Guide To Reggio Emilia Schools And Curriculum In Hong Kong

WHAT IS REGGIO EMILIA? CURRICULUM + CORE VALUES

Reggio Emilia refers to an educational philosophy originating from the eponymous Italian city rather than a structured curriculum or a specific individual. This approach is characterized by its emphasis on a self-guided curriculum, making it challenging to define a uniform "Reggio Emilia curriculum." Unlike traditional educational methods, Reggio Emilia does not involve formal training courses or certification processes. Schools adopting this philosophy are described as "Reggio Emilia-inspired," acknowledging the unique nature of each child and community. Primarily applied in pre-school and primary education settings, the Reggio Emilia approach is based on the premise that children, in their early developmental stages, possess a "hundred languages" — diverse means of expression that reflect their individuality and innate learning drives. The core of this approach is communication, aiming to foster effective self-expression that aligns with one's intentions and facilitates mutual understanding among children and adults. This involves engaging with the environment sensorily and forming meaningful connections between surroundings and concepts, underscoring the necessity of a tailored educational framework.

THE TEACHER (& THE COMMUNITY)

In the Reggio Emilia approach, teachers function as collaborators rather than traditional instructors, engaging in a mutual process of inquiry and discovery with their students. This educational model emphasizes the significance of relationships in fostering self and communal understanding, positioning peers as co-educators. Teachers commit to guiding the same group of children for at least three years, treating each child's development as a comprehensive, ongoing project. Children are regarded as highly capable, insightful, and essential contributors to their community, reflecting a core principle of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The approach is supported by a strong sense of community involvement, rooted in the belief that raising a child is a collective effort. Consequently, parents are considered primary educators and play a crucial role as educational partners, actively participating in decisions related to school policy, curriculum, and other significant aspects of the school's operation.

THE MATERIALS

In the Reggio Emilia approach, learning is not structured around predetermined units or pre-planned projects. Instead, educators attentively listen to children's narratives and interests, facilitating opportunities for further exploration and collaborative project work, thereby adopting a hands-on learning methodology. This approach also involves initiating discussions to enhance mutual understanding. Educational concepts are introduced to children using a variety of expressive mediums such as music, drama, puppetry, and shadow play. Children are then encouraged to express their comprehension through diverse symbolic forms like drawing, sculpture, dramatic enactment, and writing. Teachers document the learning journey by recording children's thoughts across various formats, effectively becoming researchers. This documentation process visualizes the children's developmental progress and enables educators to identify and cultivate further learning opportunities.

THE CLASSROOM

As previously mentioned, the learning environment is paramount in the Reggio Emilia approach, which regards the environment as a "third teacher," alongside adults and peers. Consequently, learning spaces are designed to foster a connection with the external environment and the broader community, characterized by their welcoming, spacious nature, abundant natural light, and absence of clutter to eliminate any potential barriers to motivation. These environments are dynamic yet structured, crafted to stimulate interaction and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, enabling children to employ their diverse modes of expression to learn from and educate others.

Christian Alliance P. C. Lau Memorial International School

On behalf of the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance, Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School (CAPCL) extends a warm welcome, emphasizing its commitment to quality Christian education in Hong Kong through its operation of seventeen schools. Founded on the belief in the transformative power of Christian education to lay a solid foundation for understanding God's creation, CAPCL, re-opened in August 2020, aims to develop Christ-like servant leaders proficient in English and Chinese under the Alberta curriculum. The school's vision is to equip disciples who grow in wisdom and stature, favoring God and men and extending God’s kingdom. With a holistic educational philosophy that integrates Biblical truth, CAPCL fosters a nurturing environment for children to explore and learn, emphasizing heart, habits, head, and hands for comprehensive development. The school values a small, interactive learning community led by native-speaking teachers to empower students in their learning journey towards becoming global citizens and servant leaders, embodying humility and a growth mindset.

