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HONG KONG
AFTER SCHOOL GUIDE 2021
best activities for kids beyond the school gates
After School Guide 2021 2
Editor’s letter
Meet the team behind the After School Guide 2021
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Multilingual in the making
Raising a global communicator
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8 STEM
Aid the leaders of tomorrow
10 Online activities
Making the best of online resources
12 Mini explorers
Lessons and camps beyond the classroom
14 Be CreARTive
Sparking creativity in future artists
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17 Ace those exams
Setting students up for success
18 A helping hand
Education guidance and where to find it
20 Aspiring athletes
Training in all sorts of sports
24 Old school games
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Bring back the classics
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who’s in charge? Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com
Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater
Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla
Senior Writer Charmaine Ng
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Event Manager Pranali Gupta
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Sales & Partnership Manager Debbie Ky
Publisher matt@hongkongliving.com Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director tom@hongkongliving.com Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Editor’s letter As a child I absolutely loved to read, write, sing, dance and invent all sorts of contraptions that I would concoct in the hours between school’s end and bedtime. Don’t get me wrong, I loved watching television too, and while I cherish the time spent watching my favourite cartoons that now form part of my childhood memories, the snapshots of my upbringing that really stand out are the hours I spent actively exploring my adventurous side – beyond the classroom, beyond the confines of my campus. I would play tennis, shoot hoops with my brother, go ice skating – I’d do all of the things that, as adults, we just don’t have the time to do… or so we tell ourselves. Childhoods are enriched by opportunities to freely express, explore and examine the world around us. With this After School Guide, our aim is to give your kids a place to start. When school can become an all-eclipsing element in a child’s life, it’s imperative that they have avenues of fun and adventure, too. So whether it’s sailing and horseback riding or
drama and STEM, we have included numerous places that provide opportunities for children’s growth and development outside of traditional academics. Best of all, we sat down with some education experts who graciously relayed their best advice to give your children the greatest chance of success, whether it’s in exam preparation, science, arts, sports or bespoke tuition. To cap it all off, we’ve included a list of old school games on the backpage to introduce your kids to. Spend quality time with them battling over games you used to play as a child. Have fun! yelene
Che
Contributors Photos: ESF Sports, Mini Mandarins, iSpeech, Tennis Elite, Hebe Haven Yacht Club and Hong Kong Academy
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HONG KONG hongkongliving.com After School Guide is published by Hong Kong Living Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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Charmaine Ng Born and raised in Hong Kong, Charmaine knows all the ins and outs of the city, including where to get the best pork chop rice (hint: it’s a chain restaurant). In her spare time, she likes to write stories and spend an absurd amount of time on social media.
Bella Huang Our newest intern Bella Huang is a journalism student currently taking a gap year to explore herself and the city. She believes that travelling, reading and talking to people are the best ways for personal growth.
Vicky Lam Vicky is a graphic designer based in Hong Kong. She is a fanatic about typographic design in newspapers, books and magazines. On weekends, she loves going on hikes, taking photos of the city, shopping and hunting for the best coffee spots.
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readers' say
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expert advice
Inspire the future
Education experts relay their best advice on how to motivate kids
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David Hanson
Yolanda Miller
Joanna Hotung
Founder of Hanson Robotics and Creator of Sophia the Robot
Director at British Tutors
Founder and CEO of KG Group Education
“Learning institutions don't necessarily always emphasise dreaming, imagination and creativity. But the irony is that almost everybody who really changes the world is driven by dreams.”
“Your child’s mental wellbeing is as important as their academic development. They need people to talk to, to bounce ideas off and to guide them.”
“The arts help children anchor their experiences, explore freely, and make sense of their world and the issues around them."
p17 Liz Gower
p23 Vincent Alarcon
Manager at AMG
Director of Sports at ESF Sports & Language
“Ensure that the material they are learning in school is understood on a week-by-week basis and isn’t allowed to sit in an ‘I’ll revise that later’ pigeon-hole.”
“Nothing is easy and shouldn’t just be handed to you. Sport also helps children learn how to deal with pressure and stress in a safe environment.”
