Secondary Parent Handbook

2026-27 SECONDARY PARENT HANDBOOK

WELCOME FROM PRINCIPAL From the moment you step into Nord Anglia International School, Hong Kong, you’ll see that our students are at the heart of everything we do—energetic, engaged, and proud ambassadors of our vibrant learning community. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and love for learning reflect the very best of what we strive to achieve.

At NAIS HK, our personalised approach ensures that every child is valued, and supported as an individual. By nurturing their unique strengths and aspirations, we equip them with the skills, resilience, and mindset to thrive in the world, whatever they choose to do - and the self-assurance to embrace every opportunity.

Being part of Nord Anglia Education, a global network of 80+ schools across Asia, Europe and the Americas, NAIS HK offers unique opportunities that add a richness and diversity to our in-school programmes. Through NAE, NAIS HK students can participate in global events including social enterprise expeditions to Tanzania, adventure trips to Switzerland, sports camps in Florida, technology programmes at MIT in Boston and be inspired by Julliard performing arts teachers from New York.

Our curriculum is designed to unlock each student’s potential, blending the rigour of the English National Curriculum (adapted for Hong Kong) with globally recognised IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This pathway ensures that every learner is challenged, supported, and prepared for future success.

Leading these programmes is an incredible academic team who inspire excellence every day. They create a dynamic, stimulating environment where learning is meaningful, creativity is celebrated, and achievement—both big and small—is met with pride.

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child, and we want you to feel confident in that choice. Here, you’ll find a welcoming community where your voice matters, your partnership is valued, and your child’s growth is our shared priority.

I look forward to meeting you and your family, and to embarking on this journey together.

Tim Richardson Principal

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WELCOME FROM DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Thank you for choosing NAISHK for your child and I am delighted to welcome you to our school. Having been open since 2014, we are now an all through school from 3 - 18, across 3 sites in Hong Kong. We are a close knit community and students and staff work together across the school through our Pastoral system and our unique specialist

teaching in all phases.

We value our school community immensely and please know that you are joining a very supportive and dedicated team in Kwun Tong.

Our staff are all highly trained and skilled and go the extra mile for all our students. Our parent body, including the Parent Teacher Association, are always looking for ways to support our staff and students in their learning and in their additional activities.

I do hope you have a chance to look through the information here in this Handbook and we are all happy to answer any questions you may have about your child’s move to the Secondary School.

I look forward to meeting you all at the Welcome event at the start of term and introducing you to our fantastic team of teachers.

Sarah Harley

Deputy Principal

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WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY I am delighted to welcome you to our Secondary School at our dedicated campus at 19 Yuet Wah Street, Kwun Tong.

We are a friendly, vibrant learning community which always puts students first. All our Secondary teachers are specialists in their disciplines and passionate about their subjects.

Our classrooms are hives of activity, where students develop the confidence to express ideas, share opinions and collaborate in small groups or larger teams.

Across Secondary, students are encouraged to consider issues of personal and global significance, to challenge their assumptions and consider new perspectives. They can participate in exciting innovation challenges through our collaboration with MIT; to work on creative solutions to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development in partnership with UNICEF, as well sharpen their critical thinking, problem solving, research and communication skills through our Futures Framework programme.

Beyond the classroom, our students have the chance to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Our ECA programme offers something for everybody, with activities related to sport, exercise and health; performing and creative arts; science, technology and engineering, and thinking, debating and puzzling. ECAs provide not just the opportunity to learn new skills, but a place to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. Our exciting Enrichment week serves to offer learning beyond the classroom. With local Hong Kong options to further afield in China, South East Asia and Tanzania – students can experience residential stays in new locations with opportunities to engage with local culture and customs, acts of valuable service and fun teamwork challenges.

We place a high importance on student wellbeing and pastoral care in Secondary. Form tutors get to know every child in their tutor group well and are the first point of contact for families. If you have questions of either a pastoral or academic nature, please email the Form tutor in the first instance.

