The CDNIS Early Years Centre

Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is a renowned, non-profit institution offering comprehensive education for students from Nursery through Grade 12. With a strong commitment to both academic excellence and personal development, CDNIS follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) level and the Diploma Programme (DP) level in the Upper School. These are seamlessly integrated with the highly complementary Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) awarded to all CDNIS graduates.

Known for fostering a diverse, inclusive community, the school equips students with the tools needed for success in an interconnected world. Situated in Aberdeen, CDNIS is recognised for its state-of-the-art facilities and its commitment to developing well-rounded global citizens who excel both academically and personally.

CDNIS recently expanded its presence with the opening of its new Early Years Centre, marking the first time the school has ventured beyond its main Nam Long Shan Road campus. Conveniently located at THE SOUTHSIDE, this cutting-edge space is designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children. The centre stands out with its integration of the world’s first-ever educational collaboration with the Japanese arts collective, teamLab. Under the leadership of Dr Wil Chan, Lower School Principal at CDNIS, this innovative environment offers an exceptional start for the school’s youngest learners.

Designing for learning: A space that inspires

The CDNIS Early Years Centre spans 14,000 square feet and has been meticulously designed to promote creativity, curiosity, and independent learning. Designed by Hong Kong based architect, Thomas Chow and Associates, the school also enlisted renowned engineer Karsten Rakutt to design the central play structure, known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to children’s environments in Hong Kong and beyond. Open, flexible areas encourage movement and exploration, while the abundance of natural light creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

A standout feature of the new facility is CDNIS’s collaboration with teamLab, a world-famous Japanese arts collective known for blending art, technology, and education. CDNIS is the first school globally to partner with teamLab on an educational project. This collaboration allows students to see their artwork come to life in a dynamic digital landscape, providing an interactive and engaging way for children to connect with their environment. 

Curriculum designed for the future

At the heart of the CDNIS Early Years Centre is a curriculum built on inquiry-based learning, a central tenet of CDNIS’s IB continuum school framework. Even for students as young as two, the curriculum emphasises exploration, problem-solving, and discovery, helping children engage with their surroundings and develop critical thinking skills from an early age.

A defining feature of the curriculum is the school’s bilingual immersion programme, which has become increasingly important as families seek educational experiences that prepare children for a globalised world. This year, CDNIS introduced its new half-day bilingual Nursery Programme for 2-year-olds, expanding upon its highly popular bilingual Early Years 1 (EY1) programme for 3-year-olds. These programmes provide a unique dual-language learning environment where students are immersed in both English and Mandarin. Through this bilingual platform, children develop receptive and expressive language skills in a warm, engaging setting led by experienced and qualified teachers.

As Dr Chan explains, “Recognising the growing demand for bilingual education, we have launched a new bilingual nursery programme at CDNIS. This initiative allows us to cater to the diverse needs of our students, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in a global society.”

What makes CDNIS’s Early Years Centre unique?

While many early childhood centres focus on play-based learning, CDNIS takes this concept further by integrating play with technology, art, and bilingual immersion. The inquiry-based curriculum encourages children to ask meaningful questions and find their own answers, nurturing independent thought from the very start. Additionally, the centre introduces critical STEM concepts, laying a foundation for future learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Another key element that sets CDNIS apart is its commitment to small class sizes and individual attention. With experienced educators guiding the way, each child is supported in their personal learning journey, ensuring they feel confident and engaged at every step.

A seamless transition

Students who complete Early Years 1 continue their studies at the CDNIS main campus, just a short walk away. Here, students follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP), maintaining continuity within the IB framework. This progression allows students to build on the solid foundation established during their early years, ensuring that their educational experience is cohesive and comprehensive.

Students progress through CDNIS’s continuum of programmes—from PYP to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), eventually overlapping with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These programmes allow CDNIS students to graduate with dual diplomas, which makes their university applications more competitive, while developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalised world.

A bright future for early learners

The new CDNIS Early Years Centre is more than just a school; it’s a place where young children can begin their educational journey in a space specifically designed to inspire and engage. With its unique combination of bilingual immersion, cutting-edge technology, and an inquiry-based curriculum, CDNIS is setting a new standard for early childhood education in Hong Kong.

For families seeking a forward-thinking, dynamic learning environment that prepares their children for the future while nurturing creativity and a love of learning, the CDNIS Early Years Centre at THE SOUTHSIDE offers an unmatched educational experience. The application period for Nursery will be open from November 1 to 30.

Main Campus: 36 Nam Long Shan Rd, Aberdeen, Early Years Centre: Shop Units G21-24, G/F, THE SOUTHSIDE, 11 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2525 7088, cdnis.edu.hk