SINGAPORE - MindChamps has launched its first Chinese pre-school at Tampines Central, bringing its total number of pre-schools here to 32.
The move also marks the start of a collaboration between MindChamps and Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) Chinese Media Group.
At MindChamps Chinese PreSchool, which was officially launched on Monday (Feb 15), children as young as 18 months will undergo most of MindChamps' trademark core and enrichment programmes in both Chinese and English, while some are conducted in Chinese only.
The usage ratio of Chinese to English will be 9:1 for selected programmes at playgroup level, slowly progressing to 6:4 in kindergarten, so as to equip children for primary school, where the main language of instruction is English.
Children at the pre-school will also be exposed to traditional Chinese art forms like calligraphy and tea appreciation during term breaks. They will learn about the origins of these art forms, and how they are still relevant today. Its teachers are given basic training in these art forms, and will do live demonstrations.
As part of its collaboration with the SPH Chinese Media Group, Thumbs Up Little Junior, a Lianhe Zaobao publication for pre-school children, will include up to three pages of content from the Chinese pre-school.
The other 31 MindChamps pre-schools around Singapore will receive a copy of this publication, and teachers will use it as curriculum material.
"It has always been a part of our plan to create a new way to teach Chinese Language, to provide a launch pad for a richer understanding, not only of a language, but of a whole culture," said Mr David Chiem, founder, chairman and group chief executive officer of MindChamps. Joining Mr Chiem at the launch was guest of honour, Mr Anthony Tan, executive vice-president of the SPH Chinese Media Group.
SPH bought a stake in MindChamps in 2014.
MindChamps Chinese PreSchool's first intake will be up to 107 students, with fees starting from $1,680 per month.
