HKIS World Cafe Summary Report - Supplementary Visuals

World CafĂŠ Summary Report Hong Kong International School

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Hong Kong International School

World Café Summary Report

Question 1: What qualities and skills do our students need to be successful in the world today? ✤ Verbatim examples of responses

Sense of character (11%) ✤ ✤ ✤

Honesty; respect; tolerance; humility; empathy; compassion; caring Integrity, not compromising your personal values – maintaining academic integrity and spiritual integrity Strong belief system/moral center – make good judgments, knowing when to part from crowd/stand up for beliefs ✤ Values – know right from wrong – social conscience, social justice ✤ Doing the right thing, even when no one’s around

Balanced, healthy attitude (10%)

Ability to think critically and creatively (10%) ✤ ✤

✤ ✤ ✤

✤ ✤

Be able to have a critical stance when processing information Critical thinking (analysis/synthesis/ application), problem solving – transferability of skills Innovative – think outside the box; Creative, imaginative approach to all tasks Free-thinker - creativity

Resilience and flexibility to change (8%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Effective interpersonal skills - communication and collaboration (14%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Ability to interact with others, develop meaningful relationship Ability to converse/communicate/express themselves in a compelling way with clarity and confidence Good listening skills – actively listen Work well with others/teaming/collaboration – putting together multiple perspectives/ideas/skills, etc.

Good networking skills Effective communicators – know when not to communicate

11%

10%

7%

15% 17%

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Sense of self (who am I?) Be able to identify what success means to you A strong sense of identity with an ability to be clear about goals and achievement Confident/belief in themselves (academic, social, your own strengths/challenges) Leadership skills Persistence; determination; initiative; risk taking; passionate; self-motivated Ability to deal with failure; ability to face challenges and adversity

Flexibility – ability to think on feet Resilience – cope with ups and downs of life Adaptability to new environments, different challenges Ability to manage change, to adapt in today’s society

Global perspective and respect for diverse cultures (7%)

8%

14%

Self-confidence and belief in one’s ability to be successful (15%)

10%

Balanced approach to life (have a balanced life) Emotional stability/self-care ✤ Self-awareness; ability to self-reflect and use gifts ✤ Mentally and spiritually and physically strong ✤ Healthy lifestyle (manage stress, enjoy what you do)

5% 2% 1%

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Cultural sensitivity and awareness Understanding of global culture, issues (shrinking world) Able to understand and accept other people’s cultures/religion – “global thinker” Open to new cultures and world view

Desire to learn and intellectual curiosity (5%) ✤ ✤

Miscellaneous Responses (1%) Practical knowledge and skills (17%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Strong academics and knowledge skills Core skills (math, English, Science, arts) Technologically adept Organizational skills: time management, prioritize Practical life skills – include financial smarts Broad skill set with expertise in select areas (broad and deep) Diligence, hard work Responsibility/taking responsibility Ability to apply knowledge in the context of the real world

✤

Questioning nature – intellectually curious Find the joy in learning – believe and follow your passion Learning because you want to, not because 17% you have to 15% 14% 11%

Multilingual (2%) ✤ ✤

Foreign language skills Knowledge/use of multiple languages

10% 10% 8% 7% 5% 2% 1%

Hong Kong International School

World Café Summary Report

Question 2: What adjustments would our school need to make in order to help students achieve what is described in question #1? ✤ Verbatim examples of responses

School culture - values, relationships and communication (18%) Educational program - scope and focus (22%) Balance of depth versus breadth Age-appropriate education to address goals according to life stage and age groups Balance – dealing with learning needs of gifted/enriched students as well as students that are challenged (each level of students should be stretched) Integrate thematic curriculum/project-based learning, challenge/ problem based system Structure a curriculum that fosters more curiosity and risk taking Change focus from formula (theory) to experiential (practice) in the classroom Integrate character development, social-emotional development into the curriculum so that it makes sense for kids Stronger integration of Chinese program Inter-cultural competence – navigate multiple cultures with deeper understanding, fundamental absence of judging acceptance of universal truths How do we encourage creativity and adaptability when our kids’ lives are so programmed?