I am confident that your child will settle in quickly and love learning in Secondary. I look forward to meeting you in person very soon.

Fiona Thorndike Head of Secondary 5

CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

3

WELCOME FROM DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

4

WELCOME FROM HEAD OF SECONDARY

5

THE SECONDARY CURRICULUM

7

A TYPICAL DAY IN SECONDARY

12

PASTORAL CARE

14

THE ROLE OF THE HOUSE

15

SAFEGUARDING YOUR CHILD

16

COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTACT

17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

19

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL DAY

19

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMEWORK AND ECAS

20

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PTA

21

QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAK AND LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS

22

QUESTIONS RELATING TO ATTENDANCE AND HEALTH

23

QUESTIONS RELATING TO UNIFORM

24

QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUIPMENT

26

SCHOOL CALENDAR

28

TYPHOON & HEAVY RAIN PROCEDURES

29

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THE SECONDARY CURRICULUM Under the guidance of Mrs. Thorndike, our experienced, passionate teachers and support staff are dedicated to guiding your child to make excellent academic progress and fully realise their potential as an independent global citizen.

Where does Secondary fit into the school curriculum?

The English National Curriculum is split into segments known as Key Stages.

Our children prepare for the University of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications (Year 10-11) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma IBDP (Year 12-13).

Nord Anglia International School, Hong Kong

English National Curriculum Key Stage

Equivalent year group in Hong Kong Schools

Equivalent year group in Australian/American /Canadian Schools

5–6

K3

Prep./ Kindergarten

6–7

P1

Year / Grade 1

7–8

P2

Year / Grade 2

8–9

P3

Year / Grade 3

9 – 10

P4

Year / Grade 4

10 – 11

P5

Year / Grade 5

11 – 12

P6

Year / Grade 6

12 – 13

S1

Year / Grade 7

13 – 14

S2

Year / Grade 8

Key Stage Four (IGCSE)

14 – 15

S3

Year / Grade 9

15 – 16

S4

Year / Grade 10

Key Stage Five (IBDP)

16 – 17

S5

Year / Grade 11

17 - 18

S6

Year / Grade 12

Age of child in years

PRIMARY Year 1 Year 2

Key Stage One

Year 3 Year 4

Year 5

Key Stage Two

Year 6

SECONDARY

Year 7 Year 8

Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Year 12 Year 13

Key Stage Three

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In Key Stage Three (Years 7 to 9), learning is based on the English National Curriculum with a strong international influence. The programme of study is broad based, leading on naturally from our Primary Curriculum and allowing your child to explore and develop their interests in a wide range of subjects.

We operate on a fortnightly timetable basis with the following subjects taught in Key Stage Three: Art & Design (3 lessons per fortnight)

Computing (3 lessons per fortnight)

Drama (3 lessons per fortnight)

English (8 lessons per fortnight)

Geography (4 lessons per fortnight)

History (4 lessons per fortnight)

Choose 2 subjects from French, Spanish and Chinese (10 lessons per fortnight; 5 per subject) Some students will take English as an Additional Language (EAL) instead of French/Spanish

Mathematics (8 lessons per fortnight)

Music (3 lessons per fortnight)

Futures Framework (including PSHCE) (2 lessons per fortnight)

Physical Education and Aquatics (4 lessons per fortnight)

Science (6 lessons per fortnight)

Our inspirational teaching staff cater to each individual student to empower them to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their options for further study at the end of Year 9.

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Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11) are the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) years.

We believe the IGCSE offers the best foundation for future study in a global society. Students are prepared for examinations set by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), part of the University of Cambridge. The CIE examination board is very highly regarded and also the world’s largest provider of international qualifications to school age students.

Starting IGCSE courses marks an important and exciting stage for students.

Our IGCSE pathways have been designed to enable the best preparation possible for future study on the IB Diploma programme. This means providing students with structured choices which will enable them to study subjects in depth whilst ensuring balance and breadth across the curriculum.

