Transition Years Programme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Nathalie](\"http:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Nathalie-Millette-at-Canadian-International-School-of-Hong-Kong-MYP-Music.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe start of the school term brings with it a new middle school-like programme for students in Grade 6 to 8. The programme will guide students through the transition from middle to high school. \u201cComing from a traditional elementary school model to high school, the school wanted to better support the unique needs of Grade 6 to 8 learners. Teachers knew there was an issue, but didn’t have the framework to provide these needs,\u201d says Millette. With specialised teachers in that age group, students can benefit from unique learning strategies and connect with their teachers on a more personal level. The Transition Years Programme also allows students to share their voice amongst the community. Millette states, \u201cIn previous years the student council received no representatives from the middle school age students, now the younger students can have a more distinct voice in the school.\u201d Along with a Transition Years Council, there will be a student newspaper and activities unique to the year group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: Best international schools in Hong Kong<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFresh look<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Along with the new programme, CDNIS has introduced a new space on the eighth floor for Grade 6 students. Home to a common area and surrounding lockers, students can experience a high school environment without the pressure of actually being in high school. Folding doors and whiteboard walls allow teachers to integrate classes and keep students attention through a range of teaching styles and strategies. By providing each year group with a designated floor, CDNIS allows students to bond with their peers in an independent and safe environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transdisciplinary opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Canadian](\"http:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Canadian-International-School-of-Hong-Kong-MYP-Math.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Transition Years Programme allows teachers to combine subjects and offer a more rounded learning experience. The interdisciplinary classes pair up English with Humanities and Science with Maths in Grades 6 and 7. This strategy means fewer teachers for students to work with, more comfortable routines and the ability to adapt skills from one class to another. \u201cThe interdisciplinary classes allow students to investigate complex questions to which they don’t have a right or wrong answer, just like in real life,\u201d says Millette.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A French education\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Following the Canadian system, French is now taught a year earlier from Grade 6. This gives students the opportunity to learn a third language alongside English and Mandarin from a younger age. \u201cIt’s a really great thing for the kids, ninety nine percent are brand new to learning French so everyone is starting out on the same level. Students need to take risks and make mistakes as part of the overall learning process. French can help them to learn this since so few have experience with this language. They start simply by learning to introduce themselves, so it is achievable for all,\u201d says Millette. With dynamic and enthusiastic teachers, students will be able to engage with the language in a positive way and have the opportunity to take the course as part of their higher level education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increased physical activity\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Canadian](\"http:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Canadian-International-School-of-Hong-Kong-MYP-PE.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCDNIS\u2019s six day class cycle means that no one week looks the same and classes are not disrupted by public holidays or training days. The school has increased physical education to four hours per cycle for the transition years pupils, \u201cThere is so much research on the academic and mental health benefits of physical activity<\/a>, students are able to focus more in class when they\u2019ve been active,\u201d says Millette. With a field, gymnasium and 25-metre heated swimming pool, the dynamic PE department more than caters to students’ sporting interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest of both worlds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With 1,800 students, CDNIS is undoubtedly a big school and it is not unusual for a student to see their entire schooling on the CDNIS campus. On average, fifty percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn\u2019t necessarily feel like a big school. What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels like a Canadian mountain lodge with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams while the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: The future of education from a learning perspective<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe start of the school term brings with it a new middle school-like programme for students in Grade 6 to 8. The programme will guide students through the transition from middle to high school. \u201cComing from a traditional elementary school model to high school, the school wanted to better support the unique needs of Grade 6 to 8 learners. Teachers knew there was an issue, but didn’t have the framework to provide these needs,\u201d says Millette. With specialised teachers in that age group, students can benefit from unique learning strategies and connect with their teachers on a more personal level. The Transition Years Programme also allows students to share their voice amongst the community. Millette states, \u201cIn previous years the student council received no representatives from the middle school age students, now the younger students can have a more distinct voice in the school.\u201d Along with a Transition Years Council, there will be a student newspaper and activities unique to the year group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: Best international schools in Hong Kong<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFresh look<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Along with the new programme, CDNIS has introduced a new space on the eighth floor for Grade 6 students. Home to a common area and surrounding lockers, students can experience a high school environment without the pressure of actually being in high school. Folding doors and whiteboard walls allow teachers to integrate classes and keep students attention through a range of teaching styles and strategies. By providing each year group with a designated floor, CDNIS allows students to bond with their peers in an independent and safe environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transdisciplinary opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Transition Years Programme allows teachers to combine subjects and offer a more rounded learning experience. The interdisciplinary classes pair up English with Humanities and Science with Maths in Grades 6 and 7. This strategy means fewer teachers for students to work with, more comfortable routines and the ability to adapt skills from one class to another. \u201cThe interdisciplinary classes allow students to investigate complex questions to which they don’t have a right or wrong answer, just like in real life,\u201d says Millette.