Welcome to ACG Kindergarten

The Kindergarten years are the most special of many children's schooling and are where they develop their love of learning.

The Kindergarten programme at ACG International School Vietnam is one that focuses on the skills of Numeracy and Literacy to prepare them for successful learning experiences in the future.

The learning activities at this early age are designed to build on the natural inclination they have to learn. This is done by offering varied, stimulating and enjoyable learning experiences.

Since oral language is the basis of Literacy, there is an emphasis on language-based activities that provide opportunities for thinking, problem solving and experimenting. Through opportunities to listen and respond to stories, children are encouraged to attempt independent writing and reading

International education in the early childhood years

The IB PYP defines the early childhood years as those from three to five years. These years are distinctive in several ways. The rapid rate of development which occurs in the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and aesthetic domains is particularly significant. Although the progression usually occurs in recognizable and predictable directions, it is unique in each child, occurring at varying rates from student to student. The aim of the Early Childhood Years Programme is to extend students in all areas of growth. It is to give meaningful experiences and provide new opportunities in a positive and accepting environment. In such an environment, students will develop:

• A positive self concept
• A positive attitude towards others
• A positive attitude towards learning.

The role of the teacher is to facilitate the connection between the student's prior knowledge and the knowledge to be inquired. The School must strive to make this adjustment as successful as possible by encouraging the development of secure and trusting relationships with new adults and peers.

Kindergarten subjects

Kindergarten students spend the majority of their school day with the Kindergarten class teacher. This teacher is responsible to teach literacy, numeracy, the Programme of Inquiry, Art, Information Technology / Computing skills as well as the Learner Profile and IB Attitudes programme. Specialist classes are conducted weekly for Physical Education, Swimming, Music / Drama, Vietnamese and Host Countries studies.

Learner profile

The philosophy of the PYP directly affects the student and is expressed in a series of desired attributes and traits that are characteristic of learners with an international perspective. The PYP Student Learner profile is as follows:

• Inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, well-balanced, reflective, caring.

The programme of inquiry

As part of the aim to make learning stimulating and relevant, students study four units of inquiry a year. These units provide the content for science, social studies and for much of language development and learning data handling etc. These units are organised under six themes (Who we are, Where We Are In Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How The World Works, How We Organise Ourselves, Sharing The Planet).

Points of interest

Meals - A separate cafeteria is provided with a specific Kindergarten menu just outside the Kindergarten classrooms.

Sleeping - All Kindergarten 3 students sleep each day after the lunch play break. This is optional for Kindergarten 4 students.

Play Time - A safe and secure playground is provided and fenced off from other areas of the Primary School.

Nannies - Two School Nannies provide additional care to the students particularly with toileting and the changing of clothing.

Times - Kindergarten has the same bell times and lesson day structure as the Primary School. 8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.

Buses - Buses are not available to Kindergarten students.

Activities - The After School Activities Programme is not offered to Kindergarten students unless older siblings attend.

Half Days - There is no half day option in the Kindergarten programme although this can be negotiated for Kindergarten 3 students only in their first months at the School.