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language
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bonjour
Learn the lingo Travel around the world with these language classes articles, students can learn everyday terminology and gain confidence in the langage. dslc.com.hk
Le Club des cinq Founded in 2013, Le Club des cinq - French Learning Centre has created FRENCH programmes according to the age and the level of each child. From discovering the French language to IGCSE or IB preparation, the aim of the school is to offer the best French classes for everyone. frenchlessons.hk
Mini Mandarins Children aged eighteen months and above get the best of both worlds at Mini Mandarins, which combines language learning with interactive play. With made-to-scale models of MANDARIN real-world places, children are immersed in everyday situations to develop fluency and practical vocabulary. minimandarins.com
Dante Alighieri Italian Language Learning Centre A registered charitable institution promoting Italian
ITALIAN
language studies and culture throughout the world. Its learning centre offers group, private and corporate classes for children and adults. Partnering with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and other Italian cultural associations, the centre frequently hosts Italian cultural activities. ladante.cc
Spanish World Language Centre Located on Pottinger Street in Central, Spanish World Language Centre provides SPANISH kids, teens and adults with a wide variety of Spanish language courses, including group lessons and private classes. Classes are open to those aged three and above and can be taught in small groups, individually or online. spanishworldgroup.com
Hong Kong Institute of Languages True to its name, Hong Kong Institute of Languages teaches a wide range of MULTIPLE languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese courses for children aged 18 months to 12 years. It occasionally hosts special events for students to mingle and learn through play. hklanguages.com
Dr. Sackmann’s language education centre Founded and run by renowned German linguist Dr. Robin Sackmann, this centre provides a relaxed GGERMAN ERMAN and fun environment for children and adults to learn German. Using multimedia techniques including German videos, radio programmes and magazine
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STEM
Crack the code From coding to engineering, nurture your child’s curiosity with these STEM classes David Hanson, founder of Hanson Robotics and creator of Sophia the robot, on the importance of science and imagination
“I came from a pretty bookish, scholarly family. There was a lot of emphasis placed on the wonder and magic of reading, so I read a lot as a kid in a diversity of subjects that included fiction and nonfiction. But science fiction was
most exciting to me because it was looking ahead and it was asking the question, ‘What if? What if we could create genuine thinking machines? And how would that change the world?’ I was really into the world of imagination. You know, I think, often, people did not think of science fiction as an art form, but of course it is. Now, there is a great deal of legitimacy in it as art. Science fiction inspires artists, filmmakers, but also scientists and engineers in pursuing careers. I was inspired by the creative and imaginative side of the world of culture and learning. Learning institutions don't necessarily always emphasise dreaming, imagination and creativity. But the irony is that almost everybody who really changes the world is driven by dreams. My interest in science meeting art is
unusual, but we should open our hearts and minds to misfits and outsiders. And as outsiders and misfits, we should be comfortable with being unusual. Perhaps those are two disciplines that are very difficult to master but I think that if families and communities can open up, we can feel more of a sense of trust to take risks with ideas and encourage kids. In Hong Kong, there is such an emphasis on the value of science and academic accomplishment so I don't think that anybody would feel embarrassed to be interested in science here. However, in other parts of the world, it can be a bit of an embarrassment. But I am hopeful that I can pass on the message that if you do feel like you're an outsider, it's okay. It may actually be a sign that you're up to something great.”
