key stage 1 (Year 1 & 2)
key stage 1
(Year 1 & 2)
At Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WASHK), Years 1 and 2 form Key Stage 1—the first stage of formal primary education and, for many children, an important first step in their educational journey. We understand the significance of this transition and provide a warm, nurturing and carefully structured environment in which our youngest pupils can feel secure, develop confidence and discover a genuine enjoyment of learning.
Join Us for Open Day
We welcome you to our Aberdeen Campus on 10 October 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
This Open Day is designed for families with children aged 4–8.
Experience life at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong through interactive workshops in iSTEAM, Chinese, English and Art. Meet our Headmaster and teaching team, explore our classrooms and facilities on a guided campus tour, and discover how we create an engaging and supportive learning environment for our youngest pupils.
Our Admissions Team will be available throughout the morning to answer your questions and provide guidance on admissions and your child’s journey with us.
Following the Open Day, families are welcome to stay for light bites and refreshments from 12:00pm to 12:30pm.
On This Page
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Meet Our Head of Key Stage 1
Veronica Tan, Head of Key Stage 1 at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, holds a Purdue University bachelor’s teaching degree in elementary education, qualifying her to teach Kindergarten through Grade 6 (Year 7).
Her classroom experience has centred on children aged five to nine, including direct experience with the age range encompassing Years 1 and 2. At Hong Kong International School, Veronica taught Reception 2, equivalent to Year 1, and Grade 1, equivalent to Year 2. She later joined Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong as a Year 2 teacher before becoming Head of Key Stage 1.
Veronica began her career teaching Grade 3 pupils aged eight to nine in New York City. After moving to Hong Kong, she joined Canadian International School as a founding faculty member, where she taught Grade 3 pupils. Alongside her elementary teaching qualification, Veronica holds an English as a Second Language certificate completed through a course at Hong Kong International School, further complementing her experience teaching younger pupils.
“The school does a really good job getting to know the kids, understanding them and being empathetic to each and every child. Alongside this, the biggest things we work on are independence, responsibility and persevering when they make a mistake.”
Ms Veronica Tan
Head of Key Stage 1 , Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong
Curriculum Overview: A Strong Start to Primary Education
Our British curriculum provides strong academic foundations, enriched by specialist teaching, our award-winning iSTEAM curriculum and a broad programme of sport, the arts, outdoor learning and co-curricular activities. With a 1:6 teacher-to-pupil ratio, children benefit from individual attention and close support as they develop the knowledge, skills, curiosity and independence that will carry them through Key Stage 1 and onwards to Year 13.
Award-Winning iSTEAM for Young Learners
Our award-winning iSTEAM curriculum begins in Year 1, introducing children to interdisciplinary learning across science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics from an early age.
Through practical, hands-on experiences, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, experiment with ideas, collaborate with others and apply their learning to real-world challenges. Rather than experiencing subjects only in isolation, children begin to make connections between different areas of knowledge and explore how ideas can work together.
This approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability—skills that will become increasingly important as pupils progress through their education and into the wider world.
Specialist Teaching from Year 1
From Year 1, pupils benefit from specialist teaching in PE, Art, Drama, Music and iSTEAM, bringing subject expertise and a rich variety of learning experiences into the school day.
Working alongside our Key Stage 1 class teachers, specialist teachers encourage children to discover new interests, develop their individual strengths and experience different ways of thinking, creating and expressing themselves. This breadth helps pupils develop confidence across the curriculum while laying foundations for increasingly specialised learning as they progress through the school. Chinese is taught as part of the core curriculum by experienced teachers, developing language skills and cultural understanding from Year 1.
Building Confidence Through the Performing Arts
The performing arts provide powerful opportunities for younger children to find their voice, express their ideas and develop confidence in front of others. With specialist Drama and Music teaching from Year 1, pupils are encouraged to participate, create and perform within a supportive environment.
School productions, Chinese New Year performances, arts-focused activities and individual instrumental learning provide opportunities for children to experience the enjoyment of performing both individually and as part of a group.
Through these experiences, pupils develop more than performance skills. They learn to communicate, listen, collaborate and express themselves with growing confidence—qualities that enrich their learning across the curriculum.
A wHOLE-child approach to education
Education in Key Stage 1 extends far beyond academic foundations. Sports, the arts, outdoor learning and co-curricular activities are integral to school life, helping children discover what excites them and develop as individuals. These experiences build confidence, resilience, independence and teamwork, while pastoral care supports children’s social and emotional development alongside academic progress.
Our campus provides inspiring spaces for learning through experience, including the highest climbing wall in a school in Hong Kong, our Outdoor Art Terrace and dedicated facilities for creativity, sport and performance—encouraging children to explore, participate and discover what they are capable of.
individual attention for every child
Our youngest pupils thrive when they feel known, understood and supported. With a 1:6 teacher-to-pupil ratio and a dedicated Teaching Assistant in every class, children in Key Stage 1 benefit from a high level of individual attention and care.
Close, consistent relationships enable our teachers to understand each child’s strengths, interests and areas for development. Whether a pupil needs additional reassurance, further explanation or greater challenge, teachers can respond thoughtfully to the individual.
