Project Introduction

With the fast changing world and progression to a new digital era inundated with information, incorporation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in early childhood education (ECE) via living inspired learning through play mode is crucial in inspiring children’s STEM interests and exploration in their early years. These preliminary concepts are the key to unleashing their full potentials in nurturing a new generation of STEM talents and professionals in the 21st century to foster the local development.

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) and the Vocational Training Council co-organised the three-year Jockey Club ‘CoolPlay’ Project hand in hand. The project aims to lead the industry in implementing STEM pedagogy in ECE by offering schools and parents the best-possible STEM teaching and learning resource kits – the JumpStarter (School version and Home version), as well as forming a Home-School-Community supporting network to set benchmarks of quality childhood STEM education. Through this project, early childhood educators and parents will be able to skill up themselves into STEM education talents who are well trained in assisting the very young to explore and learn about STEM concepts based on self-initiated topics of interest.

Jockey Club ‘CoolPlay’ Project will develop children’s curiosity and talent about STEM by ‘learning through play’, and making innovation and technology a part of their development journey. By stimulating their STEM mindset, children will be equipped with the strength to face adversity and develop innovativeness in future pursuits.

Six pilot schools of Jockey Club ‘CoolPlay’ Project shared their learnings at the launch. The schools implemented the Project in November 2020 with guidance from YCCECE and VTC to present various STEM experiential activities. Through child-centred and play-based approaches, young children are encouraged to observe and explore in their daily life from the STEM perspective, developing their interest in learning.

Organisers & Funders