Coding kids Coding Kids is an online education platform where kids and adults can find classes that fit their time and needs. For the youngest age group of six to eight years of age, Coding Kids offers fun coding adventures and web development exercises. The more advanced classes include lessons to learn JavaScript, Python and digital art. codingkidshk.com
Creative Coding Kids are encouraged to tinker and explore in STEAM-based courses at Creative Coding. Their range of courses in coding and robotics teach students to develop the 4Cs of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking – all essential skills for the future – through learning programming language and designing their own robots with sensors and LEDs. creativecoding.hk
Bricks 4 Kidz Bricks 4 Kidz delivers hands-on, playbased educational classes using LEGO bricks. Children aged 2 to twelve yeas old can explore architectural, engineering and technological concepts in creative themes such as space inventions, famous buildings
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and natural disasters. They also host holiday camps, birthday parties and nights out for kids. bricks4kidz.com.hk
Cobo Academy Give your child a head start into the future through solving real-world problems. Cobo
science fun Academy offers early exposure to coding and robotics for children ages four and above. Students are divided by age group into various programmes including Intern, Junior, Senior, Principal and Fellow. Fun fact: these programme names are inspired by the engineer ranks used by Google and Microsoft. coboacademy.com
Coding 101 Coding 101 is a trusted STEM and coding education partner established by a group of IT and education professionals. Its courses are perfect for children ranging from primary
to tertiary level to reinforce their STEM education, with inventive robotics workshops and coding lessons for SCRATCH, App, Inventor 2, Python and more. coding101.hk
Dalton Learning Lab Dalton Learning Lab has a student-centric
approach to help children gain knowledge by encouraging them to solve real-world tech problems. They aim to improve the digital proficiency of kids particularly in AI and robotics, areas that are viewed as the most prevalent in our tech-driven future. daltonlearninglab.com
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fun time
Online activities
Brainpop
Rich Kid Smart Kid
Brainpop offers a number of educational videos for students in grade K-12, covering the subjects of science, social sciences, arts, music and many more. Alongside animated movies, the site incorporates quizzes, challenges, and worksheets to help your children study with fun. It is a great resource to learn with ease from the comfort of your home. brainpop.com
Financial literacy is becoming increasingly important for future leaders and entrepreneurs. Rich Kid Smart Kid is a website that teaches children basic financial knowledge through engaging and interactive games. When your children get bored from textbook learning, you can show them how finance, business and investment works. richkidsmartkid.com
KinderArt
DOGO News provides timely age-appropriate news feeds for children. Topics include science, social studies, civics, world, environment and sports.This kid-friendly website makes it easy for children to get involved in current events discussions. dogonews.com
Kinder Art offers a wide range of art lessons and activities for children, from studying painting to taking a tour in art history. Different ages and grades are welcome – it caters to children from preschool to high school and beyond. This weekend, prepare some watercolors and crayons, and let your children unlock their creativity by creating art. kinderart.com
Epic
Khan Academy
To distract your children from smartphones and iPad, consider signing up for Epic. From social studies to math to science, thousands of popular, high-quality books are available for kids under grade 6. This awardwinning platform can feed the curiosity of every child and help them build the habit of independent reading. getepic.com
One of the most well-known educational websites, Khan Academy delivers classes in different subjects from grade one to nine. Originally focusing on math and science, the website now also offers courses in arts and humanities, test preps as well as economics. With over 6,500 video lessons available, it is a great education platform
DOGO News Kids
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for children to learn and grow. khanacademy.org
Code Studio Code.org is a non-profit organization aiming to make sure that every child has access to learning computer science. The platform offers different courses for grades K-5, 6-12 and beyond grade 12. By learning JavaScript, CSS, HTML and other programming languages, children are encouraged to build their own games, apps and websites. studio. code.org
Camp Wonderopolis With travel restrictions in place, Camp Wonderopolis offers an alternative – online summer learning camps. In this interactive learning environment, children can easily immerse themselves in the world of STEM and literacy. This is a fun way to gain knowledge of science, develop critical thinking and acquire other literacy skills. camp.wonderopolis.org
tailored tuition A professional perspective British Tutors on the benefits of one-to-one, bespoke tuition
