AISHK Prospectus

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG

Our Mission Our Mission is to provide a world-class international school where students, through active participation, achieve their personal best and graduate as skilled, influential, confident and responsible international citizens.

Our School Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) is a non-profit, co-educational, day school for students from Reception to Year 12.

Founded in 1995 to fulfil the growing demand

for a premier Australian educational institution in Hong Kong, the School today welcomes more than 1,100 students.

Operating on an Australian school year (late January to mid-December), AISHK is the only school in Hong Kong to utilise the Australian curriculum. Senior Secondary students are offered the option of undertaking either New South Wales Higher School Certificate or the IB Diploma, creating a seamless transition for students entering from Australian or southern hemisphere schools and, eventually, departing to tertiary institutions worldwide.

AISHK is governed by the Australian International School Foundation Limited (AISFL), a charitable status body which provides guardianship for

1995

AISHK’s doors open for the first time to 25 students.

1996 The school moves to Kowloon Tong.

1997

AISHK is granted a parcel of land to build a new school campus.

1998 The School’s first Year 10 cohort of students are awarded their NSW School Certificates.

2001

The School’s Kowloon Tong campus opens its doors. The School’s first Year 12 cohort prepares to sit for the NSW Higher School Certificate.

TODAY AISHK continues to thrive as a leading International School in Hong Kong, with a reputation for educational excellence.

the School’s future. The Foundation Board has permanent representation from key Australian organisations in Hong Kong. The School is managed by an executive team, which is lead by the Head of Primary and Secondary.

The entire AISHK community works together with energy, foresight and drive to ensure a valued school experience which continues to be recognised for its warmth, energy and excellence.

What AISHK Parents Are Saying: “AISHK teachers are worth their weight in gold.”

“The teachers are amazing, and that's why I send my children to this school … Support staff are equally as good.”

“Teachers, students and parents have a very close relationship.”

"AISHK combines the best of Australian culture with a global perspective, and provides a truly international education with a heart."

AISHK at a Glance Our Students As a leading international school in Hong Kong, AISHK represents 20 different nationalities.

This reflects the rich cultural diversity of our student body and wider School community. AISHK emphasises the pursuit of personal excellence, both in and out of the classroom. Our graduates go on to study at top universities in Australia and throughout the world.

Student Nationalities

1,100

British

60% 40% Secondary

Malaysian

Australian

Student Population

Primary

Canadian

French

Hong Kong New Zealand Chinese USA South African

Our student body represents over 20 nationalities

Our Staff AISHK places great importance on recruiting and retaining high-calibre and well-qualified teaching staff from Australia and around the world.

From our teachers to our executive and administrative support teams, AISHK is managed and led by a passionate and highly qualified staff community, which works with dedication to deliver a world-class education for every boy and girl.

Curriculum With adaptations to best serve our students in Hong Kong's international setting, our curriculum is designed to provide outstanding educational opportunities that will help every student reach their potential.

AISHK begins at the Reception Year where students follow the Australian Early Years Learning Framework. Students in Prep to Year 6 follow the Australian curriculum which is nuanced by teachers to meet student needs.

Secondary students, Years 7-10, utilise the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum in the exploration of their learning, and in preparation for the final two years of Secondary school.

In line with our dedication to offering broad yet tailored academic choices of study, students in Years 11 and 12 can opt to undertake either the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Both qualifications provide a pathway and sound preparation for tertiary studies at all universities world-wide.

Primary

“Primary teachers are dedicated to their students, are obviously well-trained and take opportunities to stay current with best practices. I have found them all to be sensitive, empathetic and great educators.” AISHK Parent

The Primary Division of AISHK encompasses Reception to Year 6. Within the Primary Division there are the subsections, Early Childhood (Reception – Year 2) and Upper Primary (Years 3 – 6).

The Primary Curriculum is inquiry-based and covers the core subject areas of English, Mathematics, Chinese, Science and Technology, Geography and History, Creative Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education; with specialist teachers taking classes for Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Library and Chinese.

By following the Australian curriculum, we ensure that each student receives a distinct taste of what it means to be Australian, whilst embracing the cultural context of Hong Kong. Learning experiences which occur within our Primary classrooms mirror those occurring in classrooms across Australia.

