We believe that success breeds success and that it is the responsibility of the school to provide the conditions for success. Play and Mastery Learning blend together perfectly. Our staff believes in empowering children by offering them the opportunities to make decisions and solve problems. We want to help guide students into making sound choices. It is our goal that children will possess confidence in their abilities and acquire a lifelong love for learning.

Preschool: The 2, 3, and 4-Year-Olds program is designed to engage the child in his/her first formal school experience. Splash into Pre-K by Houghton Mifflin is a research-based, developmentally appropriate program that incorporates education of the whole preschool child through multiple components. The components for each themed unit include: Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science/Social Studies/Health, Gross Motor Development, Fine Motor Development, Fine Arts, Social/Emotional Development and Independent/Help.

Toileting Independence in the PLE Preschool:

The preschool classes (2, 3, and 4-year-old classes) at the PLE and Nanshan campus aim for all children to gain toileting independence with support from home.  Preschool teachers will support students in developmentally appropriate ways as they learn to become in control of their bodies as they grow.  We understand that all young children can have toileting accidents.

Toilet Independence Expectations: to help your child gain toilet independence…

– children in the 2 year-old class are expected to come to school in underwear only and provide many changes of clothing as needed; diaper pants (aka “pull-ups”) can be worn during the nap time.  Children who wear diaper pants are expected to grow to be able to change back into their underwear with little or no help.

– it is the goal that children in the 2 year-old class become independent in the toilet (only occasional accidents) during the school year

– children in the 3 year-old class are expected to come to school in underwear only, including during the nap time, and provide changes of clothing as needed

– It is the goal that 3 year-old children show toilet independence (few to no accidents) within the first month of attendance

– children in the 4 year-old class are expected to come to school in underwear only, including during the nap time, and provide changes of clothing as needed

– teachers and paraprofessionals will help children to clean themselves and change their clothes if a toilet accident occurs

– teachers and paraprofessionals will regularly take children to the toilet to encourage a toilet routine; children can go to the toilet as needed

– parents agree to actively support toilet training at home, including during school holidays

– teachers will give parents regular feedback on their child’s toilet training progress (for children who are not yet independent)

– if a child is having particular trouble in toilet training, the teacher and parent will agree on a support plan to follow, including a timeline

– in the event that a child is not showing improvement in gaining toilet independence after a support plan is followed, a child may be asked to leave school for a period of time until progress is made at home.  No fees will be refunded in this event, but a space will be kept for the child.

The 5-Year-Olds program is a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, integrated, full-day program of learning. The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years, and to do so in a safe and caring play-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children.

The goals of the 5-year-olds program are:

• to establish a strong foundation for the early years by providing young children with an integrated day of learning

• to provide a play-based learning environment

• to improve children’s prospects for success in school and in their lives beyond school

The 5-year-olds program is based on the understanding that children develop within a complex set of interrelated systems that includes the family, the school, the broader community, and the world.

At PLE, the students have the opportunity to attend Library class, PE class, the class garden on the rooftop and 5- to 8-year-olds take Chinese Class.

The 6 and 7-year-old students take a full program of Mathematics, Reading and Language Arts, Science, Culture Studies, Art, Music, Computers and Physical Education. Computer usage is also integrated with the curriculum at all levels. Mandarin is taught as a foreign language. How to use a library effectively is also taught.

Intensive English

The Intensive English (IE) program is for students at QSI International School of Shenzhen who are in need of special attention in verbal and written English. This program is designed to assist those for whom English is not a first language. The principle goal of Intensive English is to bring students to a level of academic English, including oral competency, which allows them to transfer to regular classes as rapidly as possible.

Class Size

The approximate class size for each 3- to 7-year-olds class is 18–20 children with one teacher and one paraprofessional or assistant. The 2-year-old class is limited to 16 students with one teacher and two paraprofessional assistants.

PLE Campus

After-School Activities

At the PLE, we presently offer a variety of choices of activities for after school, such as cooking classes, basketball, and soccer, among other choices that change each term. Some activities are offered on a paid basis by outside providers, while other activities are no cost and hosted by teachers.

Facilities

The PLE is located in a facility that is approximately two blocks from the Main Shekou Campus near Seaworld. There are 22 classrooms, a library with technology stations, a computer lab, a music room, a cafeteria, an art room, a rooftop covered gym, a small covered playground, and a large outdoor playground. The facility has 24-hour security and a full-time nurse.

Library & Computer Lab

The library at the PLE is a wonderful place to visit, with so many books, books, and more books for our young children to enjoy. The children visit the PLE Librarian weekly for a scheduled library time and are able to check out books to take home and enjoy with their families. Parents are also encouraged to check out books during designated times. The library is equipped with a projector and screen for sharing online reading resources with the students.

The PLE houses a state-of-the-art computer lab. The computers are equipped with excellent up-to-date educational software programs appropriate for the young child. It makes learning so much fun!

Teachers and Staff

The Preschool/Lower Elementary employs in excess of 22 full-time English-speaking teachers, a librarian, and an equal number of paraprofessionals. Our lead teachers hold teaching licenses in their home countries (primarily America and Canada) and have at least five years’ experience teaching, with many holding advanced degrees in Education. It is a wonderful place to begin and continue a Western-style education in the middle of Shenzhen!