In a year of tumultuous back-and-forth changes, children have had to adapt to learning online. For kids as young as four years old, this has meant hours plopped in front of a computer screen, struggling to stay focused and engaged with lesson plans that their teachers have persevered to deliver. Students have had limited ways to collaborate, share and reinforce what they’ve learned online in the last year. We spoke with British Tutors, a bespoke tuition company that hones in on the importance of a child’s attitude toward learning. Founded in 2008 “with the mission of creating independent critical thinkers who are able to see the connections between subjects, disciplines, cultures and ways of thinking, rather than the divisions,” British Tutors is based in Hong Kong and Singapore. Drawing on the best of the UK education system to enhance and complement schooling for international students, they prioritise the wellbeing and mindsets of their pupils. “We go beyond the school curriculum to instil in our pupils a love of learning through reading, discussion and debate. Above all, we encourage them to think critically and to have both the confidence and skill to express their own ideas and opinions. With confidence comes a motivation to succeed and an improvement in results.” When it comes to tailored learning, British Tutors is all for creating bespoke lessons to
keep students passionate about their education. “One-on-one tuition, especially that which takes place in a student’s home, changes the dynamic of learning completely. It takes learning away from being top-down classroom instruction and instead creates a collaborative environment between student and teacher that is entirely focused on the individual,” explains Yolanda Miller, Director of British Tutors. Taking a close look at the reality of what learning has been like for lots of students around the world during Covid, it’s clear that pivoting a child’s avenues of education can only help support them through the repetitive nature of Zoom lessons. “Tutors are able to deep-dive into what makes their student tick, their ways of learning, interests and any gaps in their understanding,” said Miller. “They can then use this to create a bespoke curriculum of lessons that fills in any holes, creates enthusiasm for the subject, inspires their tutee to see the endless possibilities in learning and encourages discursive, broad-thinking that steps beyond the confines of a strict syllabus.” We all remember what it was like to feel as though things were either going too fast or too slow in a classroom setting. Our teachers may have sped through something we didn’t fully grasp yet, or maybe they spent much too long on a topic that we perceived as easy to digest. Tailored tuition ensures that learning is done at a pace specific to the individual, giving them the best chance of success. “Foundational learning skills can be missed or not fully understood
in a classroom and this can create a rocky platform to build ongoing study. A huge benefit of bespoke tuition is that it can isolate these problems, which may have even occurred years before, and correct them.” If you’re wondering what you can do as a parent to give your child the best chance of success, the answer is to provide opportunities for them to actively learn and participate. “Your child’s mental wellbeing is as important as their academic development. Ensure that they have enough variety in their learning and activities. They need people to talk to, to bounce ideas off, and to guide them.”
Yolanda Miller, Director at British Tutors
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camps
Back to nature
Outdoor camps and activities to bring children back to their roots Outward Bound The premier provider of experience-based outdoor learning and leadership programmes, Outward Bound organises a variety of challenging and exciting outdoor camps for children and youth, allowing them to spread their wings and explore the natural world. outwardbound.org.hk
Scout Association of Hong Kong Hong Kong’s leading voluntary organisation for young people, the Scout Association of Hong Kong provides training programmes that challenge participants both physically and
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mentally. Scout training allows children and teens to not only serve their community and develop
go outdoors
nearby beaches, waterfalls and other islands. arkedenonlantau.org
islands of Sai Kung, beach games, kayaking and more. hhyc.org.hk
YMCA
YWCA International Kids Club
Best known for their camping programmes, YMCA provides regular camps for children aged five to 14 years old. Camps are split by age group and each programme has a specific focus. Sports camps, for example, help children develop healthy and active living habits, whilst specialty camps are learning focused and give children the opportunity to explore interests such as astronomy, cooking and photography. ymcahk.org.hk
Whether your kiddo is a cooking enthusiast, science buff, or a gymnast wannabe, the Easter Camps at the YWCA International Kids Club, running from March 29 to April 10, has over 100 camps running over the month of Easter, with activities such as cooking, music, drama, STEM, sports, and more. clle.ywca.org.hk
Hebe Haven Yacht Club
a sense of responsibility to society, but also to realise their full potential. scout.org.hk
Treasure Island
Adventure Watersports Weeks are run by Hebe Haven Yacht Club during the school holidays. The camps provide a safe and guided environment for children aged six to 14 years old to take part in a variety of different water-based activities. Expect fun outdoor adventures such as sailing on various dinghies at the centre, day trips to the outer
Get your kids out and about with Treasure Island. The outdoor education group offers transformative and rewarding outdoor experiences through a series of adventure, community and environmental programmes. With various exciting (and safe) surf and adventure camps, your children can explore their passion for life and the great outdoors. treasureislandhk.com
