Hong Kong Schools Guide 2020

9th edition | hongkongliving.com

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2020/2021

PRIMARY | SECONDARY | ALL-THROUGH | after school activities

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Hong Kong Schools Guide

Hong Kong Schools Guide 2020/2021

CONTENTS

Woodland Pre-School

4 Editor’s letter Plus meet the team

6 How to get a school place An in-depth look at how to take on the Hong Kong education system

8 Kindergartens 10 Woodland Pre-School 16 International Montessori School 20 Fairchild Kindergarten 26 Discovery Montessori Academy 32 Primary Schools 34 Shrewsbury International School 40 Wycombe Abbey School

87 After school 87 Online learning 88 Extra-curricular activities 104 Tuition

112 School’s out 112 Play centres and indoor activities 118 Family days out 126 Hikes for tykes

131 Directory School listings for 2020/21

140 Back to school Our youngest readers share what they are most looking forward to

46 Through Schools 49 Malvern College Hong Kong 56 Nord Anglia International School 67 Chinese Academy 74 American School Hong Kong Hong Kong Schools Guide

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editor’s letter

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here has never been a more challenging time for the school system in Hong Kong and indeed around the world.

With much of the school year having been experienced remotely, students, teachers and parents have looked for new ways to learn and interact with each other.

For many of us this is a first and these sweeping new changes have brought with them their own unique set of challenges. Patience is skill many have been tested on time and again, as are other key factors like discipline, focus and the challenge of technology.

But students today are remarkably resilient and we are constantly reminded of their tenacity and commitment to education.

In the following pages we hope to bring some inspiration to your learning journey from kindergarten to primary and all the way through.

We take a look at new integrated approaches to learning and the

Editorial Editor Gemma Shaw Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng Digital Editor Apple Lee

Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam

Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan

teaching ethos of inquiry-based learning, interactive engagement and creativity.

Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this year’s Schools Guide a critical source of information as we navigate this new normal. We’d love to hear about your education journey in 2020, so please feel free to get in touch and enjoy this special edition.

Our contributors

Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip Elaine Li

Publisher Matt Eaton

Founding Director Tom Hilditch

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Elegance Printing & Book Binding Co., Ltd.

Jenny McGowan

Noelle Watts

Emilie & Myles Bremer

Head of Operations for Keystone Tutors in Hong Kong.

Jenny has a PhD in Education and an MSc in Child Development and Education, both from the University of Oxford. keystonetutors.com

First year Chinese Academy student Noelle Watts started the school year from home in August. She shares what she is most excited for when she heads back into the classroom.

Brother and sister duo Emilie and Myles both study at Hong Kong International School.

They can’t wait to get back to their extra curricular activities in the coming school year.

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Cover by Vicky Lam, with photos contributed by Woodlands Pre-School, Nord Anglia International School Malvern College, Wycome Abbey, Faitchild Kindergarten, Harbour School, Chinese Acadamy

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

Hong Kong Schools Guide is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This book is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Guide cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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education new schools system

How to get a school place All you need to know about the Hong Kong education system

school-hunting parent in Hong Kong will hear repeatedly.

Strictly speaking, the schools under the ESF banner are not international schools, but that is essentially just a technicality. They offer a combination of English and international curricula, so from

In the know

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ong Kong regularly features high on education barometers as a leading city in which to be schooled. But the system behind the hype is not a straightforward one, so it’s important to get a grasp of a few things before your search for a school can begin.

Local vs. International Broadly speaking, schools in Hong Kong fall into two camps: local schools and international schools.

The criterion for this segregation is that local schools teach the Hong Kong curriculum, predominantly in Cantonese. They are also largely free or heavily subsidised.

Meanwhile, international schools can teach any of 6

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Many schools such as the ESF, base their Primary One admissions on the calendar year (children born from January to December) Others such as Kellett go by the academic year (children born from September to August)

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Kindergarten education is not mandatory in Hong Kong, so you can always opt out.