✤ ✤ ✤

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

✤

Miscellaneous Responses (1%)

Smart use of technology, prevent over-reliance – make sure it’s balanced Guardianship on technology and the use of it. Learn to be the master, instead of being reliant upon it or worse, addicted to it

Faculty (6%) ✤ ✤

✤

Continue to employ and support passionate teachers Enhance professional development – to become more of a learning community Exposure to different teachers and teaching styles

Emphasize things we value (reflection, problem-solving) Conversation and contact Create a stronger bond between parents-kids-school ✤ Parent education, about our curriculum – our practice; encourage open communication between kids and parents regarding stress, cheating, pressure ✤ Generate more community spirit/involvement ✤ “Slowing down” a bit for reflection/thought – less is more, focus on quality; fostering sense of balance ✤ Community wide definition of success, broad enough to include all stakeholders

Approach to learning (16%) ✤ ✤ ✤

18% 22%

16%

1% 5%

13%

6% 8%

Management of technological advancements (5%) ✤ ✤

✤ ✤ ✤

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Enrichment programs and extra-curricular activities (13%) ✤ ✤ ✤

11%

Physical environment – facilities, schedule, size and resources (8%) Space/facilities – need to match teaching/ learning needs School have more common places to gather, during and after school Flexible school schedule and time-tabling What is the right number of students?

What is the right size of the school?

Helping student body become more active participants – not silent bystanders Inquiry-based learning (structured and open-ended) Give kids the opportunity to grow their own learning opportunities ✤ Targeting individual talents/passions/potential for sparking kids’ creativity and skills and enjoyment = ability to make a positive difference in the world ✤ Keep it focused on the learning process, not only the end goals ✤ Emphasize the learning journey – give students the opportunity to make mistakes they can learn from ✤ To help kids identify their own sense of success, success beyond careers

✤ ✤

Try to expose kids to more learning opportunities outside of the classroom True genuine service learning; focus on long-term committed service-learning Aside from competitive sports, offer more opportunities for varied levels of sports – sportsmanship for everyone Engaging arts and creativity Exposure to people who are living/expressing their passion

Collaboration and consistency throughout school (11%) ✤ ✤ ✤

11%

Integrate and build on learning throughout all divisions 8% 4 divisions – more harmony of continuity 6% More cross-divisional conversations about learning and teaching – to see what we all value 5% – not just about academics 1% 22% ✤ Consistent expectations from division to division, teacher to teacher 18% ✤ More opportunities for students to care for each other in school/to celebrate/connect/ 16% build bridges across divisions 13%

Hong Kong International School

World Café Summary Report

Question 3: What do you really value about our school that you would not want to see changed? ✤ Verbatim examples of responses

Safe and nurturing environment that inspires learning (9%)

✤ ✤ ✤

Great facilities; facilities management/long-range facilities planning Schedule variation, alternates Maintain size (or make smaller) ✤ 1:1 computer system ✤ Materials/resources are readily available, we never have to “fight” for things for teaching/budget items

Service learning (9%) ✤

Commitment to excellence (12%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Clear mission and educational philosophy without be forceful or “pushy” in its ideals Professional development that enables and encourages teachers to grow and change; commitment to best practice and professional development Open-door policy between administration and parents – accessibility to parents and staff, hear ideas and opinions School’s continuous focus on improvement Energy/drive/commitment to excellence HKIS embraces change thoughtfully/systematically – stays open-minded

✤ ✤

✤ ✤

✤ ✤

Service groups and opportunities in all divisions ✤ Promotion of social awareness and service mindedness (and service projects) ✤ The focus on service and community impact ✤ Culture of service – Habitat for Humanity, service Interims, PEAK, etc. ✤ Spirit of helping the community and others who are less fortunate; getting beyond privileges and advantages of our world

Challenging educational program (8%)

10% 9% 9% 12%

Varied enrichment and extra-curricular activities (17%) ✤ ✤

Fosters love of learning, love going to school, kids can’t wait to go to school Focus on “whole child” Students feel emotionally safe to explore new things School’s emphasis on students being able to develop self-confidence and self-esteem; student-focused environment

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Physical environment - facilities, schedule, size, technology and other resources (10%)

Well rounded system – sports, arts, music Range of extra-curricular -> develop interest/ exposure/skill/passion Athletic program is very versatile and inclusive/ sportsmanship, play the game the right way System of making clubs in the HS: student lead/not teacher lead, gives opportunities for students to display leadership and have voice Mandarin/Chinese program Humanities in Action – learn about global issues and what can and can’t be done, develop presentation skills, ties in well with SLR’s Opportunities – camp, field trips, visiting authors Dynamic learning – the fact that the students are allowed to miss class and attend World Café is fantastic. Affirms that learning doesn’t just happen inside the classroom