Ark Eden on Lantau Ark Eden has been running holiday camps for young children since 2008. These camps have become very popular and take place at Ark Eden’s beautiful forested valley garden, located in the foothills of Mui Wo. The holiday camp also offers occasional trips to
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arts
Be creARTive Dance, drama, music and art classes to spark creativity
Drama Faust International Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three to 18 at venues across Hong Kong. In fun, lively sessions, the drama school introduces children to the world of
theatre and creativity, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. Faust also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres throughout the year. faustworld.com.hk
Starlit Voice Infused with energy and creativity, each of Starlit Voice’s programmes are delivered by highly skilled and passionate practitioners. Teachers help develop the confidence of each individual learner and give them the platform to express their own unique ideas. starlitvoice.com
STAGE RIGHT! Enriching young people’s knowledge of theatre since 2011, STAGE RIGHT! offers workshops that allow children of all ages to explore their acting and performance skills and investigate real-world issues in a safe and controlled environment. stagerighthk.com
Arts & crafts ActivityBox Looking for fun, educational arts & crafts activities to entertain your kids at home after school or on weekends? The ActivityBox team delivers creative hands-on activities direct to your door. Created in Hong Kong by an experienced teacher, ActivityBox develops hands-on arts & craft activities for kids aged 3-8, packs up all the materials and instructions in a box and delivers them to your home. New fun themes every month. Choose from flexible subscription plans starting from $238/month, including free delivery. More than one child? Get the sibling add-on pack. Order online at activity-box.com
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creative classes Anastassia’s Art House Hong Kong’s only Russian Art Academy offers a range of structured art classes for adults and children aged three to 16 years old. The art house offers an array of classes, including painting, drawing, sketching, ceramics, creative drama and design. Art parties and workshops are also available. arthouse-hk.com
Artful Kids Established by professional artist and teacher Gail Deayton, Artful Kids is a unique world for children, all about creativity, laughter, learning and self-expression. The studio also holds parties for children with activities such as painting canvases and making hats fit for princesses. artful-kids.hk
Dance Twinkle Dance Offering ballet, jazz and contemporary dance classes for children aged 18 months and above, Twinkle Dance seeks to engage kids by using fun visual themes that they can connect with. All of its teachers have professional training and qualifications. twinkledance.com
Russian Ballet School The first ballet school in Hong Kong to follow the disciplined yet vibrant Vaganova system, the Russian Ballet School takes from the rich history of Russian ballet and teaches with a unique focus on performance readiness and individual correction, allowing every student to shine with elegance. russianballetschool-hk.com
BallroomBees Summer Dance and Movement Camp BallroomBees helps children develop both
gross motor skills and agility but also focuses on teamwork, social skills and etiquette. Children will learn choreography to well-known songs and learn to dance and move with a partner, developing confidence and social skills while interacting with their peers. ballroombees.com
Music & singing American Vocal Studio An elite vocal studio which provides students with the opportunity to study with some of the finest singing professionals in Asia. The studio specialises in a wide range of styles including pop, musical theater, classical and jazz. americanvocalstudio.com
Slack Track With students ranging from age seven to 76, Slack Track can make anyones DJing dreams come true. It’s studio features cutting-edge DJ equipment and friendly teachers on hand to guide you through the basics and even help you record your first EP. slacktraxstudio.com
Parkland Music A classic music school which offers a range of Children’s classes including piano, violin and even the ukulele. Students can learn the basics and go on to join the institution’s orchestra and choir. parklandmusic.com.hk
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creative classes A professional perspective Joanna Hotung, Founder and CEO at KG Group Education
Joanna Hotung is a founder, CEO and mother. Having grown up believing in the power of the arts to elicit joy, Hotung has always loved exploring her creative side. As a kid, she would invent board games with her sister, toy with crafts, sewing, knitting and painting. Now, she is the woman behind Face Productions, a company that specialises in performance training for teenagers and young adults and Kids’ Gallery, a creative arts learning centre that puts a focus on self-expression. The catalyst for her career in the arts education business stems from the frustration she felt as a mother. “My two young daughters were enrolled in a very traditional local kindergarten and one day my four-year-old ‘failed’ art as she wanted to paint an elephant orange instead of grey. The teacher’s insistence that elephants could only be grey reminded me how much I had learnt from being given the freedom to be imaginative as a child and made me realise that I wanted a lot more for my children’s education than this narrow approach.” That’s when Kids’ Gallery was born. Here, Joanna talks about the importance of arts for children’s development and the joy and life lessons that can be found in creativity. What are some values that children can to gain from delving into their creativity?