Christian Alliance P. C. Lau Memorial International School, 2 Fu Ning Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2713 3733, info@capcl.edu.hk, http://www.capcl.edu.hk/

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, drawing on over 150 years of heritage from Malvern College UK, is dedicated to providing a world-leading Early Years educational program aimed at nurturing the potential in every child through a personalized approach of active, play-based learning. Emphasizing core values such as curiosity, kindness, resilience, independence, integrity, and humility, the school prepares children for a smooth transition into primary education within a safe, structured, and innovative environment that balances creativity, academia, sports, and outdoor activities, including the "Forest-Beach School" program. As part of the global network of Malvern schools, it shares the ethos built around the "Five Centres of Excellence" and is committed to fostering a life-long love of learning in pupils. Based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, the curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, allowing children to thrive socially and emotionally. With a focus on bilingual education, children gain equal exposure to English and Chinese, facilitated by native-speaking teachers in a supportive learning environment that encourages seamless language switching. Additionally, the school incorporates educational technology and emphasizes outdoor learning through its Forest-Beach School program, promoting child-led learning and a deep connection with nature.

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, Coronation Circle, G09-12 Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3898 4660, office@malvernpreschool.hk, Island West, G/F and 1/F Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 3898 4670, iw-office@malvernpreschool.hk, https://www.malvernpreschool.hk/

Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten

The Italian International Nursery and Kindergarten (IIN&IIKG), founded in 2019 by the Sapientia Foundation in Hong Kong, integrates the Hong Kong kindergarten curriculum with the Italian pedagogic tradition, particularly the Reggio Emilia Approach. This approach emphasizes project-based, hands-on learning experiences within a nurturing environment that respects each child's rights and needs while valuing cultural diversity. Offering bilingual streams in English and Chinese, plus Italian language and culture, the school provides a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich children's interests. With a motto of "Education made in Italy: tradition, research, and innovation," IIN&IIKG commits to a child-centered education that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. The curriculum, compliant with the "Kindergarten Education Curriculum" by the Education Bureau (2017), focuses on holistic development across multiple learning areas, incorporating the Jolly Phonics program for English literacy. Unique features include various ateliers, such as Art and Cooking, supporting the belief that learning is a creative process engaging all senses. Educational visits and field trips extend learning beyond the classroom, offering real-life experiences to understand society better.

Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten, Podium Level 1 , Block 4, Phase 1, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2662 3066, info@iikg.edu.hk, https://iikg.edu.hk/en/

Il Villaggio Dei Bambini

Il Villaggio Dei Bambini in Lam Tsuen, offers a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 6 years, emphasizing a child-centric approach rooted in respect for each child's unique learning journey. Inspired by the belief in children's innate power and curiosity, the school fosters a learning environment where children are the primary focus, supported by teachers and parents in exploring and expressing their understanding of the world. Drawing from the Reggio Emilia Approach, the curriculum engages children in project-based, hands-on learning experiences that respect their rights and individual needs while embracing cultural diversity. The school encourages active parental involvement and community engagement, viewing education as a collaborative responsibility. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding children through self-directed, inquiry-based activities within a classroom environment that serves as an inspirational 'third teacher' and extends to the natural world outside, enriching the learning experience. With a philosophy that values play as a primary learning mode, Il Villaggio Dei Bambini aims to cultivate industrious, inquisitive, and compassionate learners prepared to explore their interests and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Il Villaggio Dei Bambini, #6 San Tsuen Lou Wai, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong, +852 9855 3189, mkuwata@villaggiodeibambini.com, https://www.villaggiodeibambini.com/

Mulberry Tree

Mulberry Tree embraces a child-centric approach to early education, blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles to foster independent, inquiry-driven learning. The program recognizes children as active learners and encourages exploration and curiosity within a nurturing, multilingual environment. The Montessori work period allows children uninterrupted time to explore activities of their choice, promoting self-guided learning without direct intervention. The unique setting acts as a "third teacher," inspiring children through its design and resources. The emergent and project-based curriculum emphasizes practical learning and the arts to cultivate creative, capable minds. Music, yoga, field trips, gardening, and STEAM classes offer diverse, hands-on experiences that support holistic development, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Through these varied educational experiences, we aim to create a safe, supportive atmosphere where children view learning as an exciting journey of discovery, building confidence, and fostering a sense of capability from their first school experiences.