All students study subjects in the NAIS HK Core pathway and choose one language. Further options are then available from Individuals & Societies, The Arts and Personal pathways. The following should give you a good idea of the subjects studied at IGCSE level, but it is a guide only. Please note that we review our IGCSE programme each year.

NAIS HK Core Pathway Some subjects are called ‘core’ subjects and all students will take them. They are ‘core’ because they are widely considered to be vital to your child’s future prospects.

Futures Framework (including PSHCE) content aims to develop globally aware and engaged students prepared to make a difference by working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We aim to develop student understanding of the impact of service by preparing and carrying out work on the behalf of others. PSHCE content covering relationships, careers, personal development etc. are also covered.

Lessons per fortnight

Further Details

English Language & Literature

10

First Language English or English as a Second Language. Literature includes the study of international novelists, poets and dramatists.

Mathematics

7

Some students will be entered for a further IGCSE in Additional Mathematics.

Science (Double Award)

9

Students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are awarded two IGCSEs.

Physical Education

2

Weekly games and exercise.

Futures Framework

2

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education.

Core Pathway

9

Language All students will study at least one course in language acquisition. First, students will choose their language option. Please note that the language chosen must have been previously studied in Y9.

Subject

Mandarin Chinese (First, Second and Foreign Language)* Spanish (Foreign Language)

French (Foreign Language)

*In consultation with students and parents, the Chinese department will assign class groupings based on proficiency in Mandarin Chinese at the start of Year 10.

Individuals & Societies & Personal Pathways.

Students then choose one subject from our Individuals and Societies pathway and any two subjects from the Personal Pathways. Tailored pathways are also available for students to study fewer subjects based on their individual needs.

Individuals & Societies

Personal Pathways

Business

Art

Computer Science

Economics

Music

Geography

Geography

Drama

History

History

Physical Education

Global Perspectives

Global Perspectives

Spanish

French

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In Years 12 and 13, your child will study towards the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a demanding yet rewarding pre-university course of study, highly valued by universities throughout the world. In addition to the Diploma Programme – an IB Certificates option may be offered to some students as a route to university if considered beneficial.

At Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong, we offer students a wide selection of course subjects. This allows them to find a suitable programme that lets them progress to the next stage of their education or career. Every student studying the IBDP will study one subject from each of six groups, as well as completing the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay.

The IBDP requires students to take six subjects from the following groups (three at Highler Level and three at Standard Level): Language A: Studies in Language and Literature Language B: Language Acquisition Individuals and Societies Sciences Mathematics The Arts & Electives

Whichever stage your child is currently at in Secondary, there will be choices to be made in their learning. Whilst ultimately, these choices are entirely those of your child as an individual, rest assured that guidance and support are provided along every step of the way. Our aim at NAIS HK is to ensure that both you and your child understand every available option and are able to make well-informed choices, socially and emotionally as well as academically to allow success in their academic journey.

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A TYPICAL DAY IN SECONDARY – excluding Wednesday Our Secondary school day starts at 8:20am when our students meet together with their Form group for registration with their Form tutor and to prepare for the day ahead. You will have access to your child’s individual timetable before their first day, however the basic structure of the day is as follows: 7:50am to 8:20am

Students arrive at school

Some extra-curricular activities (ECAs) take place from 8am.

8:20am to 8:45am

Form tutor time

Students arriving at school after 8:20am must sign in at Reception and then report to their Form tutor.

8:45am to 9:45am

Lesson 1

9:45am to 10:45am

Lesson 2

10:45am to 11:10am

Morning break

11:10am to 12:10pm

Lesson 3

12:10pm to 1:10pm

Lunch

1:10 pm to 2:10pm

Lesson 4

Students attend timetabled lessons.

2:10pm to 3:10pm

Lesson 5

Students attend timetabled lessons.

After 3:10pm

Home time / ECAs

Students are encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities.

Students attend timetabled lessons.

Students attend timetabled lessons.

