How Mighty Oaks' Play-Based Curriculum Paves the Way to Prestigious Schools

Jun 23, 2025

At Mighty Oaks Kennedy Town, we understand that many parents associate “play” with a lack of academic focus. However, our play-based curriculum strikes the perfect balance between fostering creativity and ensuring academic growth. Through carefully structured activities, we prepare our students not only for their next academic chapter but also for admittance to Hong Kong's most prestigious schools.

Play is not just about fun—it’s about learning through experience. At Mighty Oaks, children develop critical thinking, language skills, and social-emotional intelligence in ways that align with academic success.

Shot of a teacher singing with her preschool children

Play-Based Learning with Academic Focus

Our curriculum is designed to integrate play with structured academic foundations, ensuring children are both engaged and well-prepared for formal schooling. Here's how we combine play with academics:

Phonics and Early Literacy:

  • Through one-on-one writing time and interactive phonics activities, children learn letter recognition, sound blending, and writing skills.
  • Playful literacy games and storytelling sessions make learning phonics fun and effective, building a strong foundation for reading fluency.

Mathematical Thinking:

  • Children engage in hands-on activities like counting games, puzzles, and shape sorting, helping them understand numbers, patterns, and problem-solving.
  • These playful exercises nurture critical thinking and logic, essential for academic success.

Homework and Practice:

  • We provide age-appropriate homework assignments to reinforce classroom learning and develop good habits.
  • This balance between structured learning and creative play ensures that children are academically prepared while still loving the process of learning.

One-on-One Attention:

  • With small class sizes, our educators provide individualized support to help children master skills like writing, comprehension, and communication.
  • This targeted approach ensures every child progresses at their own pace.

Structured Writing Time:

  • Children practice fine motor skills and handwriting through guided writing sessions, preparing them for primary school expectations.
Three little children with your hands up in a class.

A Proven Path to Prestigious Schools

At Mighty Oaks, our play-based curriculum doesn’t just support academic learning—it builds the confidence and skills children need to excel. Our students have successfully gained admission to top-tier local and international schools, including:

International Schools:
Canadian International School of Hong Kong
Chinese International School
Hong Kong International School
ESF Schools (Bradbury, Kennedy, Glenealy)
German Swiss International School
Nord Anglia International School
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong
Government-Aided and Private Schools:
La Salle Primary School
G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College
The ISF Academy
St. Stephen's College Preparatory School
Kau Yan School


Mighty Oaks graduates thrive because they’ve developed not just academic skills, but also resilience, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence.

Children drawing and making crafts in kindergarten or daycare.

Why Play-Based Learning Works

Play is foundational to academic success. It allows children to:

  • Build Focus and Discipline: Structured activities like writing and phonics teach focus in a fun, engaging way.
  • Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Open-ended play encourages curiosity and critical thinking, both crucial for academic achievement.
  • Boost Confidence: Play fosters a love of learning, allowing children to take risks without fear of failure.
  • Strengthen Emotional Intelligence: By learning to work together, communicate, and empathize, children develop interpersonal skills needed for group projects and leadership roles.

The Role of Educators in Academic Preparation

At Mighty Oaks, our highly trained educators bridge the gap between play and academics. They design activities that are engaging yet educational, ensuring children:

  • Master academic skills like phonics, writing, and numerical thinking.
  • Gain confidence through personalized guidance and encouragement.
  • Are well-prepared for interviews and assessments for top schools.

Conclusion: Play with Purpose, Learning for Life

At Mighty Oaks Kennedy Town, play is not the opposite of academics—it is the foundation of it. Our play-based learning approach, combined with structured academic preparation and individualized support, helps children excel both in school and beyond.

We don’t just prepare children for the next step; we help them thrive in life. That’s why Mighty Oaks graduates are confident, well-rounded individuals who gain admittance to some of the best schools in Hong Kong.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child succeed!