A Small School With a Big Heart
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YMCA Christian Academy (YCA) is a unique community-oriented private primary school on Hong Kong Island offering a vibrant, future-ready curriculum. “We are blessed with a closely connected community, amazing parents, and engaged and motivated students. The majority of our new students join YCA through parent referrals” says Geoff Blaik, Principal. Following the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and through our broad, balanced curriculum, students are empowered to identify and follow their passions and interests. Students learn how to be agents, taking ownership of their learning and development, maintaining a curious and reflective posture. We focus on the development of the whole child so that every student will grow and thrive academically, physically, spiritually, and socially. “We have watched as my son gained confidence in himself and in his ability to support his peers who have become his good friends,” says a Year 1 parent. For this to happen, we maintain a nurturing learning environment and offer a range of support for students’ wellbeing and pastoral care.
Wellbeing Curriculum & Pastoral Care Matters
We offer a holistic, child-centred approach. We use the best of both the Jigsaw PSHE programme (UK) and Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (Australia) to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive as an individual, a family member, and as part of the wider community. “From the moment they arrive at school, they are greeted by name. They have personal conversations with staff and wellbeing check-ins as they enter the class,” says Mr. Blaik.
Throughout the curriculum, students develop skills to help them monitor and manage their wellbeing, such as self-control, problem solving, and gratitude. “They are trained to build habits that can help with their wellbeing, such as daily reflection, positively expressing emotions, and seeking collaborative support,” says Mr. Vallecer, Vice…