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Most ESF and international schools offer Mandarin as part of the weekly curriculum.

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Many international schools (French International, German Swiss and Chinese International) offer bilingual as well as English streams.

Kiangsu Chekiang International uses Mandarin as its main language of instruction.

Shrewsbury International School

the global curricula (IB, A Levels, HSC, Le Bac etc).

The dominant language at international schools is English, however where English is not the mother tongue, they usually have two streams: one taught in the native language and the other taught in English. In case you didn’t already know, you will soon find out that international schools are the opposite of free – they are in fact famously expensive.

ESF Beneath the international schools umbrella there is a subgroup called English Schools Foundation, more commonly known as ESF. As there are 22 ESF schools catering for 12,000 students, this is an acronym that any

getting new schools a place the perspective of the type of education a child receives, it’s easiest to look on them as international.

Time and research It is no secret that school places in Hong Kong are hot property. Therefore the two things that will help you most when selecting a school for your child are time and research.

The more time you give yourself, the greater your chance of being offered a place at your preferred school. But if time is not something you possess, you will have to rely on research. In most cases, this means making a long list of possible schools and then picking up the phone and speaking to them directly in order to understand whether they have space and what their admission criteria is. It is important that your list is long because most people’s first choices are also the most popular ones.

Visiting the schools Once some possible places are located, the next step is to go and visit. Choosing a school is a highly personal process – what suits your neighbour’s child will not necessarily suit yours. So while word of mouth can be helpful, it is unwise to rely on hearsay alone; go and visit the schools to get to know them in relation to your own family and priorities.

Seeking advice While it’s not always wise to rely on hearsay, if you have

some specific questions about schools, there are some helpful Facebook groups where you can pick the brains of the more experienced. The main one is called Hong Kong Schools, and there are also a number of nationality-based groups (e.g. British Mums in HK) where you can post questions for those who have previously made the same move as you.

Terminology There is no uniform terminology between the schools – different schools refer to the same things by different names. So what is known as Year 1 in one place could be known as kindergarten at the school down the road, and may also moonlight as K3 or prep somewhere else.

It is therefore crucial to understand the terminology of each school to ensure that you’re applying for the correct year.

Location, location, location One area you definitely need to spend some time considering is where you plan to live in relation to where your children might go to school. Geographically, Hong Kong is fairly small, but that doesn’t mean it is always convenient to get around. If you’re planning to live on Lamma, nipping to Harrow for a parentteacher day might not be easy. As accommodation is often easier to arrange than schooling, it could be

advisable to secure school places before settling on where to live.

The older, the easier – possibly Generally, places are easier to find for older children. This is partly because teenagers in Hong Kong often head off to boarding school in other countries. In addition to this, many families leave Hong Kong once their children are a little older, as the pull of being closer to family grows. So those with older children may find the process slightly easier.

New school, new places Similarly, the selection process can possibly be shortened if you are willing to consider schools that are just opening in Hong Kong, because logic dictates that their admissions list will be newer and therefore emptier than for schools that have been around for longer.

Money, money, money And lastly, a word on debentures. There is much to get your head around when moving to Hong Kong, and not the least of these is the financial structuring of the international schools. In other countries, debentures are associated with sports stadiums and finance houses; in Hong Kong, they are likely to be a major factor in whether or not you choose a certain school for your child. As with other issues, research is key. sg Hong Kong Schools Guide

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KINDERGARTEN Start off on the right foot at some of Hong Kong’s best pre-schools

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Woodlands Pre-School

kindergarten

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Woodland Pre-Schools New beginnings in 2020 for your child’s future success rooted in over four decades of excellence

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ince 1978, Woodland Pre-Schools has prepared over 60,000 children for successful primary school education by giving them the best start on their developmental journey. Its track record for International Primary School placement is second to none in Hong Kong. Each of its eight campuses in Mid-Levels, Aberdeen, Happy Valley, Kennedy Town, Pokfulam, Repulse Bay Beachside, Repulse Bay Montessori and Sai Kung offers a unique learning environment and a chance to join the amazing Woodland community.