The Primary Division places significant focus on working hard and celebrating achievement. Our students thrive in an exciting, vibrant, engaging and safe environment. We strive to give every student the best possible opportunity to achieve new personal bests, related to both effort and results, every day. Student well-being and academic programmes are explicitly linked to develop life skills such as resilience, independence, safe risk taking, collaboration and leadership across all areas.

Early Childhood (Reception – Year 2) The Early Childhood department is committed to ensuring our students are provided with a wide range of opportunities to learn through play-based, hands-on experiences.

Through the Early Childhood years, students are increasingly introduced to more ‘academic’ learning, which continues in an environment that nurtures individual learners and differentiates for the specific needs of each child. In our Early Childhood classrooms, emphasis is placed on developing independence skills that allow children to become confident self-managers and problem solvers.

In Reception, the Australian Early Years Learning Framework is used as a tool to extend and enrich children’s learning with an emphasis on communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) as well as social and emotional development. This focus on literacy and numeracy continues in Early Childhood and incorporates information technology as a tool for learning.

Upper Primary (Years 3 – 6) As students gain greater levels of understanding, self-belief and independence in the Upper Primary years, they are presented with more opportunities to build academically, while evolving their interpersonal skills. The skills to develop and share an informed opinion are promoted, as well as developing empathy towards others.

Upper Primary students are given numerous opportunities to develop and demonstrate academic excellence. Guided to identify, understand and develop their own character strengths, as this is seen as a key stage in their development, students are also encouraged to recognise the strengths demonstrated by their peers.

Secondary

“AISHK has taught me that my generation are the gamechangers of the future. I realised that we, being privileged with a great education, are capable of shaping the world, and that we should use the power of education to fulfil greater purpose and meaning in our lives.” Chloe Lam | Year 12 student

AISHK provides an exceptional educational pathway for Secondary students through a curriculum model which offers diversity and opportunity to specialise through course electives.

Our teaching methodology identifies the preferred learning styles and strategies of students, which are then aligned with classroom learning experiences. It also employs group and inquiry-based learning to foster student engagement.

Year 7-10 In Years 7-10, more focus is placed on encouraging students to be personally responsible for their studies, with the aim of achieving self-discipline and social communication skills.

All students are enrolled in courses that cover eight Key Learning Areas to fulfil the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) mandatory requirements. The curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Information and Software Technology, Geography, History, Commerce, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Physical Education and Sports Studies.

The programme is designed to provide entry to Year 11 and 12 courses of study for either the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the IB Diploma.

New South Wales (NSW) Higher School Certificate (HSC) The HSC is offered through NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). It is internationally recognised and provides a strong foundation for all further study options as a matriculation qualification. All HSC students have access to the world’s best universities.

The HSC offers a syllabus that defines clear expectations for students, and measures performance against set standards. It allows for breadth, depth and diversity in student subject choices. AISHK offers a wide range of HSC courses in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Creative Arts, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) and Languages.

The HSC examinations are held from mid-October to mid-November each year, with results published in mid-December.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) AISHK has offered the IB Diploma Programme since 2006. The IB is an academically structured programme, which emphasises critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view.

AISHK offers a varied range of courses from the six IB subject groups; Language A, Language B, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies and The Arts. Students must also complete the three DP core elements; Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS); and the extended essay.

AISHK runs IBDP examinations in November each year and results are available in early January.

Language and Culture AISHK’s language programmes take a dynamic and inventive approach to language learning, equipping our students with the skills and cultural literacy to navigate and lead in a global community.

Chinese (Mandarin) is compulsory for all students from Reception to Year 6, and becomes an elective subject from Years 7 to 12.

French is offered as an elective subject choice in Years 7-12, with beginners courses either starting in Year 7 or Year 11.

Both language programmes ensure students gain a wellrounded appreciation of each culture’s literature, history, and geography through local and overseas immersion programmes and celebrations.

Sports AISHK sees sport as a key facet in daily school life and in fostering an environment where all students strive for their personal best. An avenue to build rapport and develop lasting friendships, sport also demonstrates to students the importance of developing life skills such as teamwork and leadership.

