“Happy Dream Learning Center” is not just a slogan. It is the educational vision of Okgil Beodeul Elementary School. This school opened in August 2016. It stands in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Okgil Beodeul Elementary School is relatively new. Yet its student body already numbers over 1,400. That makes it a large school. The school’s motto reflects its commitment. It aims to prepare students for the future. It strives to be a happy place of learning.
Currently, Okgil Beodeul Elementary School has a robust structure. It includes 54 classes in total. There is an average of 10 classes per grade. The school has already celebrated six graduation ceremonies. It has produced a total of 638 graduates. In the sixth graduation, 187 students graduated.
Okgil Beodeul Elementary School focuses on character education. It also emphasizes culture and arts education. For global talent, character education is provided. This includes weekly character lessons. Fifth graders take character psychological tests. There is also strengthened reading discussion and writing education. Students nurture their dreams through enjoyable reading education.
To enhance culture and arts, the school provides various programs. Third and fourth graders have sports classes. Fourth graders study soccer. Fifth graders learn badminton. Fifth and sixth graders study software. Sixth graders receive Korean music education. The school connects with the Bucheon Art Valley. First graders learn dance. Second graders study drawing.
The large student body influences educational activities. Okgil Beodeul Elementary School uses a moving swimming pool. This allows students to easily access swimming education. The school installed this pool. It makes education simpler and more convenient.
The school values tailored education. Okgil Beodeul Elementary School emphasizes reading and writing education. First and second graders have 20 hours of reading and writing education per year. Third through sixth graders have 14 hours of reading discussion per year. This helps students develop reading habits. It enriches their imagination. It also strengthens logical and creative thinking skills.
An official said that reading and writing education is popular. Students and parents want it. Through writing and discussion, students develop creativity. They also improve problem-solving skills. They foster self-directed learning and teamwork.
Okgil Beodeul Elementary School encourages extracurricular activities. These activities supplement classroom learning. They allow students to explore interests. Students develop interpersonal skills. The school operates student clubs.
Different grades focus on different activities. First, third, and fifth graders focus on culture and arts. Second graders focus on reading and writing. Fourth graders have creative reading and fun play clubs. Sixth graders have badminton, personality psychology, and exploration clubs.
Before the pandemic, clubs had a small scale. Now, the school plans for student-led activities. Teachers will provide necessary support. Experiential learning will restart.
Planned field trips include various locations. First graders will visit Siheung City’s Yongdo Arboretum. Second graders will visit Goyang City’s Aqua Planet. Third graders will visit KidZania in Seoul. Fourth and fifth graders will visit Lotte World in Seoul. Sixth graders will visit Everland in Yongin City.
After the pandemic, school activities restarted. There are 27 programs with 56 classes. These include music 줄넘기, Chinese characters, badminton, cooking. Other options include 클레이, hand art, soccer, violin, and 손글씨 art.
About 70% of the 1,423 students participate in after-school activities. The school prioritizes students. It aims for zero administrative work for teachers. Okgil Beodeul Elementary School has a task force. This reduces teachers’ administrative duties. Teachers can focus on teaching.
An official stated that they aim to improve the school work environment. They want to strengthen innovation. They support teachers’ research. They provide continuous support for teaching. The school supports student choice. It expands learning experiences. It operates a school autonomy curriculum. Each grade has its own program. Okgil Beodeul Elementary School is committed to providing a rich educational experience. The school’s staff works together. They ensure students enjoy learning.