Mid-Levels is the largest of the eight Woodland campuses, and it has got to be in the running for the most impressive. Straddling 10

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both sides of Caine Road, the school is something of a Mid-levels landmark and, with a recent refurbishment, it could not be looking better.

The new developments have been meticulously thought through and every change put in place is to benefit the children as they progress through their Woodland Journey from the dedicated Baby Zone for Rollers and Wrigglers, to the Junior Academy for Playgroup and Stepping Stones, to Pre-School and Prep for Primary at the Montessori Academy.

Best-in-class facilities The school is a keen advocate of nurturing every child’s sense of wonder through

kindergarten providing an environment that enhances social, emotional, language and physical development. The dedicated baby zone allows little ones to explore safely in a customised setting as they discover their senses and learn about the world. In addition, five spacious outdoor playgrounds including a soccer pitch, a basketball court and a recently renovated waterpark, give children the chance to explore in different sensorial surroundings that build their ability to learn independently.

The same is the case for the indoor play areas, which are equally bright, creative and inviting. A brand new climbing wall aimed at assisting Pre-School students to develop strength, coordination and problem solving is an exciting addition to the Pre-School play areas which include the Construction Site and Woodland Town.

Bespoke Woodland Journey The Woodland Journey is a pathway to success. It carefully builds upon earlier stages

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kindergarten

to support each child’s natural dispositions and curiosities. It enables them to move on to primary education equipped with the tools and skills that they need to succeed: a love of learning, independence and self-confidence.

Woodland offers classes for children from six months to six years, following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage with English, Mandarin and Bilingual language options. Two of its eight campuses are also Montessori accredited, including the Mid-levels campus.

40 Years of success Woodland Pre-Schools has been offering a solid educational foundation for early years learners since it first opened its doors in 1978. With over 40 years of experience and Hong Kong Schools Guide

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kindergarten excellence, it is entrusted with the education of generations to come.

To take the legacy to new heights, Woodland is delighted to welcome Gazel Razavi (General Manager), Fleur Murdoch (Marketing and Admissions Director), and Laura Venezia (Head of School, Mid-levels) to its Executive Team. With its extensive knowledge and expertise in education management, Woodland Pre-schools will continue to set the standard for quality international kindergarten and pre-school education for many more years to come.

2020/21 Admissions Join the Woodland Journey and discover its bespoke curriculum for your child. Enrolments for the 2020-21 school year are now open. sg Woodland Pre-School, G/F-3/F, On Fung Building, 110 -118 Caine Road, Mid-Levels. woodlandschools.com

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school visits

The International Montessori School The advantages of a Montessori education

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visit to International Montessori School (IMS) in Stanley is a demonstration of all that is wonderful about a purebred Montessori school, a place where both teachers in each classroom must be trained, or in training with AMI (the global body that maintains the original pedagogy). This is a school that is Montessori to its very core.

But in the case of IMS, it also has the added dimension of providing a fully bilingual environment with one native English and one native Mandarin teacher in each class. Karin Ann is one of the co-founders of IMS and refers to 16

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the Chinese offering as “one of the pillars of our school. We take it very seriously.�

kindergarten The Montessori approach Anne Sawyer, the co-founder, explains how this set up came about. “When we decided we wanted to start a school, we wanted something different for our kids. Because there wasn’t anything in Hong Kong that would enable our kids to truly be able to speak, read and write both in Chinese and English and not have three hours of homework a night.”

And as anyone remotely familiar with Montessori knows, homework is not part of the deal. Instead, the acquisition of two languages comes about in a much more organic, social manner, requiring interaction with people and materials rather than just an exercise in memorising.