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WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE Our Secondary school Wednesday starts at 8:20am as with every other day however students have an extended Form Tutor Period where our Futures Programme and PSHCE will be delivered. You will note that the school day ends earlier on this day to facilitate school events, teacher training.

7:50am to 8:20am

Students arrive at school

Some extra-curricular activities (ECAs) take place from 8am.

8:20am to 9:20am

Lesson 1

Late students sign in at reception then report to Form tutor. Students attend timetabled lesson 1.

9:20am to 10:15am

Lesson 2

Students attend timetabled lessons.

10:15am to 10:40am

Morning break

10:40am to 11:35am

Lesson 3

11:35am to 12:30pm

Lunch

12:30 pm to 1:25pm

Lesson 4

1:25pm to 2:20pm

Lesson 5

Students attend timetabled lessons.

Students attend timetabled lessons.

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PASTORAL CARE The social, emotional and physical wellbeing of your child is equally important as their academic progress at NAIS HK, and pastoral care lies at the very heart of our school. We care about your child and our Year-based tutoring system allows us to enhance our personalised approach, enabling every student to make excellent progress personally, socially and academically.

Form groups and Form tutors Students meet each morning in their Form group for registration and tutor activities, which are centred around our Wellbeing, Resilience and Purpose programme. They also get together with the rest of their year group for morning assemblies, which enable them to build connections and forge friendships with other children of a similar age.

Your child’s form tutor will get to know your child very well and will build a clear picture of their academic, personal and social progress. They will be your first point of contact for pastoral concerns and will be able to help you with any questions you may have regarding your child.

You will receive an introductory email from your child’s Form tutor at the start of the academic year. Should you wish to speak with your child’s Form tutor at any point, please email them for an appointment. Please do remember, however, that teachers may not be able to respond to emails during school hours, so if you need to get an urgent message to the teacher or your child, please contact Reception.

Heads of Year Our Form tutors are supported by the Assistant Head Pastoral and the Heads of Year, who are responsible for different Year groups.

Picture will be updated later

Charline Procter Head of Year 7

Lisa Curley Head of Year 11

Josh Burnside Head of Year 8

Aidan Ryan Head of Year 9

Colin Spanos Y12 & 13 - IBDP Co-ordinator

Arjun Mistry Head of Year 10

Debbie Yu Y12 & 13 - Head of IB P astoral

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The role of the House We also have a thriving House system in all three campuses. Each student is allocated to one of four Houses when they join NAISHK. Balmoral (Blue), Caernarfon (Green), Sandringham (Yellow) or Windsor (Red).

The House system is very important to our school and there is a real sense of community and comradeship within each. Throughout the year, we have a variety of House events in which your child will participate. House Points are rewarded to students for a variety of reasons, for example, to recognise excellent academic performance and effort, positive behaviour or for showing a caring attitude and approach in school. These House points go towards a termly trophy, and eventually a highly contested end of year trophy.

Students remain in their Houses throughout their time at the school and siblings are usually allocated to the same House.

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SAFEGUARDING YOUR CHILD There is no issue the school takes more seriously than the safety and wellbeing of our students. We have security guards and cameras throughout the campus to ensure unauthorised personnel do not enter the school grounds and all visitors entering the school during the day are required to sign in and out with Reception. We believe our children are very safe during the day, and with your assistance, we can continue our high standard of security.

NAISHK has a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy in place to protect your child which is available to view in the Policy section of our website. All adults who come into contact with children at the school are required to adhere to our Safeguarding Policy and all staff receive regular training to keep them up-to-date and informed with procedures.

Any parent with a concern of a Safeguarding nature should contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs. Sarah Harley (sarah.harley@nais.hk or via Reception on +852 3958 1488) in the first instance.

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COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTACT A strong partnership between parents and teachers is essential to the success of your child at NAISHK. In terms of the academic development and pastoral wellbeing of your child, your Form tutor will be the first point of enquiry for most questions and concerns as they are the person who will get to know your child the best. There may be times when you have more specific enquiries, however, so please refer to the table below for details of contact email addresses.

