For little ones, the transition from Malvern Pre-School to primary school is a significant educational milestone. But it’s not always an easy one! We chat with MARIA GEBRIAL, the Head of Prep at Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK), about helping young learners take this big step up into Prep in Hong Kong.
Describe the educational pathway between pre-school and primary at a school like MCHK.
Admissions procedures help schools identify if they are the right fit for the child, while assessmentsgauge a child’s readiness for the academic and social environment. Smooth transitions, facilitated by open communication and bridging activities, ensure a positive and successful start to primary school.
What are some logistical aspects of the change from Malvern College Pre-School (MCPS) to Prep 1 at Malvern?
The MCPS campuses are located in different parts of the city and have different buildings. Prep 1 involves a change of location, and new transportation arrangements, and the campus is a larger physical space to navigate. MCHK is much larger, with multiple classrooms, hallways, specialist rooms and larger outdoor spaces. Children need to learn their way around this new, bigger environment.
Prep 1 pupils need to learn how to manage and organise their belongings. Children encounter a wider range of staff members in primary. MCHK also has more specialised resources and equipment and children need to learn how to access and use these resources appropriately. In addition, children may have to navigate a larger cafeteria or playground and learn new routines for eating and playing with their peers.
How do you smooth the transition between the two different stages of schooling for Malvern pre-school students?
We take children on transition visits to MCHK, where they can visit classrooms and other learning areas and eat lunch at the school; and we show them a welcome video showcasing the campus and learning spaces, and introducing the teachers. We also host parent information sessions.
How different does the teaching, learning and curriculum look in the classroom between MCPS and the first year at MCHK? Just how much of a step up is it?
There are a number of differences. MCPS follows the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum and is bilingual; MCHK is an IB school. The daily schedule also becomes more structured, with set times for different subjects. The school day is longer, with a more demanding schedule; children need to learn new expectations and procedures for both their behaviour and their academic work.
What advice would you give to a young student about the move up to primary school at Malvern?
It’s okay to feel a little nervous. Get to know your new school and remember you are not alone and that there are many teachers there to help. It takes time but you will get used to the new routines. Be yourself and have fun!
A word from a Malvern Pre-school family
We chat with Richard Scholey and Amanda Too about their five-year-old son Benedict (Ben) who recently transitioned from Malvern College Pre-School to Prep in Hong Kong at MCHK.
What did Ben enjoy most about MCPS?
Forest-Beach School was always a highlight and created great memories. The incredibly inclusive environment meant that every child was given every opportunity to achieve their potential.
Most importantly, Ben formed a wonderful bond with his teachers, who were always kind, patient and encouraging.
How did he find the transition to the College? Any challenges?
Ben was without some of his old friends in his new class but with the help of his teachers, he gradually adapted to a new group and made connections in the new environment. It was also a challenge for him to travel a longer distance to and from school – it took some time to get used to.
What are some ways Malvern pre-school helped with the transition between the two levels of school?
The pre-school made our job easier by shouldering most of the transition preparation in K2 – for example, they regularly took children on visits to “big school” to familiarise them with the new environment and prepare them for the change through social stories. Ben was excited to go to the new school from day one.
The teaching team for prep in Hong Kong at Malvern also took great care in helping him to manage his transition, giving him a sense of belonging and curiosity about the new environment.
Was there anything you did differently at home or with daily routines to help?
To give him the best chance of a smooth transition, we gradually introduced a structured daily routine aligned to the school schedule. We encouraged Ben to do more simple tasks independently, such as dressing himself and packing his own bag to bolster his sense of autonomy and confidence.
Ben’s view
What are some of the things you like about your school day in Prep 1?
I love my teachers. I love Chinese, Maths and PE, and I love the play room!
How parents can help
Maria outlines 10 ways that mums and dads can play a role in helping with their child’s transition from pre-school to primary school.
#1 Talk to your child about primary school positively and excitingly.
#2 If possible, visit the school with your child.
#3 Read books together, play counting games and encourage curiosity about the world around them.
#4 Help your child interact with other children, practice sharing and taking turns, and learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully.
#5 Talk about different emotions and how to manage them.
#6 Adjust your child’s daily routine to align with the primary school schedule.
#7 Celebrate successes, no matter how small, to build confidence.
#8 Listen to your child’s concerns and reassure them.
#9 Encourage independence and help them develop good learning habits.
#10 Get involved by attending school events, volunteering, and communicating with teachers.
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 featuring the transition from Malvern Pre-School to prep in Hong Kong first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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