Sawyer describes the IMS classroom as a truly immersive dual language environment “that’s similar to a family home with two parents who have different mother tongues. The children quickly learn who to speak to in each language.”

In addition to the presence of two native teachers (and as an aside, IMS teaches traditional

Chinese characters), the other reason why IMS children acquire Mandarin - and for some, English - so readily is because the methods of Montessori lend themselves perfectly to language learning.

“The way Montessori is, being so hands on, so multisensory, with children learning by using materials, this really cracks that problem of how to make Chinese relevant, interesting and engaging,” says Ann. When talking to a Montessori specialist, two of the things you hear a lot are the words ‘enable’ and ‘tools’. This is because the style of learning is not didactic and it’s not just fact learning. Instead the approach is to set up a child with access to all the tools they may need - a combination of materials, environment, teachers and peers - and once these are in place, they are ‘enabled’ to learn in their own way, at their own pace. They work on projects both small and large, individually and in groups, learning skills that will mold them into being proficient researchers, creative thinkers and resourceful problem solvers.

Of these tools available to them, the teachers

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school visits are obviously an important component but it is crucial to appreciate that they are not the only component. At IMS, the students learn that there are others in the classroom who can assist in solving a problem or finding an answer; with mixed age classes, children are taught to look to their older peers for help. In turn, they also learn that they might be able to offer help to others.

“Teachers are not the font of all knowledge.

Somebody else in the classroom may know how to tie a shoe or how to refill the water jug. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you don’t always need to ask the adult,” says Sawyer.

Mixed classes The benefit of the mixed age classes is also seen in how it motivates the children to progress, with younger kids wanting to imitate the older ones and older ones enjoying the opportunity to be the expert.

For anyone familiar with the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, this concept is very much in keeping with that; at IMS the focus is

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on learning from the classroom community and providing children with the ability to craft their own path, in whichever direction they want to take it.

This frequently means that IMS students become known at their destination schools for their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to see things from alternative perspectives.

“Montessori kids think differently,” says Ann. “We find that what we do is particularly attractive to people who are entrepreneurs. There are so many articles written on this. Because entrepreneurs see that all the skills they use themselves are naturally nurtured within the Montessori classroom.”

These skills are things such as creativity, collaboration and self-regulation. This last point is something that gets many traditionalists a little nervous: children? Selecting their own tasks?

Working on them independently? Terrifying.

But in practice, this is one of the many traits that allows IMS to see such success in its students. And it is in truth wrong to think that Montessori is unstructured because whilst

kindergarten

the children are allowed to select their own work, this is within a highly structured setting and carefully decided framework, at all times overseen by a duo of eagle-eyed teachers.

Which paths IMS children take once they graduate is another interesting discussion.

Some people who are unfamiliar with Montessori imagine that this type of education will be a barrier to entry when moving onto the next stage of school, assuming it is not Montessori.

However this could not be further from the truth.

In fact, IMS finds that its graduates are snapped up, their reputation having preceded them.

“Parents fear that their children aren’t going to transition well into a traditional school but it’s actually the opposite. Because they are used to dealing with children who are older, children who are younger they’re the ideal child to transition; they’re highly adaptable,” says Sawyer.

Ann adds in that while CIS is a natural path for many families because of the strong emphasis on Mandarin. “IMS students fit in wherever they go,” she says.

It is tough to do justice to Montessori in a relatively short amount of words. It is a much studied and discussed scientific programme on which people have written vast books.

But Sawyer sums it up well when she says

that creating a Montessori child is creating an independent thinker.

“A lot of time, as adults we think that education is just learning a set of facts but there’s so much more to it,” says Sawyer.

Maria Montessori might have been ahead of her time, but now that we’re in the 21st century, surely we’ve all caught on to realise this is entirely true. sg International Montessori School, Phase III, Ma Hang Estate, Stanley. ims.edu.hk

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school visits

Fairchild Kindergarten A creative environment for children to begin their school journey

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warded ‘Top 10 Most Valuable Preschool’, Fairchild Kindergarten holds high respect for children as capable individuals and their learning interests.

