FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND CEO PAUL TOUGH
Kellett Vision: 2035 was developed over months of listening and discussions with various stakeholders in the Kellett community. These sessions gave us the chance to intentionally shape the vision to enable our students to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges presented by life in the mid-21st Century. I look forward to partnering with you and help realise our vision for the current and next generaiton of Kellett Students.
OUR PRINCIPLES
The Vision was developed under the following core principles:
One-school approach
Anchored in the school's values: Respect Kindness Integrity Balance stability & progress
Prioritise excellence in teaching and learning
Maintain a powerful sense of community & belonging
KELLETT VISION: 2035
OUR COMMITMENT
The Vision is a commitment from the school to the community that the current and next generation of Kellett students will continue to develop a love for learning and confidence for life.
We commit to championing diversity and attracting and retaining the best staff OUR PEOPLE
We commit to forging meaningful and collaborative partnerships to help us realise our ambitions OUR PARTNERS OUR GOVERNACE
We commit to robust governance and financial stewardship
OUR TECHNOLOGY
We commit to leveraging technology judiciously to enhance learning without sacrificing human-led pedagogy
OUR OPENNESS
We commit to maintaining transparent and open communication with our community
KELLETT VIS INSPIRING MINDS
STRATEGIC
High-quality teaching & learning
Support for all & academic challenge
Dynamic learning environments
SION: 2035 ENRICHING LIVES
PRIORITIES
Individual & collective wellbeing
A flourishing community
Making a difference
INSPIRING MINDS
Inspiring Minds emphasises the importance of high-quality teaching and learning, creativity in our educational approach, academic excellence, support for all students and enabling personal achievement.
KELLETT VISION: 2035
High-quality teaching & learning Priority 1:
Nurture a culture of continuous improvement
Prioritise the development of crucial skills--problem solving, collaboration, and adaptabiltiy
Develop critical knowledge and learning aptitudes so our students can lead purposeful lives
Provide a holistic education, encompassing sports, the arts, outdoor education, service learning and intercultural experiences
High-quality teaching & learning Priority Goals:
A defined language of learning and Kellett approach to high-quality teaching
Leveraging partnerships and networks to support the evaluation of teaching and learning
Judicious use of technology, enabling a balanced & nuanced approach that enhances learning
Collaboration with HK & UK universities to create a teacher/EA teacher training programme
KELLETT VISION: 2035
Support for all & academic challenge Priority 2:
Emphasise inclusivity, ensuring every student has a path to success through diverse qualifications and a flexible curriculum
Offer opportunities for student choice, independence and self-directed learning
Challenge our students to push the boundaries of their potential
Provide opportunities to learn beyond the restrictions of place and space
Support for all & academic challenge Priority Goals:
A dynamic personalised curriculum that responds to student needs Comprehensive pastoral, additional needs & academic counselling teams
A“Challenge Plus” approach providing stretch opportunities
Provide students access to external courses and opportunities to supplement the Kellett curriculum
Challenge+ Maximising our students’ potential
BY PAUL TOUGH
Paul Tough dives into Strategic Priority 2 - Support for All and Academic Challenge. He shares what is Challenge+ and how Kellett School will continue to challenge our students to push the boundaries of their potential.
Supportforall& academicchallenge StrategicPriority2
Maximising learning potential at Kellett through stretch and challenge, is an educational approach that involves providing students with learning opportunities that are slightly beyond their current ability level, thereby encouraging them to extend their skills and knowledge
At Kellett we have successfully cultivated a culture of high expectations, intellectual curiosity and academic ambition Our approach to stretching and challenging students enriches their learning, fosters resilience and independence, ensuring students can push beyond their comfort zone, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning
Our Approach
The School’s approach is informed by best practice in educational research, ensuring we provide the right level of challenge for every
learner. Research consistently shows that students exposed to appropriately challenging material within a structured and supportive environment, which includes personalised attention, clear learning aims, and a nurturing atmosphere, make more significant academic progress and develop stronger critical thinking skills
Fundamentally, a growth mindset is crucial to our School’s prevailing culture and shared expectations We subscribe to the educationalist and psychologist Carol Dweck's theory that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance, challenging students both inside and outside the classroom to embrace difficulties, as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and self-efficacy
Dweck also highlights that students with a growth mindset prove more persistent in problem-solving and have a greater willingness to take
academic risks. Through highquality feedback, reflective goal setting, and an emphasis on the learning process rather than simply outcomes, we instil in our students the confidence to tackle complex challenges.
