The school provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life. Students and teachers work together in a learning community that is focused on nurturing progressively competent, committed, compassionate, spiritual, and ethically discerning individuals.
Wahyanites, as the school's students are known, share a universal heart in contributing to the welfare and happiness of all, particularly the poor and the neglected. This sense of social responsibility is a core value of the institution and is reflected in its mission and curriculum.
The school's approach to education is student-centred, and it is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all learners. This includes a strong academic program, as well as opportunities for personal development, spiritual growth, and service to others.
The school's programs and activities are designed to help students become well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed in all aspects of life. This includes developing critical thinking skills, fostering creativity and innovation, promoting cultural awareness and understanding, and encouraging leadership and teamwork.
The school is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life. Its focus on nurturing competent, committed, compassionate, spiritual, and ethically discerning individuals who are dedicated to serving others reflects its core values and mission.
The WYHK Open House was a unique opportunity for educators to come together and explore impactful practices for redirecting authority in teaching and learning. Our inquiry question, "How might we create more meaningful and student-centred learning experiences through redirecting authority?", guided our discussions and activities throughout the event.
Visitors had the chance to:
Explore innovative teaching strategies that empower students to take ownership of their learning
Engage in conversations on the benefits and challenges of redirecting authority in the classroom, and share their own experiences and insights
Learn from educators who have successfully implemented student-centred approaches in their classrooms
Self-directed learning is one of WYHK’s major concerns in their three-year school development plan. Their innovation focus is how to redirect authority through the use of BYOD and thinking tools, which have been implemented to support students’ autonomy in learning.
On the day of Open House, participants experienced a range of activities that showcased the Wah Yan culture and redirecting authority, including:
The Examen practice (a daily mindfulness practice);
A guided learning walk of WYHK’s Flexible Afternoon (i.e. special double lesson time dedicated to different form-based activities), including observation of a dubbing workshop led by teacher cohort members, and a mentorship/careers programme hosted by alumni
The newly opened Heritage Centre showing artifacts that demonstrate the Wah Yan history, culture & brotherhood
After the activities, WYHK members & participants discussed the application and effectiveness of using thinking tools in English, History, ICT and Chinese classrooms to promote self-directed learning. A WYHK Form 4 student, who joined us as an observer in the event, shared touching words of appreciation for his teachers’ innovative attempts and the opportunities given to students to own their own learning.
Visitors shared they gained a deeper understanding of how redirecting authority in teaching and learning can lead to more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all students. This practice empowers students to take an active role in their own education.
The WYHK Open House provided us with valuable insights into the relationship between collaboration, reflective practice, and professional growth. Our teacher cohort was inspired by our visitors’ enthusiasm to implement new teaching strategies and techniques.
We are now focused on finding ways to support other colleagues in their journey of growth and development, and remain committed to expanding the reach of our work with the cohort.
Going forward, we plan to explore new approaches to supporting new educators in their professional journey. The impact of the event on our visitors was evident, as they left with a renewed focus on building a strong learning culture, implementing thinking routines, and providing students with greater autonomy in their learning.