Q&As of Early Years Center

We were invited to answer some frequently asked questions by a local parent-child account Qianmeijia. We would like to share the Q&A video with all parents. For more detailed information, please sign up for the experience day.

Q1 What kind of kindergarten is Boston International School Early Years Center? Comparing to other kindergartens in Wuxi, what’s the core advantage of Boston International School Early Years Center?

The Early Years Center implements the IB PYP concept. The unit of inquiry of PYP focuses on the inquiries and interdisciplinary learning of pre-school students. Meanwhile, the Early Years Center uses a curriculum that stays in the line with our Elementary School and Secondary School. We provide a continuum education for students from 3 years old to 18 years old.

Comparing to the other kindergartens in Wuxi, one of the biggest advantages of our Early Years Center is that we are a part of Boston International School, the only IB Continuum School in Wuxi that offers IB curriculum from the Early Years to High School. Thanks to that, the Early Years Center is enjoying the top educational resources within the Wuxi area, which guarantees the high-quality course delivered by consistently progressing teachers. Our teachers are all equipped with teacher’s licenses and rich experiences. The school organizes regular workshops and trainings for teachers to guarantee their career development. We value the individual development of each child, make suitable plans and targets for them through group activities and provide a respectful, safe, warm and free inquiry environment for them. Children are encouraged to be life-long learners.

The school is located near Wuxi New District government in Xinwu District of Wuxi. School transport is available for families who live within the city of Wuxi. The area of structure is over 4000 square meters, including which over 1500 square meters are independent outdoor activity areas. The school can provide 14 classes at most for students to study in.

 

Q2 Can you share something about your curriculum?

In Boston International School, we stick to the IB philosophy, aiming at developing the IB learner profiles of the children. In the meantime, we are inspired by Reggio Emilia Approach to create a unique inquiry curriculum. We also respect the culture background of different students as well as the local culture.At Boston International School, we see students as the active participants of their learning activities. We cherish and support their curiosity and observation, cultivating their abilities of exploration and research. Teachers will expand the courses according to children’s interests and stimulate their potentials.

 

Q3 At what age can my child apply to the school?

We accept students from 18 months to 5 years old. We open classes from toddlers to EY4. Start from 6 years old, students join our Kindergarten class that makes up part of our Elementary School.

 

Q4 What is your daily schedule?

We start the day at 8:30am and classes are over at 3:30pm. We offer lunch and snacks (twice a day). After lunch, we have rest time. For students from EY3 and above, they can choose extra-curriculum courses after school, which lasts an hour every day from Monday to Thursday.

 

Q5 What is your teacher/ student ratio?

We have three teachers for each class. For toddlers, the teacher/ student ratio is 1:8. For EY3 and EY4, the teacher/ student ratio is 1:10. We enjoy a competitive teacher/ student ratio, which allows teachers to focus on individual development and implement personalized education.

 

Q5 What is your teacher/ student ratio?

We have three teachers for each class. For toddlers, the teacher/ student ratio is 1:8. For EY3 and EY4, the teacher/ student ratio is 1:10. We enjoy a competitive teacher/ student ratio, which allows teachers to focus on individual development and implement personalized education.

 

Q7 How do you support students with their English learning? How long will it take for children to speak fluent English?

A pure English-speaking environment is essential for children. We will raise children’s sensibility towards English through fun games and activities. The students will learn the useful words under the English-speaking culture background and encouraged to listen and speak. What’s more important is that we develop children’s mind and guide them to think with simple English, which lays a solid foundation for their future English study.Children will experience different phases of their English learnings, including quiet period, in which children learn through quietly listening to the environment. When they are confident enough, they will start communicating with some simple words and sentences.

 

Q8 What kinds of elementary schools can children go after graduating from your school?

Students are able to continue their study in our Elementary School.  The transition from kindergarten to elementary school is a key point on the path of children’s growth. Therefore, we will arrange and coordinate every detail of the transition to ensure the children develop into elementary school smoothly.  Our teachers from both Early Years Center and Elementary School will hold joint events several months before their new enrolment. The students will be introduced to their future teachers and classrooms. The parents, at the same time. Will get full support through the transition.

You can also choose a local school or bilingual school. Some parents are worried that children from an international kindergarten will have problems immerse into local schools. It is not necessary. Like Chinese local education, international education also raises strict requirements for students. Children will study knowledge of language, arts and science, while also learn other skills like behaving well, obeying rules, being principled. The international education concept shares many same points with Chinese local education, like being balanced and being knowledgeable. We are aiming at developing talented students that adapt to international environment and a frequently changing world.

Q9 What preparations we should do to help children adapt their life in kindergarten?

It is one of the first big events for babies to leave their homes and joining a kindergarten. They will face different levels of separation anxiety for sure. As parents, we have to be well prepared.1. Help children to get mental preparations. Cultivate their expectations for the happy life at the school. Be prepared that they will cry at the beginning.

2. Get the supplies ready: clothes, embroidered names, soft shoes, slippers, etc. Get the physical examination and decide which family member is going to help with the commuting.