and explore those questions further.

• Helping them make connections between their schoolwork and real-life experiences.

• Discussing current events and encouraging them to think about the implications and perspectives involved.

• Engaging in activities that promote critical thinking, such as puzzles, debates, or collaborative projects.

Conclusion

Conceptual learning is essential in the IB-PYP as it fosters a deeper understanding, critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge across contexts. By supporting this approach at home, you can help your child become an inquisitive and thoughtful learner, ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Kingston’s Basketball Team members have been invited to participate in the ASA 2024 Youth 3x3 Basketball Tournament, organized by Adventure Sport Academy Limited, taking place on November 23, 2024, at Sai Sha GO PARK in the New Territories. The tournament aims to promote physical health and essential qualities such as teamwork, respect, and resilience among youth through basketball.

The tournament will follow the International 3x3 Basketball Rules, featuring 8-minute games, with prizes awarded to the top teams, including trophies, medals, and certificates. This is a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills, foster sportsmanship, and enjoy a day of competitive basketball. We look forward to our players making the most of this opportunity!

Last week, our Year 5 students hosted an exciting Market Day event, where they showcased their entrepreneurial skills by creating and selling their own businesses. In groups of 3-4, students took on the roles of founders, each investing an equal amount of money to cover the costs of resources needed to produce their goods. They meticulously tracked their finances using a company financial ledger, ensuring they understood the importance of budgeting and investment.

During Market Day, the students sold their products to Upper Primary students, who represented their target market. They carefully considered what items would be in demand and set competitive prices to attract buyers. Each group became the producers of their goods and services, using their investments to purchase necessary materials from a supplier, while also being mindful that any materials brought from home would incur a hefty import tax. This simulation taught them valuable lessons in economics and the role of supply and demand.

To maximize their profits, the Year 5 students created advertisements to persuade their peers to purchase, demonstrating creativity and strategic thinking. The event was a fantastic success, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in a real-world setting, fostering teamwork, and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit.

On Saturday November 9, 2024 Kingston will be hosting our annual Open House Day. Open House is a fun day that offers a chance for families to get to know each other and even bring friends who they think might be interested in enrolling their children here. We will soon be sending out a flyer with all the details, so please stay tuned!