Crucially, effective stretch and challenge require teachers to carefully differentiate learning, changing content, process and assessment to engage students at a suitable level of complexity
At Kellett differentiation is embedded in our teaching practice through:
Tiered Assignments – ensuring all students work at a level that challenges them appropriately
Flexible Grouping –encouraging collaboration while allowing students to work at various levels of complexity
Targeted Interventionproviding added support or challenge where necessary.
Key Stage 3 Scholars - Let's Green Kellett
Personalised learning builds upon differentiation, recognising that students learn at different rates and in many different ways. Adaptive technologies, student-led inquiry, and independent research projects allow students to take ownership of their learning, while being supported to achieve ambitious goals Investigation also fosters intellectual independence, shifting
experiments in the sciences, while in the humanities, they engage in Socratic discussions and structured debates, facilitating the development of analytical and evaluative skills. Within the Expressive Arts, students are inspired to perform at an elevated level, encouraging creativity and originality, mastering skills, and expressing themselves with purpose and conviction Likewise, team and individual sports offer broad opportunities for participation and elite success, including national and
international competitions such as FOBISIA, promoting self-discipline, resilience, team pride and support.
Senior Stretch
Within a Senior School context, stretch and challenge are embedded in all schemes of learning, ensuring that students engage with intellectually
Stretch Programmes in Senior
Scholars Programme (Years 7-11) – advanced study opportunities for high-achieving students
Oxbridge Preparation – specialist support for students applying to top-tier universities.
Academic Reading Groups – engaging with texts that explore ideas across cultures and time
Enrichment Activities – Model UN, Creative Writing and academic societies
Critical Perspective – Perspectives Lectures (Years 12-13) encouraging Interdisciplinary thinking Medical, Veterinary & Engineering Societies – supporting students in highly competitive fields.
Academic Competitions – debate, public speaking, and subjectspecific challenges
complex global issues
Early Enrichment
Manifest within the Prep Schools it is our belief that intellectual challenge should begin early, fostering curiosity and ambition from an early age Our extracurricular and co-curricular programme extends learning beyond the classroom, ensuring students experience challenges in various meaningful ways
Kellett Students at the KGV MUN Conference
Enrichment Programmes in Prep
Our enrichment programme is structured into three key areas:
Challenge Plus – advanced academic challenges to stretch high-potential learners.
Curriculum Plus – activities that extend students’ passions beyond the curriculum
Community Plus – leadership, well-being, and servicefocused clubs
Students are identified for targeted challenge activities through the Prep Teachers’ Pupil Progress cycle, a comprehensive assessment and evaluation system that considers academic performance, teacher recommendations, and student interests This ensures that those with the potential for more academic stretch are given opportunities to develop their skills
Equally, we recognise the importance of unstructured play,
social development, and physical activity, and our carefully designed timetable ensures a balanced approach, allowing students to engage in a maximum of three lunchtime activities per week
Stretching Stretch & Challenge
With an eye to the future, we are keen to build upon the considerable strength of our School’s current approach From next School year, as part of the
priorities contained in Kellett Vision 2035, we are introducing several significant new developments to enhance our stretch and challenge provision
Foremost amongst these will be a new Cross-School Challenge Plus Coordinator, responsible for overseeing a distinct academic enrichment programme This initiative will ensure continuity in stretch and challenge from Prep into Senior, providing identified students with:
Mentorship with Teachers –one-on-one academic coaching with subject specialists
Exclusive Enrichment
Opportunities – tailored workshops, research projects, and guest lectures
External Learning Experiences – university partnerships, industry connections, and academic excursions
The next stage in our Challenge Plus agenda will involve professional learning opportunities for teachers with world-renowned institutions specialising in this area, such as the Gerric Centre at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. By formalising this programme, we are strengthening our commitment to identifying and nurturing the potential of students at all ages and ensuring they receive the support, challenge, and guidance needed to excel
At Kellett, stretch and challenge is about cultivating intellectual curiosity, fostering resilience, and preparing students for success in an increasingly complex world Through carefully structured differentiation, investigative approaches, and a rich programme of enrichment opportunities, we ensure every student is supported to reach their fullest potential
We recognise the crucial role of parents in this journey, as they foster curiosity at home, encourage
perseverance, and celebrate the value of challenge. Together, we can nurture capable learners who
develop a love of learning, confidence for life and readiness to thrive in education and beyond.
