To all the anxious parents....about CCKG

momfromhkg

Hi,
it is interesting to read the threads by the 'anxious' parents about preparing their child for CCKG interview. I can truly understand cos I was one of them!
It's always easier when you've been through it . Here's my experience that I hope can help.....:
About CCKG - why it's so outstanding:
- the school philosophy and way of educating the child is great. Encouraging child to be independent (e.g. they have to take out their textbooks themselves when they enter classroom, teacher won't do it themselves or check parents' feedback to school...) and they are not pushy in stuffing kids with 'difficult' learning. They base their curriculum on the developmental ability and suitability of the kids' age group
- the happy environment of the school. Somehow, my child's so happy in school she said: I want to go to school day and night. And would be sad to miss school cos of illness.
- The school is firm and 'educate' the parents, not maid. Cos HKG parents are pretty 'gan cheong'. Like parking the posh car outside the school gate. The principle has briefed parents not to do so cos of safety reason but you can still see one or 2 parents doing so, or in affirming the parents in not worrying that the school homework is too easy.  School notices are such a pleasurable read.
Which kindergarten has best chance?
- my child's classmates are from many different kindergartens - Keenmind, ESF, St Cat, Kentville, HKPS....so I think it's the child the principal looks at. Somehow, she is just so experienced in choosing the child cos as all parents said, the interview is only less than 5 mins and the questions are so....simple.
Is interview class necessary?
- Only train your child to speak English.  I would say if your child is fluent in English, then don't waste money cos the interview is really so easy.
- I would say parents must be careful not to pass their anxiety over to the child cos I saw parents drilling the child during the queue. It is really not necessary cos what should be done should have been done. It will only make your child nervous.
- Must train your child not to cry. Cos one girl who kept crying during the term was asked to leave and another girl got the chance to come in. (so don't give up hope even if you are on waiting list.)
For parents preparing their kid to enter Laselle or the traditional Chinese school, I think it's not neccessary to go to CCKG cos it would be difficult for the kid to adjust to a traditional school setting cos CCKG is very 'international'.
Hope it helps.....Good luck to all the parents and let's hope all our kids are happy in school!

Radiomama

Dear momfromhkg,

Thank you so much for your sharing.  I have read your message before.
I want to know:
1) Does your kid miss her previous kindergarten?
2) Any transitional period for the new one?  (to adapt the new practices?)
3) Would there be more girls than boys in a class?  
It will be a precious chance to train my boy to face someone by himself.  I would tell him it's a funny test to a funny school.

pyyip

Dear  momfromhkg ,
Thanks you for your sharing.

momfromhkg

原文章由 Radiomama 於 07-11-24 13:58 發表
Dear momfromhkg,

Thank you so much for your sharing.  
You are most welcome. I myself have gained a lot from Babykingdom from kind parents. I see this as an exchange of info. Afterall, we all want the best for our kids. And I belief when you give, you receive......

I have read your message before.
I want to know:
1) Does your kid miss her previous kindergarten?
She misses her best friend most. Initially she misses her Chinese teacher but kids out grow them after a while. But they do remember and miss the good ones.
Initially she talks about what they were allowed to do in the kindergarten and here in CCKG, she cannot but after a while, she settles in very well. I would say it's the teachers, they are brilliant.
Though they do not initiate communication with parents, the children loves them. What's more important, isn't it? I totally accept that cos sometimes parents can be unreasonable pushy and aggressive - all cos of their anxiety to get into DBS or DGS. This I can understand but I really hate to see selfish parents, what values are we instilling?
This is another thing I like about CCKG. Mrs Fielding always 'educate' and set the parents on the right track. She is fantastic, I think.
2) Any transitional period for the new one?  (t ...

Definitely. All children will have. In the first few weeks, though she braved the new environment, she often said she wanted to go back to her kindergarten. But kids are quick to adjust unless it is the teachers who are mean....it's really luck sometimes, I would say. Really depends on your child and my child is considered quiet an emotional girl, when she likes someone, she misses them dearly and can feel sad.
By the way radiomama, I've also read your thread. Is your child in CCKG?

Radiomama

momfromhkg,

My boy is in Victoria (HMT) now and we will try to apply for CCKG.  It's not easy since he's so timid and I could imagine what will happen during the interview----definitely cry!

momfromhkg

Oh, Victoria is a good school too.
I suppose bring him out more to talk to strangers, that might help.
But even if he does not get in (cos honestly I think it's also luck - only 42 boys n 42 girls will get the place), Victoria has very good curriculum. At least he will get to be educated in 3 languages, this is something missing in CCKG - Mandarin.
Good luck!