8%

17% Miscellaneous Responses (1%)

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Dedicated and qualified faculty (6%)

6% 18% 5% 5% 1%

Sense of community (18%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Maintain academic strength Well-rounded education; diversified curriculum – different subjects Chinese program Education prepares us to go into the world

Lots of opportunities for parents to get involved (inside/outside) classroom School sees parents as a partner in education Communication between school and families, keeping parents informed about what is going on and open dialogue to influence school direction Opportunities for building relationships with parents, students, colleagues Positive intent – value people, value colleagues, value students Community feel, not just a school Strong alumni connection HKIS created a very strong and closely tied community with great parent, student and teacher involvement Sense of community, especially with constant change

✤ ✤

Faculty who are enthusiastic and experienced – relationship with teachers more than purely academic The genuineness of the teachers and how they really care about students ✤ Faculty – everybody always trying to improve; passionate about what they teach ✤ Value excellent faculty – experienced, qualified; keep investing in teachers – get quality teachers to commit longer term

Diversity (5%) ✤ ✤ ✤

5% 1%

Diversity of people, cultures, religions; value the 18% international community/diversity 17% 12% Multicultural awareness, integration Learning tied to: cultural awareness and global awareness 10% 9%

Spirituality and religious tolerance (5%) ✤ ✤ ✤

Spirituality of the school – respecting different beliefs Providing opportunities for students to gain spirituality, regardless of faith Spirituality – people come from different faiths, opening minds and hearts

9% 8% 6% 5%

Hong Kong International School

World Café Summary Report

Question 4a: As our school moves into the future, what do you believe will be our greatest challenges? ✤ Verbatim examples of responses

Comprehensive education program (17%) ✤ ✤ ✤

Competition with other schools (5%) ✤

Maintaining competitive standard relative to other HK international schools and US private schools; IB schools ✤ Maintaining our reputation ✤ Are we “losing” out to other schools?

Continuity and qualification of faculty (7%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Quality teachers – retain, recruit, grow Consistency with teaching quality Maintaining faculty – high quality teachers Keeping high quality teachers that represent a wide range of ages, cultures and family composites; faculty from different backgrounds/countries/faith

Miscellaneous Responses (1%)

Chinese learning program ✤ Continuity of Mandarin program, strengthening Mandarin ✤ Instituting a strong Chinese program without losing the integrity of the rest of the curriculum ✤ Chinese language/culture – age-appropriate/ developmentally appropriate

8% 11%

Facilities and resources (11%) ✤

✤ ✤ ✤

Physical constraints of school and physical layout, therefore difficult to expand, constraints scheduling and access; facility re-development – how to be “smart” about it Size of school; having 4 very large schools Resources and space; building/structures More options with food Living

Technological advancements (11%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

✤

Using technology appropriately Efficient and appropriate use of technology – need for balance Balancing technology innovation and technology restrictions Technology – keeping up with generations of technology – addressing student computer use/focus/balance/filtering information – impeding on social skills (EQ) Can we keep up with the cost of technology?

Communication and collaboration (16%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

1% 17% 7% 5%

Chinese program (8%) ✤

Unification of curriculum expectations across divisions Curriculum models – true integration for benefits of kids – vertical alignment Evaluating critically new educational opportunities that contribute to holistic learning but does not become “watered down” ✤ Helping kids who learn differently; differentiated learning ✤ Balancing 21st century skills and traditions skills; balance overall (academics arts, music, personal, technology, health/wellness) ✤ Balance college preparation vs. developing passions ✤ Keep curriculum international ✤ Understanding the process – strong foundation; connecting back to the skills – making learning authentic ✤ Teaching subjects with more practical life skills to produce more “able” children with a holistic approach ✤ Constructing a curriculum that prepares students for an uncertain future, for jobs that don’t yet exist

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

11% 12%

16% 12%

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Communication among school; align communication Maintaining social relationships – face to face contact Transparency of decisions Balance between what parents want and what teachers know is best practice when they conflict; educating parent community, expectations Getting the community involved in service – more support of the pursuits of students School-wide cooperation on certain activities Cohesion amongst/within staff from different campuses; maintaining consistency in core curriculum Unifying the 4 divisions Transitions – between grades, courses, etc. integrating new people

Mindset and attitude towards change (12%) the school’s mission and values (12%) Define who we are Focusing on mission and SLRs in reality and actually following them Sense of purpose Does our school culture reflect our values?