Within the School, our PDHPE curriculum is regular, varied and engaging, promoting not only physical fitness, but a healthy approach to mindfully attaining a well-rounded lifestyle.

In the wider community, AISHK embraces competitive sport, representing the School through our strong affiliation with a number of local and international sporting clubs and associations including ISSFHK, ACAMIS, AISA and HKSSF. Our extensive Extra Curricular Activities programme also offers a vast array of sporting activities available outside of school hours.

Art and Design AISHK is enhanced by a dynamic Visual Arts programme, which cultivates vital skills including self-assessment, critical thinking, analysis and problem solving. Visual Arts at AISHK allows for self-expression though various mediums while providing a framework for deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Specialist teachers foster this area in Years P-6 and Years 7-12.

Our innovative Design and Technology programme weaves the relationship between design, technology, society and the environment. By embracing current and emerging technologies students build confidence, competence and entrepreneurial thinking, gaining a sound appreciation of the factors that contribute to successful, cutting-edge design and production.

AISHK provides a myriad of school-wide and public opportunities for students to exhibit their creative works to the community.

Performing Arts Performing Arts at AISHK allows students to creatively explore a range of musical and theatrical styles, building skills in performance, listening, composition, research, improvisation, and physicality. Music is taught as a core subject from Reception to Year 8, becoming an elective from Years 9 to 12. Drama is an elective subject from Years 9 to 12.

Performing Arts offers students the opportunity to take part in a range of instrumental and vocal ensembles and drama troupes, with the further option of learning a musical instrument through the instrumental music programme.

AISHK actively seeks and encourages avenues for students to thrive in a range of opportunities to display their skills at regular school assemblies, annual musical productions, arts showcases and community events.

Our Community AISHK Parent Association The AISHK Parent Association promotes close co-operation and communication between parents and the School community.

Funds raised through Parent Association events support projects and programmes which enhance the study, cultural and recreational environment for students at AISHK.

Alumni AISHK has an active Alumni Association, which connects former students and staff of the School. Held in Australia, UK and Hong Kong, the alumni reunions are much anticipated events, which rekindle friendships and allow alumni to establish support networks in their new home cities.

Events AISHK has a full and lively calendar of events. From the School Fair and School Ball to Mother’s Day lunches and Father’s Day celebrations, there is always an opportunity for staff, students, parents and the wider school community to come together.

Community Service As a not-for-profit foundation, AISHK is committed to instilling a strong sense of community service and ongoing civic engagement and leadership in our student community.

Community service programmes exist through every year level at the School through our House system, with each House having a specific organisation that students support throughout the School year.

“AISHK gave my children their voice. Throughout their Secondary education, they were encouraged by passionate and caring teachers, and supported by a diverse community of students all working together.”

AISHK Alumni Parent

"AISHK has a strong community spirit - the BBQs, Christmas Carols, Mother’s Day Lunch and Ball are all so well organised and enjoyable, very important for promoting a positive school community. We have found AISHK to be a very friendly, welcoming and inclusive school." AISHK Parent

“I value AISHK’s strong engagement as a community of teachers, students and parents ... finding ways to work together to improve our children's quality of education and school life.”

AISHK Parent

Student Admissions Thank you for your interest in Australian International School Hong Kong. No matter from which country our students originate, our goal is to create a positive environment for students to form a solid foundation and enable them to succeed and flourish.

AISHK conducts school tours every Wednesday during term time and holds occasional Open Days.

We warmly invite you to join one of our school tours.

To make a reservation, please email admissions@aishk.edu.hk or call +852 2304 6078.

Please visit our website for more details and updates at www.aishk.edu.hk We look forward to welcoming you to the AISHK community.

AISHK Admissions Team

Applying to AISHK Step 1

Complete the application form (See Admissions tab on our website for more details).

Step 3

Notification to parents regarding waitlist / assessment interview.

Step 2

Application Review by Admissions.

Step 4

Step 5

Written offer to successful applicants.

Payment to confirm place.

Step 6

Starting School.

For the latest application information, please refer to the Admissions section of our website.

Australian International School Hong Kong 3A Norfolk Road Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2304 6078 | Fax: +852 2304 6077 | Email: info@aishk.edu.hk

www.aishk.edu.hk

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