PLE Campus (Ages 2-7)
The Preschool and Lower Elementary (PLE) Campus at QSI Shenzhen is a warm learning community with a caring staff ready to support students and encourage them to meet each new challenge as an opportunity. Students at the PLE receive a balanced education that prepares them for success along their educational journey.
"At the PLE, we make education fun by providing students with hands-on, play-based learning experiences that are designed to spark their natural curiosity and equip them with the knowledge and skills to be successful students throughout their school years."
penny-blackwell@shenzhen.qsi.org
2 - 4 Year Olds
Our 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old program is a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, integrated, full-day program of learning. Students are encouraged to explore their world with the support of our caring teachers and guided by our research-based curriculum.
Our curriculum, Frog Street, is a research-based, developmentally appropriate program that incorporates education of the whole preschool child through multiple components.
- Language/Literacy
- Mathematics
- Science/Social Studies/Health
- Gross Motor Development
- Fine Motor Development
- Fine Arts, Social/Emotional Development
- Independence/Self Help
For 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old students, the school day starts at 8:30 AM.
- Morning Circle
- Foundational Skills in Literacy
- Foundational Skills in Mathematics
- Outdoor Play Time
Specials classes with specialist teachers:
- Art — twice a week
- Music — twice a week
- Movement — three times a week
- Library — once a week
- Chinese Language — once a week
Students nap each day from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM on individual cots that are cleaned regularly.
The school day ends at 3:40 PM.
At the PLE, small class sizes allow teachers to provide one-on-one attention and support to students.
- 2-year-old program: limited to 18 students with a homeroom teacher and two paraprofessionals
- 3-year-old program: limited to 20 students with a homeroom teacher and two paraprofessionals
- 4-year-old program: limited to 20 students with a homeroom teacher and one paraprofessional
The preschool classes aim for all children to gain toileting independence with support from home. Teachers support students in developmentally appropriate ways as they learn to control their bodies.
2-year-old class: children come in underwear with spare clothing; pull-ups allowed during nap time. Goal is toilet independence during the school year.
3-year-old and 4-year-old classes: children come in underwear only, including nap time, with spare clothing as needed.
Teachers help children clean themselves and change if accidents occur. Regular toilet routines are encouraged.
Parents agree to actively support toilet training at home, including during school holidays.
If a child struggles, teacher and parent create a support plan. If no improvement, the child may be asked to leave temporarily while keeping their space.
Building character is an important part of our program. At the PLE, we focus on one Success Orientation each month.
- Trustworthiness
- Responsibility
- Aesthetic Appreciation
- Concern for Others
- Kindness and Politeness
- Independent Endeavor
- Group Interaction
These SOs are an important part of our preschool program and help students demonstrate school readiness skills.
Elementary Program
5 - 7 Year Olds
The 5-year-old, 6-year-old, and 7-year-old programs establish a strong foundation for learning in a safe and caring play-based environment that promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Establish a strong foundation by providing young children with an integrated day of learning
- Provide a play-based learning environment
- Improve prospects for success in school and in life beyond school
The 6-year-old and 7-year-old programs build on the 5-year-old foundation. As the academic program becomes more rigorous, students learn through real-world experiences that challenge them to secure new knowledge and skills.
For 5, 6, and 7-year-old students, the school day starts at 8:30 AM. Daily core classes with homeroom teacher:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science/Cultural Studies
Specials classes with specialist teachers:
- Art — twice a week
- Music — twice a week
- Physical Education — twice a week
- Library — once a week
- Technology — once a week
5-year-old students attend Chinese 3 times per week. 6 and 7-year-old students attend Chinese daily.
The school day ends at 3:50 PM.
Class sizes are limited to 20 students with one homeroom teacher and one paraprofessional, allowing teachers to provide one-on-one attention.
The Intensive English (IE) program serves 6 and 7-year-old students needing focused English support. Students attend specialized English classes during daily reading and writing periods. The goal is to bring students to academic English proficiency as rapidly as possible for transition to regular classes.
Building character is an important part of our program. At the PLE, we focus on one Success Orientation each month.
- Trustworthiness
- Responsibility
- Aesthetic Appreciation
- Concern for Others
- Kindness and Politeness
- Independent Endeavor
- Group Interaction
Classes discuss SOs regularly and celebrate one each month.
Facilities
The PLE is located approximately two blocks from the Main Shekou Campus near Seaworld, providing a dedicated learning environment for our youngest students.
- 22 classrooms
- A library with a newly renovated indoor play space
- A music room
- A cafeteria
- An art room
- A covered rooftop gym
- A climbing wall
- A covered playground on campus grounds
- 24-hour security and a full-time nurse
After School Activities
Children learn by exploring and trying new things. Our ASA program offerings change each term to provide students with the opportunity to try many different activities throughout the year.
Some activities are offered on a paid basis by outside providers, while others are no cost and hosted by teachers.