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What are the benefits of encouraging your child to take part in the arts? On the one hand, children’s worlds have become increasingly protected as parents micromanage their activities and shelter them from risk. On the other hand, children now have access to huge amounts of information and media that expand and sometimes confuse their horizons. The arts help children anchor their experiences, explore freely and make sense of their world and the issues around them.
Do you have any ex-students who have chosen to pursue the arts professionally? Among many students who have gone on to pursue the arts professionally, Megan Leung was enrolled in Kids’ Gallery classes for many years before going to the Guildhall School of Acting and then appearing in Law & Order: SVU. Harrison Saunders who studied visual arts with us went on to star in the movie My Pet Dinosaur. Kelly Conley performed with Justin Timberlake at Harvard University and then went on to work for Karlie Kloss in New York. Most recently Emmanuel Hui was involved in the making of the movie The Rescue. Several of our ex-students are currently studying at Tring Park and other performing arts schools and we follow their adventures with pride.
If a child seems serious about making a commitment to the arts, how can parents offer their support? Parents can best offer support through ongoing encouragement and allowing time for the child to really explore their interest both through classes and specific training and also free exploration. Opportunities to watch shows and visit museums and galleries also add to inspiration and commitment. Gentle nudges towards practice and routines are also helpful when motivation lags.
Any advice for parents with artistic children who are passionate about their craft? Support them as much as possible but also be realistic as to what their future path might be. Sometimes a university subject degree in English and Drama may be the option that opens up more career paths than pursuing an acting qualification at a conservatory. For those truly passionate about a career in the arts, they have to recognise all the challenges along the way.
Increased creativity and the arts provide an outlet for children to relax and have fun, helps them build self-confidence and problem-solving skills and – as academic memorisation is not the route to success – enable children to generate more original ideas for brainstorming and critical thinking.
study hard
Ace those exams Set your child up for success with a little extra help A professional perspective Liz Gower, Manager and School Supervisor at AMG Since 1992, AMG has helped countless students through their school entrance and term examinations, as well as IGCSE, GCSE, HKCEE, IB and A Level exams. Liz Gower shares her advice for students and parents during exam season. Good lifestyle habits: As a parent, encouraging good habits like maintaining a healthy sleep pattern and exercise routine makes top of the list. Week-by-week learning: The best way to prepare students for any exam is to ensure that the material they are learning in school is understood on a week-by-week basis and isn’t allowed to sit in an ‘I’ll revise
that later’ pigeon-hole. This pigeon-hole can soon become a massive trunk of poorly remembered and rarely applied information. Ask questions: Smaller, regular practice exercises (in weekly sessions), with questions similar to those they will face on their exams, helps to keep students' knowledge sharp and at the forefront of their minds. Build a timetable: Help them build a revision timetable and hold students accountable to ensure they stick to it. AMG’s experienced tutors can help students assess the amount of revision they need to do, with this extra help, the home front becomes a place for support instead of confrontation.
