Nurturing Curiosity, Confidence, and the Joy of “Why?”

At Harbourfront International School, our Kindergarten program values and nurtures children’s natural curiosity—their endless questions of “why?” and “how?”. We believe that the process of learning matters more than the final product. Through play, inquiry, and meaningful experiences, children develop a positive attitude toward learning that lasts a lifetime.

Early childhood is a critical stage for building the foundations of character, thinking, and relationships. During these years, children begin to form their identity as learners. At HFIS, we believe in the unlimited potential of each child and are committed to nurturing confident, compassionate, and globally minded individuals—guided by our HARBOUR values.

A Globally Minded Learning Environment

IB Primary Years Programme Candidate School

Harbourfront International School is an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) candidate school. Our Kindergarten curriculum follows the IB PYP framework, which emphasizes inquiry, conceptual understanding, and holistic development.

Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, children learn through connected experiences that encourage them to make sense of the world around them. They build understanding by exploring real questions, sharing ideas, taking action, and reflecting on their learning—skills that prepare them for both Elementary school and life beyond the classroom.

HFIS is an IB candidate school. Authorization as an IB World School is pending and not guaranteed.

Our Approach to Learning

Play-Based, Inquiry-Driven, and Values-Led

To support each child’s holistic growth, our Kindergarten program is built around three key learning approaches that align closely with the IB PYP and our HARBOUR foundations.

🔍 Inquiry-Based Learning – Learning Begins with “Why?”

Children’s questions are the starting point for learning. Instead of giving immediate answers, teachers guide children through thoughtful questioning, exploration, and hands-on experiences. This encourages children to think deeply, solve problems, and develop independence as learners.

💡 Conceptual Understanding – Learning the Big Ideas

We emphasize understanding key concepts rather than memorizing facts. Children learn to identify patterns, relationships, and underlying ideas, enabling them to apply their learning across different contexts. This builds flexibility, creativity, and adaptability in a changing world.

🌍 Respect for Diversity & International Understanding

As early as Kinder 3, students take part in a short study abroad experience. This year, children spent a week at Superland Preschool in Singapore, immersing themselves in a different school culture and learning alongside peers overseas.

Through this experience, children develop curiosity, confidence, and respect for different perspectives—bringing international-mindedness to life in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

A Play-Based & Inquiry-Driven Curriculum (Ages 3–5)

Learning Through Inquiry

Guided by the IB PYP, learning begins with children’s curiosity. Teachers act as facilitators—observing interests, asking open-ended questions, and supporting exploration. Through this process, children learn how to learn, forming the foundation for lifelong inquiry and problem-solving.

Bridging Japan and the World

While immersed in an international environment, we place strong value on Japanese culture, manners, and compassion. Our Japanese teachers are qualified childcare professionals, and learning reflects both:

• The strengths of Japanese early childhood education (care, cooperation, attention to detail), and
• The global outlook of international education (independence, openness, diversity).

Children develop a strong sense of identity while growing with a global perspective.

Key Learning Experiences in Kindergarten

🧮 Early Mathematical Thinking (Singapore Math)

From age three, children explore numbers through hands-on activities using concrete materials such as blocks and manipulatives. Learning progresses naturally from concrete experiences to visual representations, building a strong foundation for logical thinking—without pressure.

🍳 Experiential Food Education

Monthly cooking activities allow children to explore food using all five senses. Through preparing and sharing meals, they learn about cooperation, gratitude, nutrition, and healthy habits in age-appropriate ways.

🤸 Physical Development & Confidence

Weekly movement programs, including gymnastics and swimming, support physical strength, coordination, and body awareness. Children experience the joy of movement, learn perseverance, and build confidence by overcoming challenges.

🦋 Authentic Learning Experiences

Children engage in real-world learning beyond the classroom—such as field trips, nature exploration, and hands-on animal lessons led by specialists. These experiences deepen understanding and help children connect learning to the world around them.

🎶 Music & Creative Expression

Through eurhythmics, singing, and instrument play, children develop rhythm, expression, focus, and creativity. Music fosters cooperation, emotional awareness, and appreciation for beauty.

An Integrated Approach to Learning

Learning experiences across subjects are connected and meaningful. A single inquiry may involve science, art, mathematics, language, and movement—helping children form deep, integrated understanding rather than isolated knowledge.

Building Strong Foundations for the Future

Our Kindergarten program is not about early academic pressure. Instead, it nurtures:

• Curiosity and a love of learning
• Independence and confidence
• Collaboration and empathy
• Creative and critical thinking

These foundations prepare children to transition smoothly into Elementary school, ready to learn, explore, and grow with purpose.