Education Program
The Orion Preschool programme follows the Ministry of Education’s <Nurturing Early Learners> Kindergarten Curriculum Framework. Our approach is geared towards ensuring that children receive a well-balanced preschool experience that will give them the confidence to face the challenges of formal schooling. Class schedules are carefully planned so that amidst the structured lessons and guided learning, children still have time for rest, free play and quiet contemplation.
Bilingual Structure
Our programme is designed to develop bilingual competencies in children. We believe that language is best acquired through immersion and exposure. As such, from Nursery 2 (4 years old) to Kindergarten 2 (6 years old), contact time is divided equally between English and Chinese teachers.
The foundation for English literacy is laid through Letterland phonics, and complemented with the English reading programme. The Thematic Approach further supports language acquisition through frequent use of information books, and opportunities for observation, discussion, recording and documentation.
Early exposure to Mandarin comes in the form of songs, rhymes and stories, and routine interactions on a daily basis. At the Kindergarten level, children are further exposed to Chinese folktales, classical verse, proverbs, and music and dance, so as to develop their interest in Chinese culture, history and tradition.
Thematic Approach
Young children learn best through concrete experiences and activities. Our monthly educational themes provide opportunities for children to explore the real world around them and acquire general knowledge across a diverse array of subjects. Our themes range from studies on nature (Animals, Plants) to understanding how things work (Machines, Transportation) to raising awareness of environmental issues (Weather, Conservation, Recycling).
Policy on External Enrichment Program
We strive to deliver a holistic program for children using our own in-house capabilities. Phonics, Music & Movement, and Speech & Drama lessons are part of our core program, delivered by our own trained teachers, at no extra cost to parents.
We believe that our program is sufficiently complete, and there is no compelling reason to host additional enrichment programs that are conducted by external parties. Moving forward, external programs will be assessed on their merits and introduced only if they fit in with the vision for our program.