Bespoke Tuition Offering a customised one-to-one or small group home tutoring solutions for students by the hour, week or full time. A consultant is on hand to guide you through the process of handpicking tutors to suit a student’s unique objectives and personality. Every school and university subject is covered, as well as key study and life skills, including exam technique, time management, public speaking and critical thinking. bespoketuition.com
Sylvan Learning Centre By using a diagnostic assessment, Sylvan Learning Centre is able to establish a child’s strengths and weaknesses and design a tailor-made programme for each child. It offers tuition in a range of subjects, including Maths, Science, Mandarin and English, plus school entrance exam preparation for children aged five to 18. sylvan.edu.hk
Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions is an international provider of educational services. It offers a comprehensive range of programmes from language tuition to exam and admissions preparation, including IELTS. Personal tuition classes can be booked in 10-hour packages with additional hours purchased after that. kaplan.com.hk
Keystone Prep
Capstone Prep Education
Since 2006, Keystone has accumulated experiential knowledge in preparing students for admissions to top colleges. Their Boarding School Application Program and College Application Program, along with their Test Prep courses for SATs, ACTs and more, are designed to get kids in the best possible position for their future. keystoneprep.com
Capstone provides students with a foundation in critical thinking and problem solving to help mentally prepare them for the academic environment and the world. Their variety of test prep services ensures preparation for secondary and boarding school entrance exams, SSAT, SAT and ACT courses and tutoring for AP and IB exams. capstoneprep.com
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extra help
A helping hand People learn in different ways at varying paces Sprout in Motion Sprout in Motion is a specialist centre for child and adolescent clinical psychology. Working with those with suspected ADHD, dyslexia, ASD and other developmental disabilities, it offers services in English, Cantonese or Mandarin and has centres in Central and Wong Chuk Hang. sproutinmotion.com
Child Development Centre Educational programmes at CDC are based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, backed up by various learning tools, methodologies, assessments and therapies to develop each child’s maximum potential. It provides support to children with a wide spectrum of individual abilities and needs. cdchk.org
Autism Partnership Foundation Using the renowned Applied Behaviour
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special education Analysis approach to encourage the potential of children with autism to bloom, it runs the Aoi Pui private primary school. This is the only school in Hong Kong to cater specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). apf.org.hk
SPOT SPOT has both individual and group classes available to provide invaluable advice on all areas of a child’s development. Offering a variety of services and facilities, from sensory-motor therapy gyms and speech therapy sessions to dyslexia assistance and in-school support, SPOT has three centres around Hong Kong. spot.com.hk
ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School The ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School is a through-school for children aged five to 19 with special needs including Down Syndrome and ASD. As well as literacy and numeracy programmes, there is an emphasis on teaching independence and vocational training. jcsrs.edu.hk
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sport
Aspiring athletes Train in all sorts of sports at these classes and clubs
RUGBY HK Rugby Union Learning rugby helps to foster skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and fair play. Children from the age of four can start training under the HKRU Junior Programme in a safe and multi-ethnic environment. Under 7s and Under 12s are registered at one of 20 mini rugby clubs, while Under 14s and Under 19s are placed in the Colts Programme, where they will compete in league events and even have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in the national squad. hkrugby.com
Valley Fort Rugby Football Club As one of the oldest mini and youth rugby clubs in Hong Kong, Valley Fort has a range of teams for
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budding rugby players as well as a senior squad for professional games. Training sessions for their 600 playing members are held in Stanley Fort, Tai Tam, Aberdeen and Happy Valley. valleyfort.com
FOOTBALL ESF Lions Football This football programme, taught by highly qualified coaches, will foster a love of the game through fun, progressive and age-appropriate coaching sessions. Players have the opportunity to develop their skills and play in Player Development and Academy Programmes. esf.org.hk
and child development, HK Dragons Football Club have their eye on the ball! Each session is tailored to suit the student’s level of ability, and focuses on improving children’s skills to make real progress. dragons.hk
TENNIS Monster Tennis At Monster Tennis, coaches use low-compression balls, smaller racquets, colourful teaching aids and shorter court dimensions, tailored to the children’s age and size. Lessons are scheduled across Hong Kong including Happy Valley and Causeway Bay. hkita.com
HK Dragons Football Club
Tennis Elite
With over 25 years experience on the playing field and professional qualifications in youth coaching
Tennis Elite is a sports company that specialises in delivering tennis coaching services exclusively
be active
HORSE RIDING Hong Kong Jockey Club Public Riding School At Hong Kong Jockey Club Public Riding School, riding enthusiasts are trained to the British Horse Society standards. The school is also home to
the Riding for the Disabled Association which helps disabled children learn how to ride. Three locations in Tuen Mun, Pok Fu Lam and Lei Yue Mun. hkjc.com