It has a ‘bringing the outdoors in’ campus environment, encouraging a relationship with nature from a young age. The school offers a Canadian (Ontario) Kindergarten Programme with a good dose of Reggio Emilia guiding principles. Classes are bilingual and taught in a play-based environment to cultivate curiosity, creativity and confidence in each child through an inquiry-based approach to learning.

Entering the school, you’ll notice it is a happy multicultural community where children and families from around the globe gather and grow up together.

A child’s ‘perfect place’ The ‘perfect place’, defined by the students of Fairchild themselves, is one where children come to school every day with a big smile. Fairchild aims to provide a caring and nurturing school where the children are at the centre of everything it does.

“We are very proud that our students are creative, confident and curious, but above all, happy,” says

Betty Yau, Principal of Fairchild Kindergarten.

Fairchild’s classrooms are well resourced with natural materials and opportunities for children to engage in many sensory activities, which appeal to all their senses. Regardless of whether they are in the classroom, the treehouse or shared discovery areas such as the school’s vertical garden or creative arts space, children will have fun and access to a range of engaging activities, including close encounters with resident pets, such as earthworms, turtles, fish, frog or hamster.

These hands-on learning experiences help children to build essential life skills for the 21st Hong Kong Schools Guide

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century, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, compassion among others.

Children are well prepared to be lifelong learners and are encouraged to resolve their own conflicts in a safe classroom setting. They also gain respect for the world, having discussions on sustainability through which they learn about respect and how to care of the planet. “Literacy and numeracy are woven through everything we do; there are just many more ways to learn without copying everything down,� says Kathy Nutting, Founding Head of Early Childhood Education. Fairchild’s teachers follow the interests 22

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of the children, in what is known as an emergent curriculum, so their themes in the classroom are varied. Getting a rich variety of hands-on experiences, such as feeding a pet, visiting the restaurant kitchen and planting in the community garden, makes learning much more meaningful to a child.

From school to community With schools closed to combat the spread of Covid-19, learning is never hindered for Fairchild students. Well-developed ECE online curriculum by the devoted teaching team makes quality

kindergarten learning possible in any place with active and engaging live-streaming, real-time chats and videos, plus home learning activity packs posted to children at home.

Fairchild, as one of the pioneers of the Reggio school in Hong Kong, collaborates as part of the Hong Kong and Macau Reggio Emilia Study Group to share its practice and continue to refine

the Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum.

Working hand in hand with families to ensure a happy, healthy and all-rounded development of each child, Fairchild uses Storypark to share with parents what children have learned at school on a weekly basis, as well as regular learning stories.

In addition, it actively encourages parents to be engaged in their children’s learning journey, for

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example, accompanying children on community school trips, having them share their country’s cultures through a celebrating event in class (e.g.

Hanukkah and Diwali), supporting each family as a community member (grandparents visiting the school to read a story to the class) and witnessing the growth of their children together.

Fairchild also makes it a point to honour children’s birthdays at school by inviting parents to join their child’s class to read a story and share a healthy snack with the children together – this helps create wonderful memories for the future.

The way forward Fairchild is a place suitable for every child, providing age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences which pique children’s interests through a holistic approach, covering all aspects of children’s development such as STEAM, cooking, languages, reading, multi-sports, music and movement.

Students start from playgroup at Fairchild Junior Academy (at the early childhood education centre in Tin Hau with a playgroup for children 24

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aged eight months and above), move on to prenursery level classes, as well as K1, K2 and K3 in an International Stream or Bi-lingual (English and Mandarin) Stream.