Reporting absence or delays due to unexpected circumstances or illness on the day

Form tutor, Head of Year and Reception (KwunTongReception@nais.hk)

Requesting leave of absence in advance

Form tutor, Head of Year and Reception

ECA enquiries

kwuntongadminoffice@nais.hk

Bus enquiries

bus@nais.hk

Finance related enquiries

finance@nais.hk

Admissions enquiries

admissions@nais.hk

Issues with IT (Firefly access etc.)

itsupport@nais.hk

Cafeteria enquiries

studentservices@nais.hk

PTA enquiries

PTAnaishk@gmail.com

School Reception is open from 8am to 4:30pm and can be contacted on +852 3958 1488. Outside of these hours a voicemail can be left.

Directions on how to get to the school can be found on our website here. https : / / ww w. nordangl iae du c ati on.c om / ou r - s c hool s / hong - kong/c ontact-us/contact-information-and-map The full school address is: Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong 19 Yuet Wah Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

If you have a concern which you feel requires attention at a senior level, please contact your Head of Year and if necessary, Mrs. Reid (Assistant Head, Student Wellbeing and Enrichment) or Mr. Adam Cross (Assistant Head, Academic) 17

We like to keep you informed so our whole school Parent Update is sent out on a weekly basis via email and provides information on current happenings and future events. As most of our communication is sent out via email, it is important that we always have your most up-to-date contact details on file including at least two local contact telephone numbers in case of emergencies.

Firefly Portal At NAIS HK, we also use a Parent and Student Portal called Firefly. All students have access to an individual account through which teachers will set homework and provide resources. The portal helps students to organise their homework as well as access resources from anywhere.

As a parent, you will receive access to information about your child and what is going on in school. This includes information on their homework, timetable, attendance and rewards. Each Secondary department also has a dedicated area with information unique to each specialist area. You can bookmark specific pages you are interested in and may also receive bookmark suggestions from teachers containing information pertinent to your child.

The portal login is at https://naishk.fireflycloud.asia When accessing the portal for the first time, you should click on the green ‘Log in for the first time – activate your account’ button. Type in the email address that you have supplied to the school to receive an activation email to your inbox (both parents can log in using their individual emails). Once you have activated your account you will be able to set your own secure password.

You will receive your Firefly log-in details before your child starts school.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Questions about the school day What time does my child need to be at school?

As the Secondary day starts at 8:20 am, we encourage students to arrive between 8:00am and 8:15am in order to have time to settle, visit their lockers and be ready for their day.

Is there a school bus that my child can use?

Secondary students are encouraged to travel to and from school independently. We do operate a school bus service to Lam Tin through an external provider, Jacksons, serving key locations around Hong Kong.

Subject to seat availability, Secondary students are welcome to take the morning bus to school each day, transferring onto a shuttle bus to the Kwun Tong Campus on arrival at Lam Tin. There will be a Secondary afternoon bus operating from the Secondary campus to three drop-off points on Hong Kong Island only.

If you have any further questions, please email our Student Services Team at bus@nais.hk.

Can I bring my child to school?

If you are dropping off or collecting your child from school, please be aware that for the safety of all of our students, we do not have a designated ‘drop off zone’. It is very important that cars do not stop directly in front of the school under any circumstances.

What happens at the end of the school day?

Secondary school children finish lessons at 3:10pm (2.20pm Wednesday).

Those students who are not attending an ECA will make their way home independently. Students leave via the back exit of the school on Tsz Loi Lane. If you or your helper are picking up your child, please wait at the back gate until the children come downstairs.

The majority of our students make their own way home independently, using public transport. Kwun Tong MTR is a short walk from the school.

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Will my child receive homework?

Homework is compulsory and set to consolidate, support, enrich and extend the learning that takes place in the classroom whilst still allowing our students time to develop other interests outside of school. Homework is set when considered to be purposeful and benefits the progress of students. Students will have no more than one homework task per subject for every 5 school days.