This combination of personal attention and high expectations helps children feel secure enough to take risks in their learning, approach new challenges with confidence and become increasingly independent.
Pastoral Care
We prioritise creating a supportive environment where every student feels valued, understood, and encouraged. Our small class sizes allow for personalised attention, helping students build strong relationships with teachers and peers in a close-knit school community.
Each student benefits from a dedicated form tutor who provides individualised guidance, supporting their social, emotional, and academic development. Through this holistic approach, we aim to empower students to grow in confidence, resilience, and independence—key skills for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Our personalised support system ensures every learner receives the care and mentorship they need to thrive academically and personally.
Testimonials
Day in a Life of a Year 2 Student at WASHK
There is no better way to discover life at WASHK than through the eyes of our pupils. Follow a Year 2 pupil through a typical school day and see how engaging classroom learning, specialist subjects, friendships and experiences beyond the classroom come together to make each day rewarding, varied and full of discovery.
rEAD MOREOur Campus
Our Prep School campus is situated in Tin Wan, Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, which is only a 10-minute drive from Bel-Air Residence, a 15-minute drive from Repulse Bay, and a 20-minute drive from Hong Kong Central.
Our campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide an exceptional, future-focused, holistic school experience.
Spaces
Our diverse learning spaces support different learning styles and activities.
Art Studio with Creativity Garden
Bright, Engaging Classrooms for Younger Learners
Comprehensive Bilingual Library
Dedicated Music Suite
Dynamic Drama and Performance Studio
Football Pitch
Highest Climbing Wall in a School in Hong Kong
iSTEAM Labs with Makerspace Tools
Multi-Purpose Atrium
Rooftop Field
FAQs
Here, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Key Stage 1 at WASHK. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us
What is Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 is the first stage of formal primary education within the British education system and encompasses Years 1 and 2. At Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, Key Stage 1 provides a carefully supported transition into more structured academic learning while continuing to nurture the curiosity, creativity and confidence of younger children.
What curriculum do Years 1 and 2 follow at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong?
Pupils in Years 1 and 2 follow a strong British curriculum, providing clear foundations in essential knowledge and skills. This is enriched by specialist subject teaching, our award-winning iSTEAM curriculum and opportunities across sport, the arts, outdoor learning and co-curricular activities.
How does Wycombe Abbey support children transitioning into Year 1?
Our experienced Key Stage 1 teachers understand that entering Year 1 can represent a significant transition for younger children. Teachers build on play-based exploration while gradually introducing more structured learning, classroom routines and greater independence. Close teacher relationships, individual attention and pastoral care help children feel secure and confident as they adjust to formal primary education.
Which subjects are taught by specialist teachers in Key Stage 1?
From Year 1, pupils at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong receive specialist teaching in Chinese, Art, Drama, Music, PE and iSTEAM. This gives younger pupils access to subject expertise and a broad range of learning experiences from the beginning of their primary education.
What is the teacher-to-pupil ratio in Key Stage 1?
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong has a teacher-to-pupil ratio of approximately 1:6, with a dedicated Teaching Assistant in every class. This enables teachers to know pupils individually and provide close attention, encouragement and appropriate challenge throughout these important early years.
What is iSTEAM and when does it begin?
Our award-winning iSTEAM curriculum begins in Year 1 and brings together science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics through interdisciplinary, hands-on learning. Pupils explore ideas, experiment, collaborate and solve problems, helping them develop creativity, critical thinking and adaptability from an early age.
How does Wycombe Abbey support children’s wellbeing in Years 1 and 2?
Pastoral care is an integral part of the Key Stage 1 experience. Consistent relationships with teachers help younger pupils feel secure and understood, while opportunities across the curriculum, co-curricular programme and House system support their social and emotional development, confidence, resilience and growing independence.
What opportunities are available beyond academics in Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 pupils take part in sport, the arts, outdoor learning and co-curricular activities alongside their academic studies. Specialist Drama, Music and Art teaching, performance opportunities and inspiring facilities give children opportunities to explore their interests, express themselves and develop new skills. Learning also extends beyond the classroom through trips and real-world experiences, including visits to theatres, museums, performances and other cultural and educational venues across Hong Kong.
Do Year 1 and Year 2 pupils participate in the House system?
Yes. Every pupil joins the Prep School House system from Year 1. House activities enable younger children to form connections with pupils across year groups while developing teamwork, responsibility and an early sense of belonging within the wider Wycombe Abbey community.
Can pupils continue at Wycombe Abbey after Key Stage 1?
Yes. Key Stage 1 marks the beginning of a continuous educational journey at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong from Year 1 through to Year 13. The academic foundations, confidence, independence and learning habits established in Years 1 and 2 continue to develop as pupils progress through each stage of the school.
Where do Key Stage 1 pupils play during break times?
Key Stage 1 pupils enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor play. They have access to our spacious multipurpose Atrium for indoor activities, as well as our outdoor football pitch, giving them opportunities to play, move and socialise throughout the school day.
How can parents support their child’s learning at home?
Parents can support their child by reading together regularly, spending time outdoors and encouraging focused, screen-free activities that build concentration and independence. Simple activities such as reading, puzzles, drawing, building or playing together can help children develop the focus, curiosity and confidence that support their learning at school.