The school needs to make decisions of what to pursue and what not to pursue Being able to articulate what makes HKIS different

✤ ✤

✤

12% 11% Open attitude to change – parents, teachers, administration 11% Help parents, students and teachers see themselves as part of 8% creating a whole child (everyone, not just the school is responsible 7% for raising a child) 5% How to maintain high standards but willing to take a risk and 1% perhaps be wrong 17% 16% ✤ Look out for the future, plan and educate accordingly 12% ✤

✤

How to meet everyone’s expectations when the community is so diverse Slowing down – taking time. Recognizing that reflection and thought takes time

Hong Kong International School

World Café Summary Report

Question 4b: As our school moves into the future, what do you believe will be our greatest opportunities? ✤ Verbatim examples of responses

Technological advancements (11%)

Leadership and vision (12%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

✤ ✤

A board and school administrators willing and eager to evaluate and improve school practices Align what we do with the mission statement – talk with students and parents overtly and regularly to make the connections. Use it to be a goal-driven community Identify our strengths and invest/supporting in developing the areas What we could and what we are Be a school that people want to aspire to attend or recruit from or hire from – reputation and student life “HKIS brand recognized” A chance to adapt to this ever changing world; be on the cutting edge of the type of education we want to see in the future

Facilities and resources (8%) ✤

Global perspective and multicultural diversity (12%) ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Global mindedness in students; opportunity to address – the current world – become more globally minded Availability of multi-cultural environment for children to learn diversity Exposure to world religions More opportunity for language learning skills and cultural skills We could learn from other cultures – academically and socially Continue to learn – be exposed to multiple cultures – to make a difference

Community communication, support and outreach (18%) ✤ ✤

✤ ✤

✤

✤ ✤

Strong community support – diverse parent body Improve communications; accurately communicate what the school does and believes to parent community The alumni body - harness the power and support Using parents as school resource – career guidance, internship opportunities, professional advice School exchanges – integrate with community; integration with local HK community, cultural opportunities Build community through service Recognize achievement in students beyond the academics; celebrate the children in different ways

12%

12% 11% 8%

18%

6% 24%

Leveraging technology – getting the most out of it Advancement in technology, the 1:1 laptop ✤ Great opportunities for e-learning; online learning ✤ Technology base – open to new learning situations; maybe not always in the classroom (e.g. online learning) – allows for different types of learners ✤ Technology helping to build communities and reach out to others

3%5% 1%

To develop new schools (as the need to re-build arises) that accommodate light and space to meet their play and creative needs; new buildings to reinvent ourselves physically ✤ Opportunities to maximize the sports facilities without too much additional changes that are very costly (e.g. field, pools) ✤ Building and structures and creating a space that fits us ✤ Very strong financial foundation – stability

Chinese program (6%) ✤ ✤ ✤

Develop a stronger awareness of the local culture / language – host country studies Integrate Chinese culture with rest of curriculum Enhance school’s Chinese curriculum to be more competitive with other international schools

Miscellaneous Responses (1%)

Faculty (5%) ✤ ✤ ✤

Educational program – comprehensive, aligned and with real-world connections (24%) ✤ ✤ ✤

To develop each child's potential To better highlight achievements beyond academics in a whole child manner Best practices from each perspective to create best curriculum i.e. IB critical thinking ✤ Interdisciplinary education ✤ Collaborate across grade levels; network across divisions ✤ More interaction with students among divisions; more mentoring - students with students ✤ Experience base; project base learning ✤ Integrating into education, skills that are relevant to post academic life ✤ Teach kids life skills to handle conflicts. Teachers should be teaching children how to deal with conflict and resilience ✤ Ability to connect our students to experiences in field or relevant experiences globally

Location (3%) ✤

✤

Quality of teachers Teacher retention Faculty – expansion

24%

Location is great – worldwide 18% center; being in an international12% setting and having the ability to12% develop a world view 11% Take advantage of being in HK,8% incorporate with local community, 6% integration with Hong Kong and5%its many opportunities 3% 1%