Building on the high-quality national curriculum, we will implement immersive bilingual education with two class teachers (one for Mandarin Chinese and another for English) to form a bilingual bi-culture integrated school curriculum featuring Language Literacy，and Technology and Innovation, and Holistic Education.

Course Structure

Foundation Courses: Teaching content follows in strict accordance with the national curriculum standards and the Shenzhen annual curriculum plan.

Inquiry-Based Courses: The inquiry-based courses are project-based, combining school and regional characteristics, using multiple resources inside and outside the school, fully exploiting students' initiatives, emphasizing on solving real-life problems, breaking the boundaries between disciplines, campus, and society, and carrying out in-depth learning through thematic interdisciplinary inquiry.

Expanded Courses: Based on the students’ individual needs, we offer a number of courses in humanities, science and technology academic courses, campus club activities, sports activities, community practice and service courses, Chinese traditional culture, wellness program, etc. in both restricted and non-restricted forms.

•Columbia University Literacy Program: The program originated from the Columbia University Teachers’ College and has a history of more than 35 years. Empirical research has proved that the program can effectively cultivate students' independent reading ability and habits, improve reading and writing skills, enable students to express themselves confidently. We have accumulated a wealth of practical experience and developed a unique bilingual reading system, which has achieved remarkable results in Hong Kong.  This program aims to help students become lifelong learners who love to read and are diligent in their creative work.

•Picture Book Reading & Creation: The school has developed a systematic picture book reading and creation programme. Based on our study theme of picture book reading, we will give children opportunities to meet with picture book authors and illustrators. We will guide children to create picture books so that they can use words and drawings to express themselves in their creative work. We will help students publish their picture books, building their self-confidence, pride, and ownership of their own work. We expect the students to become leaders in the field of picture books, and even possibly award by become The Caldecott Award winners. 

•STEAM Education: Through the use of innovative labs, virtual reality digital learning, and experiential learning with school-enterprise partnerships, students will develop the ability to identify and solve problems, and expand their cognitive abilities and skills.

•The Mathematical Mindsets Course: Stanford University School of Education Professor Jo Boaler proposed a teaching method of low-floor high ceiling tasks. Through visualization of open-ended problems, students are asked to use their imagination to organize their solutions. At the same time, students are given the space to explore high level mathematical concepts, from which they can gain a growth mindset and confidence in solving mathematical questions.

•Design Thinking: This way of thinking equips individuals the ability to solve complex problems and build innovative solutions through developing revolutionary ways of thinking. Students begin by identifying problems, generate empathy and define problems, develop creative ideas, build prototypes, and test results. Along with the use of technological innovation and interdisciplinary skills, students will learn to identify and solve problems with the objective to help the community.

•Digital Technology and Information: Living in the digital age, VPA students will take part in a Digital Citizenship program to equip them with the necessary skills and attitudes to help become responsible and productive global citizens. 

Through the effective use of technology, learners develop and apply strategies for critical and creative thinking, engage in inquiry, make connections, and apply new understandings and skills in different contexts. 

•Interdisciplinary Learning: Drawing on the IB curriculum philosophy, we aim to enhance students' ability to adapt to future development, to better integrate humanities and science, develop time management skills through multi-tasking, and cultivate all rounded talents. Through inquiry and teaching the Approaches to Learning, including Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills, Social Skills, and Self-Management Skills, we promote the development of students' critical thinking skills and comprehensive learning ability. 

•Nature Inquiry Curriculum: Children living in modern urbanized cities are generally disconnected from nature, resulting in reduced sensitivity to the environment around them. VPA has a unique natural environment and will apply the teaching pedagogy and concept of forest school to foster children's exploration, awareness, and use of nature and to learn to live in harmony with the natural surroundings. 

•Mindfulness and Meditation Education: Mindfulness is a modern life skill that has been proven by contemporary brain science to help students improve focus and cope effectively with stress. Students learn to be mindful of their breath to relieve stress and balance their minds and bodies. The practice of mindfulness has numerous benefits: 1. Enhance self-awareness 2. Reduce impulsive behavior 3. Improve concentration 4. Foster creativity and discernment 5. Inspire empathy and charity 6. Build a better connection to society.

•Wellness Program: It has been well-researched that wellness development not only leads to improved academic outcomes, but also improves students’ self-management, effective communication and leadership, managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and developing self and social awareness. It is, therefore, an integral part of holistic education and human development. Based on students’ cognitive development and specific needs, VPA cultivates students’ social-emotional competencies through our unique Wellness Program as well as explicit and implicit teaching embedded in our curriculum design, helping them confidently navigate the challenges in their future academic, personal and social life. 

•Quality Education in the Community: VPA has a professional teaching team and a growth-oriented community environment to support students learning and development. We provide a platform to showcase students’ work and achievements so that they can enrich their knowledge, build friendships, and increase their sense of accomplishment and happiness through interaction.