The Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) has been one of the most popular JUPAS programmes for six years in a row. And since the government introduced free quality kindergarten education last year, even more DSE students have opted for the programme as a Band A choice.
Crystal Choi is a current student of the five-year programme of the programme. She has also represented Hong Kong as a rhythmic gymnastics athlete and, years later, she became an international rhythmic gymnastics judge and a coach dedicated to training youngsters.
Here, she sets out five things you need to know:
1. All-round abilities
“As gymnastics requires not only physical training, but also sensitivity to art and music, I became really interested in early childhood education. As a discipline, it offers whole-person development because kindergarten teachers are supposed to teach all subjects, from physical education to music, arts and languages and maths.”
2. Sustainability
“Some people become teachers because of the relatively high starting salary, but if you’re not genuinely interested in working with children, there’s a good chance you’ll give up. Be true to yourself!”
3. International aspect
“The programme is in English, and we have many international classmates. What I like most is the international exposure. We can study in Australia, Beijing and Taiwan. We can also teach at international schools by studying a minor and gain an IB Certificate!”
4. Secret to good grades
“Early childhood education involves lots of practicum, project learning and service learning. You’ve got to be a good communicator, event organiser, class facilitator, counsellor, game leader and crisis manager. Putting theory into practice is the key. And practice makes perfect!"
5. Gender bias
“Some people think that women teachers are more sought after in the workplace. This doesn’t hold true. Many male teachers do very, very well. They have special roles to play at kindergartens.”