Key Stage 3 Scholars Mars Project
Y5-6 - Ethics Club (PFL Prep)
Dynamic Learning Environments Priority 3:
Provide dynamic, adaptable learning environments that inspire our students & staff from Nursery - Year 13
Maintain our outstanding facilities as hubs for learning, serving both our students as well as the wider connected community
Continue our commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and a bespoke sustainability curriculum for all students
Dynamic Learning Environments Priority Goals:
A refurbished PFL campus & a new SkyBlock addition to KLB
A dedicated Early Years Centre
An outdoor education facility in HK linked to a bespoke Kellett sustainability curriculum
Facilities used to meet the needs of Kellett learners and broader community organisations
KELLETT VISION: 2035
Importance of Outdoor Learning
BY PAUL TOUGH
With Dynamic Learning Environments as one of the main strategic priorities of Kellett Vision: 2035, outdoor learning will be a key component for the future of the Kellett Curriculum. Paul Tough explains why we must further enhance this part of the current curriculum and how we will move forward.
Year 12 WILD
With the quickening pace of climate change and pressures of urban life, outdoor education is emerging as a vital component of the Kellett curriculum. With its multifaceted benefits, this area of the school’s provision will become an ever-increasing priority as we implement our new Strategic Vision in the coming years.
Outdoor education is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education, enhancing social skills, building resilience, fostering environmental awareness, understanding climate science, improving academic performance, supporting mental well-being, and preparing students for global citizenship
By prioritising a curriculum that utilises the beauty of Hong Kong's natural environment as a setting and tool for teaching, Kellett is committed to preparing students to thrive academically and personally, while becoming responsible stewards of the planet
Year 12 Wider Learning Da (WILD)y
Reception (KLB) Aberdeen Country Park
Dynamic Learning
As a school that seeks to instill a love of learning, dynamic learning settings have long been woven into the curriculum Parent-supported day trips beyond the school gates are a cherished feature of our Prep curriculum, whilst field trips to the wetlands and coasts of Hong Kong are highlights for Senior students studying biology and geography
We know that moving outdoors provides dynamic interactive learning. Beyond that it encourages broader developmentphysical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, not forgetting critical thinking skills as students make connections between their studies and the world around them We want to make better use of Hong Kong’s rich natural landscapes to enhance the learning experiences of our students
Refreshing Minds
Opportunities for children to learn in nature, get their hands dirty, and escape the bustling urban environments of Hong Kong are essential for student wellbeing and personal growth Kellett will take better advantage of the city's proximity to natural environments, seeking opportunities for students to develop a sense of adventure and exploration, exploring the many parks, coastlines, and hiking trails around us Students will learn to recognise the beauty of our Hong Kong’s rural spaces, appreciate the personal and collective benefits of reconnecting with nature, and therefore the importance of preserving these natural spaces
Hands On Conservation
Fostering a connection to nature is more critical than ever, for our students and our planet There is a pressing need for a tailored approach to sustainability education For us, the beauty of the natural environment in Hong Kong serves as the ideal canvas for teaching environmental issues. Through the exploration of our local ecosystems students will gain insights into biodiversity, sustainability, and the impact of human activity on the planet, fostering a sense of stewardship and inspiring advocacy for sustainability.
We will prioritise the creation of a bespoke sustainability curriculum across all age groups, intrinsically linked to outdoor spaces and rural areas of Hong Kong. Building on the success of our Oceanography course for Y10-11, this curriculum will offer students project-based learning combined with hands-on experiences, allowing them to engage directly with local ecosystems, and understand the complexities of sustainability in a real-world context By integrating outdoor learning with sustainability education, students learn that they are part of a worldwide ecosystem, fostering a sense of belonging and empathy for others. This provides impetus to better understand the impact of their actions and importantly, how they can contribute to positive change as informed, responsible future leaders
By integrating outdoor learning with sustainability education, students learn that they are part of a worldwide ecosystem, fostering a sense of belonging and empathy for others.