The estimated time taken to complete a homework task differs according to their Key Stage as detailed below: Key Stage 3

Approximately 25 to 30 minutes per task

IGCSE

Approximately 35 to 45 minutes per task

IBDP

Approximately 90 minutes per task for Standard and HigherLevel students

Will my child be able to take part in Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) after school?

We offer a wide variety of ECAs in Secondary. ECAs run across four afternoons per week, with some specialised activities also running before school and during lunchtimes. To ensure a balance of activities and to match the individual interests of each child, we theme our activities under different ‘umbrellas’: Sport, Health and Exercise; Performance and Creative Arts; Thinkers, Debaters and Puzzlers; and Science, Technology and Engineering.

We believe that this breadth of activities across each term gives your child the chance to explore and develop new skills and interests in order to become well-rounded individuals. These activities may comprise a mixture of free, paid and by invitation-only activities.

Sign up for ECAs is made online through SchoolsBuddy. You will be provided with a list of available activities and information on how to sign up online through SchoolsBuddy once the ECA timetable has been finalized each term.

After school ECAs usually run from 3:10pm to 4.10pm and students make their way home independently afterwards.

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How can I get involved in school life?

There are many ways that you can support your child and the school, and we particularly enjoy welcoming parents into school key events. At NAIS HK, we also have an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) which operates across all three campuses.

The PTA is a vibrant group of parents, teachers and members of staff who are committed to enhancing the spirit of our school community by engaging the children, parents and teachers in fun, interesting and exciting ways. The PTA are always on the look-out for new faces to join the team and whatever your talent, they are bound to have a need for it!

Questions about break and lunch arrangements When will my child be able to eat?

Secondary students have a twenty-five minute snack break in the morning and then a one hour lunch (fifty-five minutes on a Wednesday) break later in the day.

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Does my child need to bring their own food to school?

We aim to give our parents flexibility with lunch options so students have two options. They can either bring their own packed lunch to school or they can order a meal from Asia Pacific Catering. More information about Asia Pacific Catering service can be found on our website.

As a school we promote healthy eating and environmental awareness, so we encourage our families to make sensible, nutritious choices and to refrain from sending in fizzy drinks or sweets. Please note that we are a NO NUTS school, as we have children attending the school that have life-threatening allergies.

Does the school provide drinks?

Cold filtered water is freely available around the school and students are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles which they can refill regularly.

Can I deliver food to my child during the school day?

Unfortunately, no. Please send all food in with your child in the morning or arrange for the Asia Pacific Catering service as we are unable to facilitate individual food deliveries.

Can my child leave the school premises at lunchtime?

Students in Years 11, 12 and 13 can leave the school premises at lunchtime with a parent’s permission. Food from restaurants and delivery services is not permitted on site owing to allergy concerns.

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Questions relating to attendance and health Can my child take a day off?

Regular daily attendance is expected, although sometimes absence is unavoidable. All requests for absence must be authorised in advance. Should you need to take your child out of school for a reason other than illness, please email your Form tutor, copying the Head of Year to apply for approval.

What should I do if my child is sick?

Please email your Form tutor cc’ing Reception (KwunTongReception@nais.hk) on the day if your child is not able to attend due to illness. If your child has had vomiting or diarrhoea, please keep them at home for 24 hours. If they have a contagious illness, such as flu or chicken pox, please keep them home until a doctor certifies that they are no longer contagious.

Please advise us and keep us up to date with any medical problems your child may have, particularly when there is a contagious condition or an allergy to materials or food. The medical information form must be completed and returned to Admissions prior to entry.

What happens if my child is unwell or injured whilst they are at school?

We have a qualified nurse and a number of advanced first-aiders on the school premises at all times in case of illness or accidents. Most minor illnesses and accidents are dealt with at school by the nurse. In cases of serious illnesses or accidents, parents will be contacted immediately and your child will be taken to a hospital/doctor of your choice.

