FAQ

Q:  How do I register?
A:  There are three easy steps in the registration process: First, call us; second, take a tour of one of our schools; finally, fill in a registration form.

Q:  My daughter is only 20 months old.  Do you have programmes for her?
A:  Yes.  We have Playgroup classes for toddlers aged 18-28 months running 2-3 times per week. 
After that we offer a Stepping Stones programme which is designed to help children become more independent, and prepares them for the regular pre-school programme.

For a complete list of programmes and activities on offer, click here.

Q:  Do you have school uniforms?
A:  No

Q:  We will be moving to Hong Kong later this year.  Can I pre-register my child?
A:   Yes.  Simply fill out the registration form and send it to the school of your choice.

Q:  How do you communicate with parents?
A:  We maintain close contact with parents using the following means: a daily communication book; an open-door policy, which means you can drop in at any time; and a comprehensive, bi-monthly newsletter.  If you would like to speak to your child's teacher, simply call the school to make an appointment.

Q:  What makes Woodland a great pre-school?
A:  Woodland pre-schools have held an unparalleled commitment to quality in every aspect of our operations for the past 30 years.  To read more about the Woodland experience, click here.

Q: How do I know Woodland is properly licensed and operated?
A: All schools clearly display the relevant government certificates. In addition, the Woodland Group are the only pre-schools in Hong Kong to receive accreditation from two internationally recognised organisations - Pre-school Learning Alliance and Montessori Centre International.

Q: Do you teach Mandarin?
A: Yes. Children enjoy being visited by a Mandarin teacher every week. They are introduced to the basics of the language including: numbers, colours, greetings, weather, songs and rhymes. They also learn about Chinese festivals and holidays.

Q: Do you have bilingual (English/Mandarin) classes?
A: Yes. Our bilingual classes are becoming increasingly popular. Children learn equally in both English and Mandarin under the loving guidance of English and Mandarin speaking teachers.

Q: My child will only attend the half-day programme.  Do I need to pack a snack for her?
A:  Drinks and snacks are provided to all children by the school.  If your child has an allergy, please inform us so we can prepare a special snack.

Q:  What sort of snack is provided?  Is it healthy?
A:  Fruit is served daily with either: cheese, crackers, cereal, vegetable sticks or cookies. Water is served to drink.

Q:  My son will attend the full-day programme.  Do I need to pack a lunch for him?
A:  Yes.  Full-day children need to bring a packed lunch from home.

Q:  What is the school's typhoon policy?
A:  School will be closed if a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning or a Typhoon Signal no.3/8 is hoisted before 7am.  The Education Bureau reserves the right to close any school due to dangerous weather conditions.

Q:  We are moving to Quarry Bay.  Can my children still take the school bus to the Wanchai pre-school?
A:  Yes, our bus routes cover most of Hong Kong island.

Q:  When our child is ready to move up to primary school will our deposit be refunded?
A:  Yes.  Deposits are refunded at the end of your child's final term provided at least 60 days written notice is given.

Q:  Will I be required to pay additional fees as a debenture, or asked to contribute to any "school development"  programmes?
A:  No.  Your fees are inclusive and approved by the government.  There are no hidden costs.

Q:  When my child is ready for primary school, will you help us to choose the right one?
A:  Yes.  We have a good overview of primary school options and will happily discuss this with you.

Q:  How many children will be in my child's class?
A:  This can vary, but one teacher is never responsible for more than 12 children.  The average ratio is 12:1.

Q:  Where are your schools located?
A:  We have 10 kindergartens located on Hong Kong island.  You can see a map on the top left of this page.

Q:  Some pre-schools in Hong Kong interview children as part of the application process.  Will my child be interviewed?
A:  No.

Q:  I am not sure if I want my child to attend a 'Traditional' or Montessori kindergarten.  Which do you recommend?
A:  Sorry, we refrain from making recommendations of this nature, at least until we know more about you and your child.  You can read more about the two learning approaches here,or you may wish to spend some time researching them on the Internet.  Ultimately we hope that you can make your decision based on your own research, and what you feel is best for your family.  If you have further questions about either approach, we are happy to answer them. Learn more or contact us

Q: What are Montessori and Tradional teaching methods?
A: Seven of our pre-schools use 'Traditional' teaching methods in line with the UK's Ealry Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Three of our pre-schools offer 'Montessori' teaching methods that are fully approved and accredited by the Montessori Centre International (London).
How do they differ? In the Traditional classroom you will find children of similar ages being actively taught by a teacher who is directing activities. This is group-based learning with an emphasis on whole-class, structured, active teaching. Although children sometimes work alone, most of the time they work in groups.

In the Montessori classroom, you'll find children aged between two-and-a-half and six years. Although children sometimes work in groups, most of the time they work alone or in pairs. This is self-directed learning supplemented by teachers directing each child towards learning opportunities. Having children of different ages in the same classroom provides the younger ones with role models for imitation, and gives older children an opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge by helping younger ones.

How are they similar?

There are many more similarities between the Traditional and Montessori teaching methods than differences. In both, the teacher's role is to ensure that each child feels stimulated, safe, valued and challenged to their fullest. Teachers continually observe and assess the development and progress of each child.

Both approaches cover the key learning areas of personal, social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, problem solving, reasoning and numeracy knowledge and understanding of the world, physical developement and creative development.

To sum up, whether you choose a Traditional or a Montessori pre-school, your child will receive the solid educational foundation essential for a successful transition into primary school.

Traditonal teaching approach
Woodland pre-schools provide a quality international education based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the UK National Curriculum, which is designed to allow children from diverse backgrounds to learn through fun, structured, hands on activities and to enjoy the experience of exploring and thinking for themselves.

The National Curriculum sets out a clear and full entitlement to learning for all pupils up to the age of sixteen. It determines the content of what will be taught and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is a distinct phase of education for children aged between birth and 5 years. It sets out six areas of learning which form the basis of the Foundation Stage Curriculum. These areas are:

* Personal, Social and Emotional Development
* Communication, Language and Literacy
* Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
* Knowledge and Understanding of the World
* Physical Development
* Creative Development

Each area of learning and development has a set of related Early Learning Goals. Most children will achieve all the goals. By the end of the Foundation Stage, just prior to entering primary school, some will have progressed beyond them.

Woodland Montessori pre-schools provide a quality international education based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) using the Montessori philosophy, which is designed to allow children from diverse backgrounds to learn through fun, structured, hands on activities and to enjoy the experience of exploring and thinking for themselves.

The National Curriculum sets out a clear and full entitlement to learning for all pupils up to the age of sixteen. It determines the content of what will be taught and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported.

At Woodland Montessori pre-schools these objectives are aimed towards children aged between 2 ½ and 5 years and are divided into six curriculum areas:

* Personal, Social and Emotional Development
* Communication, Language and Literacy
* Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
* Knowledge and Understanding of the World
* Physical Development
* Creative Development

The Montessori philosophy encourages each child to develop at their own pace within a safe, caring and structured environment.

After being introduced to learning materials by the teacher, children are free to choose their own work. All equipment is placed at the child's eye-level and all furniture in the classroom is child-sized.

Once they feel secure and comfortable, children will apply all their energies into exploring materials and experiences designed to help them develop intellectually, physically and psychologically. Each child has an individual map or "blue-print" that governs the rate at which they can learn. All Montessori materials and methods are carefully created to allow each child to progress at their own speed and spend the right amount of time at each stage of development.

This last area is becoming ever more important with the growth of children's television, videos, and computer games. Stimulating a child's imagination with these very real subjects adds greatly to their comprehension and self esteem. This will stimulate a very constructive curiosity about their world that will last a lifetime.