We meet a new face at Malvern College Hong Kong and get a snapshot of how an MCHK education incorporates a future learning experience to prepare students for the real world.
A word from the MCHK Headmaster
“As students transition from preschool to their primary and secondary years, they embark on an exciting educational journey designed to equip them with the skills and learning experiences necessary for the future,” says Headmaster Paul Wickes.
“Through innovative programmes and real world experiences, MCHK aims to create a seamless continuum of education that supports lifelong growth and success.”
To this end, Paul says the school was delighted to appoint MIGUEL ABELEDO as the new Director of Experiential Education at MCHK. “Miguel will foster practical and future learning initiatives and develop global citizens prepared to thrive in an ever changing world.”
We chatted to Miguel about his new role.
Congratulations on your appointment; what will your job entail?
The role encompasses a broad scope and is a new one, allowing for considerable creativity – everything is possible! It involves activities that extend beyond the classroom and are not strictly academic, but connect future learning experiences in the classroom with our external activities. This is defined by our Signature Programme, articulated through our relationships with Round Square schools and Malvern College International schools, and links to the wider world, including universities, internships and summer camps.
Our goal is to support pupils in developing lifelong transferable skills, enabling them to become future leaders and prepare for the realities of the 21st century. Some children will experience these changes first-hand, and their worlds will be completely different from ours. It’s very exciting!
What are some programmes and future learning experiences students will be looking out for this year?
As an IB continuum school, we embrace the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforce the importance of service. We aim to foster environmental mindfulness among our students, starting from a very early age with our Forest-Beach School, which connects students with nature while enhancing their holistic development. This popular programme has become an integral part of our school culture, and the students love it! I particularly value the inclusion of a beach element, as I have a passion for the ocean.
We offer an incredibly broad range of programmes and activities – this includes various CCAs (Co-Curricular Activities) and sports squads, ranging from cooking to martial arts, as well as rowing, swimming, sailing and golf. These are led by external providers, our staff and our students, who benefit from the leadership opportunities available.
We also run the Award for Young People (AYP), similar to the International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and have just begun offering the Gold level this year. I’m fascinated by how this programme challenges students while combining adventure with resilience and teamwork.
Do you have any exciting initiatives still in the works?
One of our goals is to positively impact our carbon footprint through carbon reduction and offsetting initiatives. We’re exploring ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels while introducing more greenery into our buildings. I’m inspired by the Singaporean model and similar schools, such as the International School of Amsterdam, where I was impressed by their green walls. Another project that I’m planning will target students’ passions; it will begin by identifying their talents and aspirations to help them realise these ambitions.
We’re considering collaborations with organisations already working on these initiatives in the region. I truly value the idea of connecting students with professionals in various industries to learn directly from the experts. We envision this happening over time in a sustained manner, in addition to our traditional work experience opportunities.
Additionally, we’re looking to revamp our expeditions programme by adding more meaning through the inclusion of academic elements linked to assessments. And I also wish to introduce an ocean awareness programme, potentially including activities like diving, ocean floor clean-ups and coral gardening. MCHK has become a Round Square member; tell us about this opportunity.
Joining Round Square schools means embracing community service activities both locally and globally. We can run projects through the school as well as via the Round Square region, network and worldwide organisation. They organise Global Student Conferences and events, which ultimately present a golden opportunity for our regional and global engagement. It’s a fantastic opportunity for global cooperation and networking.
The network includes more than 200 schools across the globe. The RS IDEALS offer numerous possibilities to review and enhance our existing initiatives, giving meaning and visibility to what we are already doing and improving it further. In other words, while we are already making significant strides in experiential learning, I believe there is potential for us to better showcase these efforts.
How does MCHK plan to engage students in these activities and initiatives for future learning?
The key is student leadership, as this provides them with invaluable lifelong skills. For example, the school would like students to seek sponsorships for our initiatives, which would teach them about entrepreneurship while building resilience as they engage with the real world. Additionally, we have the networks of Malvern College International and Round Square, which will undoubtedly connect our students to the global community.
Early experiences at Malvern Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (MCPS) offers a nurturing and innovative environment for young learners through its Malvern Playgroup and Pre-School programmes. Catering to children from six to 30 months in the Playgroup and two to six years in Pre-School, the school emphasises a holistic development approach that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
There are two campuses located at Coronation Circle in West Kowloon and Island West in Sai Ying Pun. Both offer a bilingual education that enables children to learn in both English and Mandarin. A standout feature of the curriculum is the Forest-Beach School programme, which immerses children in nature and fosters an appreciation for the environment while also enhancing their exploratory learning experiences.
In addition, the Pre-School also integrates special programmes in technology and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). There’s even a Financial Literacy programme to equip children with essential life skills.
The aim of all of these initiatives is to provide a strong educational foundation and also promote creativity, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship in its young learners.
Malvern College Hong Kong
3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories
3763 0111 | malverncollege.org.hk
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong
• Island West: G/F & 1/F, Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun
• Coronation Circle: G09-12 Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, West Kowloon
3898 4668 | malvernpreschool.hk
This article about the future learning experience at MCHK first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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