Rooftop Garden ECA (KLB)
School GO Week
Reception (KLB) Aberdeen Country Park
Amplifying Impact
We aspire to be at the forefront of outdoor and sustainability education, promoting best practices in environmental education through strategic partnerships and participation in international sustainability initiatives By sharing our successes and challenges, we hope to inspire other institutions, amplifying our impact and contributing positively to the global conversation on sustainability
Final Word
Every Kellett student should have opportunities to be educated outdoors. If you have connections with organisations that might help us achieve this and ideas to match our ambitions then please get in touch with me (principalsec@kellettschool com)
Senior
Y6 (PFL) Wong Nai Chung Gap Hike
ENRICHING LIVES
Enriching Lives priorities focuses on individual and collective wellbeing, belonging within a thriving community and making a positive difference locally and globally.
Priority 4:
Individual & collective wellbeing
Consider each student as an individual, focussing on their individual progress and potential, rather than judging success by comparisons with others
Foster a culture of recognising achievement and celebrating progress in all its forms
Nurture the whole child, fostering each student's social, physical and mental health
Equip our students and staff with the skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate life's challenges
Individual & collective wellbeing Priority Goals:
Students are actively involved in decision-making and the process of evaluating learning
Strong emphasis on personalisation of the curriculum, especially in Senior School
An upward spiraling, researchdriven Wellbeing curriculum in place across the School, from Nursery to Year 13
A Flourishing Community Priority 5:
Cultivate an environment of acceptance respect, and appreciation of differences
Take pride in the international nature of our School community Respect different viewpoints, and recognise a plurality of opinion exists
Value our Old Kellettonians network of global champions and the support they provide
Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the School community
A Flourishing Community Priority Goals:
Continued development of the Mandarin programme
“Global Kellett”, our international exchange programme
KELLETT
A language exchange programme with schools in the Greater Bay Area
Explicit teaching of intercultural competencies
Understand our environmental impact and work towards yearly targets
Committed to developing engaged, socially conscious citizens empowered to positively impact their local and global communities
Equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to foster a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world
Making giving back to be part of our purpose, manifested through volunteering, community engagement, and philanthropy
All student and staff undertake service to the community
Sustainability targets linked to our bespoke curriculum and benchmarked internationally
Partnerships with NGOs to provide community Summer/Night School
A dedicated fundraising team working to realise our Vision
KellettVision:2035 InspiringMinds|EnrichingLives
Changemakers:
Making a Positive Difference Locally and Globally at Kellett School
BY PAUL TOUGH
At Kellett School, we believe that international education is about more than academics It's about fostering socially responsible individuals who actively contribute to their communities and the wider world
The Neurodiversity HK ECA group visits AP School for a Lunchtime hangout
Makinga Difference StrategicPriority6
Throughout my 28-year career as a teacher and senior leader, I have become convinced that schools like ours must prioritise service learning. By integrating service into the curriculum, we create opportunities for students to look beyond themselves, recognise the needs of others and respond meaningfully These moments not only foster personal growth but also profoundly transform students and adults alike Our aim is to empower students to embrace their roles as engaged citizens, instilling accountability and a drive to create positive change both locally and globally
Encouraging service to others both within and beyond the School helps students build vital skills, such as collaboration, problemsolving, and critical thinking These experiences deepen personal growth, strengthen community ties and connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
At Kellett, we are committed to helping students make a difference Our students benefit academically and emotionally from volunteering their time to improve the community and the world That’s why we actively encourage participation in a wide range of service activities and continually seek new ways to enhance these opportunities.
Creating a Foundation
Service is a cornerstone of life in our Prep Schools, with a strong commitment to supporting both local and global charities This year, through the School Council, Prep students have supported organisations such as Plastic Free Seas, WWF, and the Disaster Relief Fund Memorable initiatives include:
Box of Hope at Christmas; community carol singing in Central Hong Kong; and
fundraising for Impact Hong Kong and St James's Settlement
Community service is further emphasised through events such as Helpers Appreciation Day, fundraising for Outreach and Bursaries, and partnerships with sister schools Within the curriculum, topics like "People Who Help Us" have shone a spotlight on local heroes, such as police, firefighters, doctors, and cleaners Reception children have participated in forest cleanups in Aberdeen, while collaborations with “ReBooked” and “Retykle” have facilitated book and clothing donations.