Mulberry Tree, Tai Po Tau and Shui Wai Youth Centre, Tai Po, Hong Kong, + 852 6460 4177, mulberrytreehk@gmail.com, https://www.mulberrytree.com.hk/

Baby Brain Education

The Reggio Emilia Approach, originating from the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, is a renowned educational philosophy that views children as capable individuals full of potential, emphasizing their rights and opportunities for development. At the core of this approach is the belief in the child's hundred languages - a metaphor for their diverse ways of thinking, exploring, and expressing themselves. Baby Brain Pre Nursery Playgroup in Hong Kong adopts this philosophy, focusing on a project-based, hands-on learning environment that fosters creativity, communication, and collaboration among children, parents, and educators. The approach values the environment as a 'third teacher', rich in possibilities and interactions, and emphasizes documentation to track and reflect on children's learning journeys. With a curriculum integrating literacy, early math concepts, music and movement, arts and crafts, and food sciences, Baby Brain aims to nurture independent, inquisitive, and confident learners. The school's part-time programs, Nido 1 and Nido 2 cater to different developmental stages, ensuring a supportive transition towards independence, social interaction, and self-care skills. This Reggio-inspired learning program is designed to respect and amplify children's natural curiosity and capacity for discovery, preparing them to become thoughtful and responsible global citizens.

Baby Brain Education, Shop D, Ground Floor, Block 5, Cronin Garden, 20 Shun Ning Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2940 6066, babybrain.adm@gmail.com, https://www.babybrainhk.com/

Magart International Kindergarten And Nursery

Magart International Learning Community, inspired by Reggio Emilia and Inquiry approaches and enhanced by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from the UK, offers a holistic education for children aged 6 months to 6 years, integrating Chinese traditional culture into its curriculum. With over 20 years of experience in international early education and a multilingual teaching team, Magart emphasizes a child-centered, exploratory learning environment across its spacious campuses located conveniently near transportation hubs. The school fosters academic achievement, character development, and life skills through its 23 Magart Learning attributes, balancing academic excellence with character education. Drawing its name from historical and cultural symbols of education, beauty, love, and intelligence, Magart 's philosophy promotes a global vision, nurturing talent and developing etiquette. The curriculum focuses on language, literacy, physical, and personal and social development, supported by a school-based English curriculum that encourages bilingual language proficiency through meaningful interactions. Chinese Confucian principles are woven into the curriculum to enhance children's appreciation of Chinese culture, alongside a logical thinking mathematics program and Montessori materials to foster mathematical understanding and logical thinking. Character education is central, with the Magart Learning Tree attributes embedded within the curriculum to cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Magart International Kindergarten And Nursery, Shop G3A, Site 7, Whampoa Garden, 9 Tak On Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2786 9314, info.wp@magartedu.com, https://www.magartedu.com/en/

Discovery Bay International School

At DBIS, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a full-day program for FS-1 and FS-2 students in a spacious, welcoming campus with Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, a library, a dining hall, and a music room, fostering a stimulating and nurturing environment with a focus on play-based learning. The outdoor Forest and Beach Schools program complements the curriculum, offering dynamic learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and a connection to the world. The school values respect, kindness, diversity, and global-mindedness, aiming to provide an outstanding holistic education that prepares students as global citizens. With a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and enhanced by the school's international setting, DBIS prioritizes personalized learning, encouraging independence, creativity, and internationalism. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, while the broad curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, language proficiency, and cultural awareness. The Learning Enhancement team supports inclusive education, promoting student resilience and success. Internationalism is central, focusing on developing a strong sense of self-identity and appreciation for diverse cultures, preparing students for life in international environments. DBIS is refining its approach to intercultural learning through collaboration with experts, aiming for deep, meaningful outcomes that enrich students' understanding of cultural diversity and intercultural interactions. 

Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, +852 2987 7331, dbis@dbis.edu.hk, https://www.dbis.edu.hk/