Welcoming the New Semester at Hiba Academy Hangzhou: A Journey of Exploration and Growth
As the doors of Hiba Academy Hangzhou reopened for a new semester, the air was filled with anticipation and joy. This first week has showcased our unwavering dedication to creating an inspiring and inviting learning environment. Our efforts have ensured that our pupils experience a smooth and joyful transition, settling in with smiles and excitement.
Hiba Academy Hangzhou (Nursery)
Inspiring and Inviting Learning Environment to Support Settling in
At Nursery, we understand that the foundation of a successful academic journey begins with a nurturing environment. Our classrooms and learning areas are thoughtfully designed to captivate the imagination and curiosity of our children. Natural elements and colours, intentional teaching and learning resources, engaging provocations, and cosy spaces offer a warm welcome, transforming our nursery into a second home.
Outdoor areas have been especially curated to allow children to explore and discover the world around them. The calming natural surroundings encourage young minds to engage their senses, cultivate their curiosity, and foster a deep love of nature. This harmonious environment provides the perfect backdrop for our little adventurers to embark on their educational journey, with various opportunities offered for their learning and development.
We also provided a staggered start for our younger children to help them transit smoothly from home to school. For example, our EY1 children experienced their first half day with a group of their class peers, followed by the second half day exploring with all of their class peers before they experienced their first full day in Nursery.
Collaborative Teaching Team Facilitated the Home to School Transition
The transition from home to school is a significant milestone for every child. Our well-prepared teaching team at Hiba Academy are diligently trained to offer both academic and emotional support during this period. Understanding each child’s unique needs and temperament, our educators have tailored their approaches to make each child feel comfortable and valued.
From welcoming the children at the gate in the early morning, the whole Nursery team collaborated on all routines, learning opportunities and transition to reinforce the positive experience for each child and family to dismissal at the end of the day. The objective of the nursery team is to cooperate to make sure that the children are the primary focus.
During the first week, our team has focused on building trust and rapport with both children and parents. Activities are designed to be engaging and inclusive, ensuring that every child feels connected and eager to participate. Using elements from home, songs, stories and interactive play, our teachers have successfully created a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels just like home.
Effective Home School Communication to Achieve the Same Goal
We believe that effective communication between home and school is essential to achieving our common objective: the holistic development of each child. From the outset, fostering a strong partnership with parents has been a top priority. Updates of the children settling in, regular check-in conversations and open lines of communication through a range of platforms ensure that parents are actively involved in their child’s learning journey.
We have greeted our families for the new school year, with a shared goal of staying connected. During the Orientation session led by the Head and Deputy Head of Early Years, we have informed our parent community about the Focus of the year and our Nursery core competence. Additionally, the teaching team has provided key information about each of their unique class communities to parents during the session. This has ensured that parents are well-prepared for their children's return to school.
Our teachers are always available to discuss any observations with parents, allowing for a seamless exchange of information. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent support and encouragement both at home and at school, helping them to thrive.
Independent Young Learners Lead the Way to Take on Their New Adventures
At nursery, we celebrate the natural independence and enthusiasm of young learners. From day one, we encourage children to take the lead in their learning experiences, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence. By offering choices in activities and self-directed exploration, we empower our pupils to explore their interests and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In just the first week, it has been incredible to witness the blossoming of independent thinkers. Our children are already showing a keen sense of responsibility and an eagerness to discover new things. This self-assurance will be a cornerstone of their educational journey, setting the stage for lifelong learning.
Hiba Academy Hangzhou (Primary)
Ruth Smith
Deputy Head of Primary
We warmly welcome our new and returning pupils and parents back to Hiba Academy after the long summer holidays and we hope that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable break. As we begin this new academic year, we are filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the many exciting learning opportunities that lie ahead across the entire curriculum.
At Hiba Academy, we value working in partnership with our pupils and their families. Our shared goal is to celebrate our pupils' numerous successes, both big and small. This year, we are particularly excited about the variety of innovative and engaging programmes we have planned. From hands-on science experiments to creative arts projects and enriching physical education activities, there is something designed to spark curiosity and excitement in every pupil.
We are especially pleased with the success of our new pupil orientation event. This initiative has played a vital role in facilitating a smooth transition for our new pupils and their families. It has given them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique culture of Hiba Academy, and to see firsthand the nurturing and supportive community that we are proud to maintain. The friendships and bonds that have already begun to form are a testament to our collective spirit, and the smiling faces of our pupils are evidence of their happiness and sense of belonging.
This week, we hosted our 'Meet the Teacher' events, which have been well received and attended. These sessions were designed to introduce parents with their child's teachers, provide a comprehensive overview of what a typical school day entails, and offer a platform for parents to ask questions and connect with other families within their child's class. The positive feedback from parents highlights the importance of these events in strengthening the home-school connection and fostering a sense of community.
As educators and staff, we are extremely impressed with how the pupils have already exemplified the Hiba values of kindness, responsibility, and respect. Their behaviour and positive attitude are impressive and set a strong foundation for the year ahead. We are confident that, with such an impressive start, this academic year will be nothing short of excellent.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with parents throughout the year to ensure that every pupil at Hiba Academy can flourish and reach their full potential. Together, we can create an environment where learning is celebrated, and every child feels valued and supported.