The school paves a path to both international schools and local schools, as well as schools overseas. The majority of Fairchild graduates head on to renowned international schools in Hong Kong, with examples being ESF schools, Hong Kong International School, French International School and more. Some graduates enter prestigious local schools, such as Kau Yan College and Munsang College. Wherever they go, their strong educational foundation established at Fairchild has them prepared for any future challenges. sg , airchild Kindergarten, G/F & 1/F, Kong F

Chian Tower, Block 1, 351 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun. Fairchild Junior Academy, 22/F, Park Commerical Centre, 180 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tin Hau. fairchild.academy

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school visits

DMS Discovery Bay A bilingual Montessori pre-school in Discovery Bay North Plaza

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ith Hong Kong’s limited supply of space, it is not unusual to find kindergartens squeezed into small, pokey corners. The resulting atmosphere is therefore often more akin to a dark store cupboard than an inviting place for inquisitive minds to learn.

Discovery Montessori School (DMS) in Discovery Bay North Plaza however is no such place; because whilst the space may be compact, it is nonetheless a wonderfully light, bright kindergarten that feels both modern and homely.

With clever mezzanines built into the classrooms that give the space the playful feel of a tree house, the school is free of posters stipulating dos and don’t (other than one polite sign asking parents to remove shoes).

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Child-led approach Montessori is an educational theory that is broadly familiar to many, having been in practice for over a hundred years. In a (crude) nutshell - with apologies to any experts out there, it promotes the idea of child-led, individualised learning within a mixed age-group environment. Classes are hands-on, focusing on sensory play; and of crucial importance is the concept that each child chooses (within established limitations) which activities they want to partake in. It is about as far from rote learning as Donald Trump is from winning the next Nobel Peace Prize.

With educational ‘trends’ frequently popping up, Montessori has been quite a fashionable word for schools to mention in their mission statements.

However, there is a difference between those that

kindergarten say they are ‘Montessori-style’ and those that are purebred Montessori schools. DMS is the latter; led by two passionate Montessori teachers in each class, the kindergarten is a fully invested ambassador for this increasingly popular teaching style.

Opening in 2010, the kindergarten in DB Plaza is one of DMS’s three campuses, with another just down the road housing the primary school (DMA) and another in Central. 120 pupils aged between one and six attend the DB campus, most of the pupils live only a short distance away but there is also a school bus service which helps to cater to those in Tung Chung and Tsing Yi. Despite the bus service though, the vast majority of children walk to school, which is in keeping with that enviably calm, wholesome feel that Discovery Bay is known for.

A Montessori lifestyle The school is run by Principal Gloria Law and Vice-principal Marsida Gostivari, two passionate and knowledgeable Montessori specialists who

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school visits relish the chance to educate both children and parents on the benefits of Montessori schooling.

And in many cases, it is the parents who need more guidance than the children.

As Gostivari explains: “Some parents want to see results immediately but Montessori focuses on the process. We teach our children that the way you do something is much more important than what you achieve. These are skills that you will have all through your life, and once you have them, the results will come.”

In order to help the parents understand the process and, if desired, continue it outside of school as well, DMS runs parent evenings on the various aspects of the ethos. This helps to compound what the children learn in the classroom.

“In a sense, Montessori is a lifestyle. We do hope that when the children go home they will start doing things in a Montessori way. So for example, they will tidy up after themselves. That’s when parents say to us – this is really working,” Gostivari says.

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A key feature of the ethos is the promotion of independence, the development of coordination of movement, and the building of confidence. The mixed age group, on the other hand, provides a vertical influence in the classrooms which encourages children to learn from each other and allows leadership skills to develop.

Less dependence on the teacher is also encouraged by allowing the children to choose which activity, of a pre-decided selection, they do instead of conscripting everyone to do the same thing at once. Rather than inviting all out chaos, the result at DMS is wonderfully harmonious and surprisingly ordered.

Freedom within limits A phrase that pops up a lot when discussing Montessori is “freedom within limits”. The limits part is one that Gloria Law likes to clarify.

