What Does Learning Look Like in an International Kindergarten?
How does my child learn maths in an engaging and meaningful way?
How does an international kindergarten help little ones develop their thinking and problem-solving skills?
What does a “learning through play and inquiry-based approach” really mean?
For children aged 2 to 5, the key to great learning lies in curiosity. At this age, children learn best when their natural interests are nurtured and when they can explore, express, and experience things for themselves. By guiding them to think creatively, question deeply, and act independently, we help them become proactive learners, building confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills from the very beginning.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, every child from Toddler to Year 2 learns through meaningful play, guided inquiry, and hands-on discovery. So, what that looks like in action?
Toddler
Exploring the World Through Curiosity
Our youngest learners have been joyfully exploring both indoors and outdoors - pouring water into containers, creating fountains, splashing in puddles, and making bubbles. Their fascination with colours has led to exciting discoveries: mixing paints, experimenting with textures, and even creating “mud pies” in the garden. Every pour, splash, and swirl is a moment of scientific exploration, fine motor skills, and sensory learning all at once.
Nursery
Wondering, Discovering, Connecting
In Nursery, every day is an adventure. Through stories like Owl Babies and The Colour Monster, children explore emotions and empathy, helping them adjust to school life and new friendships in the first month of the new academic year.
Their classroom is filled with natural treasures such as leaves, shells, and twigs, collected and examined as part of our inquiry into “change”. From mixing new paint colours, to noticing how dough changes as we knead it, to watching how water flows, children are constantly asking questions and exploring how the world shifts and grows, just as they do.
Reception
Light, Shadow, and Imagination
Reception children have been investigating the magic of light and shadow. Armed with iPads and torches, they have photographed patterns, traced outlines, and made surprising discoveries, like how flames create light but no shadow, or how transparent objects let light pass through.
Stories like The Black Rabbit have deepened their curiosity, as storytelling and science blend seamlessly into one creative, hands-on learning experience.
Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2)
The "Naughty Bus" Adventure
In Year 1 and Year 2, learning becomes wonderfully connected. It all began when a mysterious purple parcel arrived, inside was a little red London bus! Through one engaging theme, they learned literacy, numeracy, art, and geography, demonstrating how deeply children learn when subjects come alive through experience.
Year 1 children built their vocabulary by hunting for describing words, whilst Year 2 children learned to write detailed sentences with impressive skill.
Maths learning flourished as children explored number concepts through engaging games and ran their own ticket office, handling real money transactions. Geography came alive as children drew detailed maps of our school grounds, learning about symbols and directions.
Art lessons reached new heights through self-portraits inspired by the artist Frida Kahlo, with exciting work ahead exploring collage techniques. This shows our high expectations that children engage with famous artists and develop sophisticated creative skills.
