At the start of the new term, we have been delighted to observe remarkable qualities shared by children who have moved up from Huitong ELC into Grade 1. These pupils not only demonstrate strong English language skills, allowing them to engage confidently in full-English lessons—they also show genuine curiosity for learning, often asking thoughtful questions that deepen class discussions. They collaborate and communicate well in groups, interact with care and empathy, and express creative thinking beyond their years in areas they are passionate about.
These traits reflect the systematic, nurturing approach of our ELC Programme.
How does Huitong ELCbuild such strong English ability?
What makes our curriculum unique?
In what ways do our teachers guide each child individually?
And how do we lay the foundation for lifelong learning?
The Unique Strengths of Huitong ELC
1. A Sino-Western Teaching Team Led by Columbia and Harvard Educators
Huitong ELC’s teaching team brings together diverse cultural and educational perspectives, with curriculum design and instructional leadership informed by experts from top institutions such as Columbia and Harvard. 90% of our teachers have five or more years of experience in early childhood education. 70% hold master’s degrees in fields such as early education, psychology, or English language teaching. Yet what truly sets them apart is not their qualifications—but their genuine respect and affection for young children.
Our Head of ELC, Ms Li Yue, is a graduate of Columbia University in Bilingual Education. With four years of teaching and curriculum development experience at a bilingual IB school in Manhattan, New York, she brings extensive practical and leadership expertise in both kindergarten and primary education. Since joining Huitong in 2021, Yue has served as a homeroom teacher in early years and Lower School, playing a key role in bridging early childhood and primary education. She has also contributed to pedagogical innovation as an assistant phase leader for the primary division, gaining deep insight into the Huitong educational philosophy and instructional design.
Our teaching team is further strengthened by Ms Tu Xin, a Harvard-educated curriculum specialist. With over seven years of teaching and curriculum development experience spanning both China and the United States, she enriches our programme with her international perspective.
While our teachers’ global academic backgrounds ensure professional rigour, what truly defines them is their commitment to patient guidance and attentive listening. They support each child in exploring the world at their own pace, following their unique interests with care and respect.
2. An Immersive English Language Environment
At Huitong ELC, English is more than a subject—it is a natural part of the children’s daily environment. Throughout the day, whether during morning circle, outdoor play, specialist lessons, or even lunch, children are gently and consistently exposed to English in a warm, supportive setting. This helps them confidently develop the skills for cross-cultural communication. In addition to this organic exposure, we dedicate focused English time each day. Through a blend of whole-group instruction and small-group activities, children build language intuition and structural understanding in a structured yet engaging rhythm.
Three Programmes Nurturing the Whole Child
1. Academic Programme: Inspiring Self-Motivation
At Huitong ELC, we respect each child’s interests and strengths, encouraging them to explore and grow in ways they love—because that is how true inner motivation is sparked. As the theory of multiple intelligences suggests: every child has unique talents and ways of learning. Some excel in construction and spatial thinking, others thrive through hands-on creation, while some find confidence naturally in words and writing. Our Academic Programme covers seven key areas: English, Chinese, and Mathematics—though learning extends well beyond these. It also includes Art, Music, Comprehensive Physical Development, and Library studies. Through this rich variety of experiences, we aim to awaken different dimensions of intelligence, helping each child grow into a more complete version of themselves.
2. Beyond the Core: A Journey of Discovery and Exploration
At Huitong, our Beyond the Core programme is a journey of discovery. Each day, our teachers kneel down to truly listen—observing and documenting how children express curiosity, think through problems, and interact with peers. They are not just instructors; they are observers and guides of the child’s world. A casual comment, a curious question, or spontaneous creativity can become the start of meaningful, in-depth learning.
Project-based learning is a highlight of this programme. Its depth and breadth are remarkable—rather than traditional instruction, it offers multi-sensory experiences that spark children’s interest in exploring themselves and the world.
For example, when teachers noticed children’s fascination with aeroplanes flying overhead, they recorded the children’s questions and ideas. This led to building model planes with blocks and recycled materials, reading books about flight, comparing materials in English, and even sketching designs using real architectural drawings—integrating maths, language, and artistic expression naturally along the way.
Driven by interest, the children collaborated enthusiastically in English, eventually co-creating a symbolic aeroplane. Teachers then prompted: “Which airline is this? What’s its route? Who are the passengers?”—seamlessly weaving early literacy into imaginative play.
3. Learning Without Walls: The City as a Classroom
Learning at Huitong isn’t confined to the classroom. Our “X-Day” programme blurs the boundaries, extending education into the real world. These are not merely field trips—they are immersive experiences closely tied to classroom projects. When children showed keen interest in insects, a class visited the “Shadow Insect Museum” as part of a life-science project. There, they gently touched stag beetles and observed how they moved—making concepts like “six insect legs”, once only seen in books, come to life. Each class goes to a different venue—such as the Hartman Aviation Experience Centre or Movable Type Museum—tailored to their current project. Every X-Day marks not an end, but the beginning of deeper learning. Children return with new questions, richer inspiration, and meaningful connections that drive their projects further.
Studios Programme: Supporting the Child's Holistic Development
Each day after school, children step into a world of exploratory learning through our Studios Programme. Designed as an extension of the regular school day, this programme aims to develop well-rounded students by enabling them to pursue personal interests, enrich their school experience, and cultivate a wider set of talents.
We offer over twenty diverse courses, including "Little Presenters", "Classical Dance Scholars", "Lego Creative Workshop", and "Flag Rugby", catering to each child’s holistic development and individual passions. Through the Studios Programme, we provide a broader learning platform and deeper educational experiences, allowing children to freely explore interdisciplinary fields such as STEM, the humanities, arts, and sports outside the classroom. Our goal is for students to acquire knowledge through hands-on experience, find answers through active inquiry, and discover the directions they truly love.