“One of the statements I often hear is, ‘in 30

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Montessori, children have no limits, they can practically do what they want.’ Well, it’s true that it is based on the principle of free choice, however the freedom we give to our students is within

kindergarten limits. The purpose of the freedom within limits is to promote true discipline. If the child is being disruptive or misusing the material, the teacher will intervene and redirect him to other more appropriate materials. We do not simply ignore the behaviour,” she says.

DMS also offers a bilingual environment. The day is structured so that the first circle time is conducted in English, after which the main class resumes and at the end of the session the circle time is conducted in Mandarin.

“There is an equal portion of time to stimulate both languages,” says Law. And finally, here are two glorious words that every sane parent of a young child wants to hear - no homework. None - not even a smidgen.

Hearing this is the educational equivalent of hearing angels sing, although anyone familiar with Montessori will not be surprised as the concept of homework goes against the structures of the ethos.

“The students learn in full concentration through the work during a three-hour work cycle.

The only thing we suggest to parents is that they

read to their children,” says Law. Amen to that.

The children of DMS have no idea how lucky they are to have a kindergarten like this on their doorstep. sg Discovery Montessori School, Unit 101, 1/F, 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North Plaza Discovery Bay, Lantau Island. dms.edu.hk

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PRIMARY Enlighten your child’s creativity at these fantastic primary schools

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Shrewsbury International School

primary

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school visits

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong International preschool and primary school in Tseung Kwan O

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ounded by Royal Charter in 1552, Shrewsbury School is one of Britain’s most outstanding schools, with a tradition of academic excellence and a 500year heritage. The leading independent school eventually extended its reach to Hong Kong with a purpose-built campus in Tseung Kwan O catering specifically for preschool and primary school children. Today, Shrewsbury International School is one of the most reputed 34

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primary-specialist schools in the region. I made my way ever to the school for a visit that left me speechlessly impressed.

Well-rounded education Shrewsbury International School follows the highly respected English National Curriculum, adapted and enriched for the local context and developed to meet the needs of a multilingual student body in Hong Kong. Year groups

primary

are sorted into Key Stages, each with a defined curriculum, with regular assessment allowing teaching staff to monitor each child’s academic progress. The majority of lessons are taught by a class teacher through a thematic based framework, whilst Chinese Language, Music, Performing Arts and Physical Education are taught by specialist teaching staff.

Just 30 minutes from Central, Shrewsbury has a strong commitment to Chinese language learning with a three-tier integrated programme. Teachers then cater to each child depending on their level of language proficiency and whether they have greater confidence with the Cantonese dialect rather than the Mandarin dialect.

Shrewsbury stands out from other schools for its emphasis on communication through performance. The programme at the school includes weekly vocal sessions and students are encouraged to learn a range of instruments such as the recorder and ukulele. I had the opportunity to explore the campus’ two music rooms and six peripatetic rooms, as well as the 470-seat Auditorium and 100-seat Recital Hall, both hosting concert grade grand pianos.

It is evident that Shrewsbury encourages the importance of active participation and student partnership.

Extensive co-curricular programmes Learning doesn’t end when the bell rings.

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities for primary students who are looking to explore interests and develop skills beyond the classroom. The core categories (Academic, Art and Sport) mean that many activities remain consistent from term to term and year to year. These include book club, chess and

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school visits coding; choir, dance and drama; and football, swimming and athletics.

State-of-the-art facilities Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Shrewsbury International School is its purposebuilt campus that has been designed with young children in mind. The school supports more than 950 students in classes of about 20, with stateof-the-art facilities to enhance their learning.

Classrooms at the school are built to engage students, featuring interactive whiteboards, cloud-based storage system and speedy internet connection. One of my favourite areas was the naturally- and brightly-lit library, with its floorto-ceiling windows and comfortable sofas for reading from. It currently holds an impressive

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primary 10,000 books of both English and Chinese titles with more being added regularly. Other highlights of the campus include a concert hall, separate art and design studios, an aquatic centre with a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool and a gymnastics centre equipped to professional standards, allowing children opportunities to discover new passions outside of traditional academic fields.