My child needs to take medication whilst at school, how does this work?

Medication will only be given in special circumstances and must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and dosage. If you would like us to administer medication to your child at school, please contact your Form tutor to discuss arrangements. All medication must be securely stored by the nurse; under no circumstances can a child self-administer or carry medicine on their person whilst at school.

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Questions relating to uniform What should my child wear to school?

It is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 11 to wear uniform which we believe is an important part of our identity, fosters a sense of belonging and removes barriers. A copy of our uniform policy can be found online.

Our school uniform policy is deliberately broad in scope, taking into consideration issues of equality, diversity and identity. The uniform is designed to be comfortable, safe and appropriate for use.

Students in Year 12 and 13 are not required to wear uniform but should come to school smartly dressed. The appropriate dress code and standards will be communicated to them as they enter Year 12.

Students are required to wear uniform every day unless they are timetabled to have PE or a sport-related ECA. Students may also be asked to wear a House Shirt for House events.

Formal uniform: NAIS or plain black socks should be worn with formal uniform along with plain black footwear.

Long or short sleeve blouse / shirt

NAIS Socks or plain black socks

Tie

Blazer (compulsory in winter)

Trousers, shorts and skirt

Cardigan

Jumper

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PE uniform: White socks should be worn with formal uniform along with white or predominantly white trainers.

Dry-fit PE top

Dry-fit shorts, skirt or tracksuit bottoms

Tracksuit top or hooded top (PE days only)

Additional information: Seasonal Uniform differences: Wearing of a tie and blazer is only compulsory from 1st December until the end of term 2 (Easter/Spring holiday). During the cooler months, the school cardigan or jumper are encouraged to keep warm. The school hoodie/tracksuit top is only to be worn on PE days as part of the PE kit regardless of time of year.

Hair: Hair should be clean, neat and tidy. Colouring of hair is allowed, however it must be discreet and of a natural hair colour; extreme hairstyles are not permitted (e.g., mohawks, shaved patterns or writing). Long hair must be tied back and kept off the face during practical lessons (e.g., Science, PE, Drama), also, for health and safety, excess use of wax and gel is not permitted. Hair ornaments should be functional and kept to a minimum.

Accessories: Necklaces may be worn as small medallions under the shirt. Pierced earrings must be studs or small hoops measuring no greater than 10mm, plain and must be in the conventional position in the earlobe. Multiple earrings are not permitted.

Only a watch should be worn on the wrist with the exception of the Kara – no bracelets or bands.

Makeup and nails: Makeup should be minimal/discreet with natural toning’s. Nails must be of a short to medium length to enable participation in practical activities - with natural colouring.

Bags: Secondary students are allowed their own choice of school bag – remember this has to be big enough to carry school books, equipment and their laptop safely and comfortably.

In inclement weather, students can come to and leave school wearing appropriate outdoor wear. Students may also wear navy blue or black leggings and/or compression vests underneath their full or PE school uniform. These cannot be branded.

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What happens on swimming days?

On swimming days, your child should wear their PE kit and bring their swimming kit to change into (kit comprises school swimming costume, school swimming hat, goggles and a towel).

Where can I buy uniform?

Our school uniform is available to buy at Aston Wilson in Lai Chi Kok. Order forms and details of location/opening hours are available on our website. You may pick up your order from the Aston Wilson store or have it delivered. https://www.nordangliaeducation. com/our-schools/hong-kong/our-students/student-life/school-uniforms Questions about equipment

Can my child bring their mobile phone to school?

We understand our students may need phones as a method of communication, especially if they are travelling home independently.

However, mobile phones are not allowed to be used whilst on school premises. If your child does carry a mobile phone, please ensure that it is switched off during the day. If your child needs to contact you, they can do so at Reception. The school will always contact you immediately should any emergency arise regarding your child. If you need to contact your child during the school day – please call reception who will pass on any messages.