SAILING Aberdeen Boat Club A recognised Hong Kong Sailing Federation centre, ABC is well known for its sailing and watersports activities for children and teenagers, including kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing and SUP. The ABC Junior Sailing Programme for ages seven to 11 is open to non-members and teaches students how to sail ‘Optimists’, special seven-foot dinghies. abclubhk.com
Hebe Haven Yacht Club Since 1963, the Hebe Haven Yacht Club has been providing boating and yachting facilities in the picturesque bay of Pak Sha Wan in Sai Kung. Along with an extensive school sailing programme, they also offer courses for children through the Development Fund for Youth Sailing Programme at the Sail Training Center. hhyc.org.hk to private residencies in Hong Kong. Their programmes cater to all ages and abilities, ranging from junior group classes to adult clinics and even tennis holiday retreats. tennis-elite.com
Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy HKGTA is perfect for little ones wanting to be the next tennis star. It has seven outdoor courts, one International Tennis Federation-standard indoor court and two mini-tennis courts for children. Helping students develop the technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills required for success, the Bruguera Tennis Academy was developed by world-famous tennis coach Lluis Bruguera. hkgta.com
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sport
SWIMMING Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club Aiming to provide every swimmer with the best possible training environment and resources, this club helps students to fulfil their potential. The club is consistently ranked as one of the region’s top competitive swim teams. Lessons and squad training take place at Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam. hkstingrays.com
ESF Sharks Swimming
ProActiv Sports
A specialised youth sports coaching organisation with experienced and qualified coaches, the swimming lessons run by ESF Sharks are fun, exciting and safe. There are courses for all ages and experience levels, building up children to become confident and agile swimmers with key aquatic skills. esf.org.hk
Previously known as Sports4Kids, ProActiv Sports host classes in multi-sport, soccer, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and basketball for all ages and abilities. The action-packed sports classes are run by passionate and qualified coaches at locations all over Hong Kong. hk.proactivsports.com
Harry Wright International This premier swim school, founded in 1975, offers infant aquatics for children as young as four months, swimming lessons and competitive swimming programmes. All of which are available at various clubs and schools in Pok Fu Lam, Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, Discovery Bay and Kowloon Bay. harrywright.com.hk
MIXED Minisport HK Minisport HK is an enthusiastic group of sports educators who teach multiple disciplines to children aged 18 months to nine years through schools, clubs and private residences around Hong Kong. Minisport coaches over 400 children per week while also hosting holiday sport camps and children’s parties. sportsclassesforkidshk.com
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be active A professional perspective Vincent Alarcon, Director of Sports at ESF Sports
Starting his career as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the age of 15, Vincent Alarcon has always been passionate about the outdoors. After studying business at University, Alarcon went on to work for Federal Reserve bank of New York and on Wall Street for two years, but being stuck in an office all day took its toll on him. “I decided to go back to teaching and running Health Clubs. I prefer dealing with people rather than making a lot of money and being stuck inside all day,” he says. Alaron is now the Director of Sports at ESF sports, which offers after-school activities to over 24 locations across Hong Kong, specialising in youth sports, with experienced, qualified coaches delivering expert coaching across a range of sports. Alaron answers some of your most frequently asked questions. What are the benefits of sports clubs and activities? As a father of an 8-year-old girl, I know how important it is to get her out and active and away from the screen. Over the past year,
there has been a big big difference in her social behavior with family and friends. With current social distancing rules, it's difficult to get her out and she spends a lot of time online and has trouble sleeping. Since encouraging her to go back to the sports she loves like Football and Taekwondo and she has been much more social and goes to bed right away.
athlete to achieve their full potential so don’t specialise too early. There is no such thing as a champion ten-year-old winger or opening bowler or halfback. For more information about ESF Sports visit: esf.org.hk/sports
What life lessons has sports taught you? Success requires hard work and training. Nothing is easy and shouldn’t just be handed to you. I think this is a very important lesson for children to learn at an early age. Sport also helps children learn how to deal with pressure and stress in a safe environment. Whether it be in swimming, diving from a race block or going against someone that is bigger than them in football, it all helps to build their confidence. If a child is serious about sport, how can parents best offer support? Show up to games or competitions and support them, their coaches, the team and school. Accept that progress in any sport takes a long time: it can take at least 7-10 years after maturation for any
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classic games to play with kids Recreate childhood memories and spend quality family time together with these games
Connect Four
Hungry Hippo
Candy Land
Guess Who
Scrabble
Jumanji
Monopoly
Cranium
Uno
Battleship
Jenga
Jacks
Snakes and Ladders
Operation
Mancala
Go Fish Chinese Checkers
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The Game of Life
Twister
Yahtzee
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