Head of PFL Prep, Ben Dixon sorting Box of Hope collections with parents
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is woven into the the fabric of our Prep Schools. Students engage with activities and opportunities to contribute to the environment, such as:
“I immediately joined, knowing that I would be helping to foster a love for music in a wider community”
In Term One we asked Year 11 students Alan and Vanessa about their service experience at Outreach Click the graphic above to read their reflections.
Senior School: Leading the Way in Outreach
The breadth and depth of service opportunities in Senior School are truly remarkable This year, students have been involved in initiatives and ECAs such as Neurodiversity HK, Room-to-Read, Mother’s Choice, the Hong Kong Award for Young People, and the Christmas Box of Hope project
Upper Years Christmas beach clean up
Y5 Outward Bound trip –with a focus on sustainability
Community service is further emphasised through events such as Helper Appreciation Day, fundraising for Kellett Outreach andBursaries, and partnerships with sister Schools. Within the curriculum, topics like "People Who Help Us" have shone a spotlight on local heroes, such as
Green Dragons – our student leadership group dedicated to environmental issues
Crucially, our Outreach programme has seen significant growth, with fifty two students volunteering this year Highlights include:
Twenty-one students providing one-on-one instrumental music lessons to Outreach children
Next year, all Year 11 students will participate in a new volunteering programme, requiring them to volunteer at least once with Outreach Additionally, seventeen Senior School students were recognised with the “Community Service Awards” for outstanding contributions, a testament to their dedication and impact under the guidance of Ms Debra Jones, our Head of Music
Twenty students designing and delivering creative learning programmes, including podcasts, terrarium building and paired reading activities
Senior School Students at Outreach Music lessons
Transformative Benefits
The benefits of community service for students at Kellett School are profound and multifaceted Key impacts include:
Inspiring Social Responsibility: Early service involvement fosters a sense of accountability, broadening students’ perspectives and igniting a commitment to meaningful change
Bringing Learning to Life: Realworld challenges enable students to apply academic knowledge in practical, impactful ways.
Fostering Connection and Diversity: Collaborating with different groups builds empathy, relationships and cultural awareness
Building Future-Ready Skills: Service improves communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, preparing students for life’s challenges
Igniting Passions: Service experiences help students uncover hidden talents, explore interests, and find purpose in meaningful causes.
Though service is sometimes seen as peripheral to the “serious business” of education, research and practice tell a different story Service is not only a rigorous and compelling educational tool but also an inspiring one
Looking Ahead: Kellett Vision 2035
As we continue to implement our new Kellett Vision: 2035, we are committed to enhancing the role of service across the School.
Through robust partnerships with local organisations and our deeprooted responsibility as members of Hong Kong society, we are equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and compassion to foster a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world. Our strong ties to the fabric of Hong Kong society ensure that giving back is not just a choice but a central part of our purpose manifested through volunteering, community engagement, and philanthropy Caring for oneself, others, and the natural environment is fundamental to our approach
Making a difference, locally and beyond
There is little debate about whether service is a good thing – I am sure we all agree that it is I contend that it should also be the core of the education that we, as a School, collectively provide An approach to life and learning that is prioritised not just for the benefit and transformation of our students, but as a shared responsibility for the betterment of society. As stated in Kellett Vision 2035, we are intent at Kellett School “to make a difference locally and beyond.”
Kellett Vision: 2035 Initiatives
Community responsibility and a service culture are embedded in School life. All students and staff participate annually in Kellett's Community Service Programme, which includes work with partner schools in Hong Kong and through Outreach.
Strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations and the British Council are in place to support our Summer/Night School programmes, Community Service Programme, and Outreach throughout the school year.
Community responsibility and a service culture are embedded in School life. All students and staff in both the Prep and Senior Schools participate annually in Kellett's Community Service Programme, which includes work with partner Schools in Hong Kong and through Kellett Outreach.
The School's experiential programme, including GO weeks, offers exceptional experiences for students, with a primary focus on local experiences provided in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