Does my child need a laptop?

Yes. To facilitate and enhance their learning and foster essential skills, Secondary students are required to provide their own Apple laptop for use at school. Students will be educated in how to stay safe online and will be expected to adhere to the school Acceptable Use Policy.

We have teamed up with SENCO Masslink, a well-respected educational IT equipment supplier to Hong Kong international schools, to give parents a discounted rate on computer equipment and maintenance. You do not need to purchase your child’s laptop through this scheme, however, please note that your child’s Macbook must meet the following specification: Minimum M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU At least 8GB memory, At least 256GB SSD storage.

Your child will not need any special programs installed. Our main operating system is Office 365 which your child can access via the internet using their usual passwords.

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Our IT Support team will be on hand on your child’s first day of school to make sure that their Macbook is up and running with Office 365 and Chrome. (If you purchased through SENCO Masslink and chose to have your Macbook delivered to the school, IT Support will install the above on your behalf ahead of collection).

Should you have any queries regarding the policy or require advice on purchasing a suitable device, please email byod@nais.hk for help.

What else does my child need to bring to school?

Your child will need to provide their own calculator for use in lessons and whilst completing homework. In Years 7 to 11 a scientific calculator is required; the preferred model is anything from the Casio FX or GT range, which are reasonably priced and widely available in Hong Kong.

For IBDP studies, all students will need to use a graphical display calculator.

The school recommends and supports the TI-Nspire model CXII. If students choose a different model, they must ensure the calculator they purchase does not have a computer algebra system (CAS). Members of the Mathematics department will gladly advise on calculator purchase if you are unsure.

Will my child have somewhere to store their belongings?

All Year 7 students will be provided with a locker. Students in other year groups may apply for a locker but should only request one if they intend to use it regularly and not leave it repeatedly empty. Students should provide their own padlock with which to secure the locker.

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SCHOOL CALENDAR 2026-2027

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TYPHOON & HEAVY RAIN PROCEDURES As a school, we are bound to follow the regulations, ordinances and directives of the Education Bureau (EDB) of Hong Kong. In all cases, we will abide by the warnings as required by the Hong Kong Government and as issued through the Hong Kong Observatory. When there are Typhoon Signals and Rainstorm warnings, the Education Bureau makes a decision on such mornings at 6:00 am and issues this information to the media. If the school is to be closed, we will post a notice on the school website and issue the information by all possible means. Please make sure your helpers are aware of these procedures.

If the signal is raised before school starts, the following procedures will operate: Typhoon Signal Number 1 Typhoon Signal Number 3

All classes operate normally All classes operate normally unless advised otherwise

Typhoon Signal Number 8 or above

School is closed and all classes are cancelled

Amber Rainstorm Red Rainstorm Black Rainstorm

All classes operate normally School is closed and all classes are cancelled School is closed and all classes are cancelled

If the signal is raised during school hours, the following procedures will operate: Typhoon Signal Number 1 or 3

All classes operate normally with the usual dismissal times (including extra-curricular activities) unless advised otherwise.

All classes will be dismissed. (Notice of the signal Typhoon Signal Number 8 or being raised is issued to schools several hours before it is actually hoisted, giving time to make above arrangements to get students home safely.)

Amber Rainstorm Red or Black Rainstorm

All classes operate normally All classes remain in school until the warning is removed, and buses are authorised for safe travel.

Parents are free to come and collect your child if it safe for you to do so.

Radio, television and online announcements are made when schools are closed due to typhoon or red/black rainstorm warnings. If children have already set off for school, we will accept the children who arrive when school is closed. These children will be retained until it is safe for a parent or helper to collect them.

For information regarding weather conditions, please use the following Hong Kong Observatory website: www.weather.gov.hk (You can download their app to your smartphone or tablet.) Hong Kong Observatory telephone: 187-8200 (Press 1 for Cantonese, 2 for Mandarin, 3 for English) 29

We look forward to welcoming you into our school community!