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A French education\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Following the Canadian system, French is now taught a year earlier from Grade 6. This gives students the opportunity to learn a third language alongside English and Mandarin from a younger age. \u201cIt’s a really great thing for the kids, ninety nine percent are brand new to learning French so everyone is starting out on the same level. Students need to take risks and make mistakes as part of the overall learning process. French can help them to learn this since so few have experience with this language. They start simply by learning to introduce themselves, so it is achievable for all,\u201d says Millette. With dynamic and enthusiastic teachers, students will be able to engage with the language in a positive way and have the opportunity to take the course as part of their higher level education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increased physical activity\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCDNIS\u2019s six day class cycle means that no one week looks the same and classes are not disrupted by public holidays or training days. The school has increased physical education to four hours per cycle for the transition years pupils, \u201cThere is so much research on the academic and mental health benefits of physical activity<\/a>, students are able to focus more in class when they\u2019ve been active,\u201d says Millette. With a field, gymnasium and 25-metre heated swimming pool, the dynamic PE department more than caters to students’ sporting interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest of both worlds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With 1,800 students, CDNIS is undoubtedly a big school and it is not unusual for a student to see their entire schooling on the CDNIS campus. On average, fifty percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn\u2019t necessarily feel like a big school. What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels like a Canadian mountain lodge with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams while the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: The future of education from a learning perspective<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Transition Years Programme allows teachers to combine subjects and offer a more rounded learning experience. The interdisciplinary classes pair up English with Humanities and Science with Maths in Grades 6 and 7. This strategy means fewer teachers for students to work with, more comfortable routines and the ability to adapt skills from one class to another. \u201cThe interdisciplinary classes allow students to investigate complex questions to which they don’t have a right or wrong answer, just like in real life,\u201d says Millette.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A French education\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Following the Canadian system, French is now taught a year earlier from Grade 6. This gives students the opportunity to learn a third language alongside English and Mandarin from a younger age. \u201cIt’s a really great thing for the kids, ninety nine percent are brand new to learning French so everyone is starting out on the same level. Students need to take risks and make mistakes as part of the overall learning process. French can help them to learn this since so few have experience with this language. They start simply by learning to introduce themselves, so it is achievable for all,\u201d says Millette. With dynamic and enthusiastic teachers, students will be able to engage with the language in a positive way and have the opportunity to take the course as part of their higher level education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increased physical activity\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCDNIS\u2019s six day class cycle means that no one week looks the same and classes are not disrupted by public holidays or training days. The school has increased physical education to four hours per cycle for the transition years pupils, \u201cThere is so much research on the academic and mental health benefits of physical activity<\/a>, students are able to focus more in class when they\u2019ve been active,\u201d says Millette. With a field, gymnasium and 25-metre heated swimming pool, the dynamic PE department more than caters to students’ sporting interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest of both worlds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With 1,800 students, CDNIS is undoubtedly a big school and it is not unusual for a student to see their entire schooling on the CDNIS campus. On average, fifty percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn\u2019t necessarily feel like a big school. What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels like a Canadian mountain lodge with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams while the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more: The future of education from a learning perspective<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCDNIS\u2019s six day class cycle means that no one week looks the same and classes are not disrupted by public holidays or training days. The school has increased physical education to four hours per cycle for the transition years pupils, \u201cThere is so much research on the academic and mental health benefits of physical activity<\/a>, students are able to focus more in class when they\u2019ve been active,\u201d says Millette. With a field, gymnasium and 25-metre heated swimming pool, the dynamic PE department more than caters to students’ sporting interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With 1,800 students, CDNIS is undoubtedly a big school and it is not unusual for a student to see their entire schooling on the CDNIS campus. On average, fifty percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn\u2019t necessarily feel like a big school. What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels like a Canadian mountain lodge with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams while the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest of both worlds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Read more: The future of education from a learning perspective<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n