Further education with Shrewsbury Shrewsbury International School boasts a unique secondary school selection programme that begins in Year 4, inspired by the practice of college counselling at Shrewsbury School in the UK. Students and their families are given individual support with planning their educational journey. The academic team has detailed knowledge of secondary schools within Hong Kong and around the world to help parents make an informed decision. If a student has a flair for performing arts, for example, he or she can then pick a school which offers a

strong arts programme, rather than one that is academically-focused. Whilst most students move on to schools in the city, some families choose to pursue the supported path through to Packwood Haugh Preparatory School and Shrewsbury School, Shropshire. sg Shrewsbury International School, 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O. shrewsbury.edu.hk

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Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong Building confidence for life with a British National Curriculum

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ased on the well-established heritage and academic excellence of Wycombe Abbey School in England, Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong’s curriculum is drawn from the British National Curriculum.

It offers a rigorous Chinese language programme, accompanied by strong Chinese cultural immersion in a unique educational model which combines the best of East and West.

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The school opened its doors on September 5 2019 with an exciting new co-educational school which offers a quintessentially British independent education for primary aged children. It provides a proven holistic education which is complemented by a curriculum that combines the National Curriculum for England and Wales with an extensive Chinese language syllabus drawn from the Chinese National Curriculum. This dynamic combination

primary prepares its pupils to excel when they join the finest secondary schools around the world.

The school emphasises on a broad education that includes 14 primary subjects and learning outside of conventional classroom settings including drama, music, art, science, physical education, iSTEAM and a wide range of carefully selected extracurricular enrichment activities to widen pupils’ curiosity and interests.

The teaching methods, experience and heritage enable the school to offer an education for each individual pupil that balances academic rigor with an integrated focus on mental and physical well-being.

Providing pupils with an immersive academic environment encouraging critical thinking through project-based applications, the school works on the belief that well-balanced and confident pupils prove to enjoy successful careers in later life.

The heritage of Wycombe Abbey School Wycombe Abbey was founded on the day of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, September 23 1896 by Miss Frances Dove, later Dame Frances, an educational trailblazer who promoted equal opportunities for girls in the

Victorian age. Since then, Wycombe Abbey has become one of the leading independent boarding schools in the United Kingdom, consistently ranked number one for academic results at A-Level. The school prides itself on providing a learning environment where intellectual curiosity can flourish.

Wycombe Abbey has been at the forefront of British academic excellence for the last 120 years. Approximately one third of its graduates receive offers of places at Oxford or Cambridge each year, with others going on to Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom and top universities in the USA such as Columbia, Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Stanford.

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Bespoke curriculum

Chinese curriculum

The Wycombe Abbey School curriculum has been specifically designed to provide primary aged children with an approach to teaching and learning that combines the best from the British and Hong Kong primary education systems, ensuring that pupils are ideally prepared for the next steps in their schooling.

Pupils develop total fluency in English and access a curriculum which is built around the core components of the internationally renowned National Curriculum for England and Wales. At the same time, the school ensures pupils have a firm grounding in the Chinese language and culture through its exceptional Chinese curriculum.

In addition to core primary subjects of English, Chinese, and Mathematics, Wycombe Abbey provides a diverse and varied programme of experiences and extracurricular activities for every child. Highlighted by the modern facilities and themed specialist classrooms at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, pupils have the opportunity to experience an inspiring choice of different activities, in an exciting range of teams, clubs and societies.

Chinese language learning is an integral part of the daily class schedule for all Wycombe Abbey Hong Kong pupils. Mandarin is the medium of instruction for all Chinese lessons, They are taught primarily to read and write in simplified characters, with exposure to traditional characters through lessons in calligraphy, voluntary supplementary reading lessons, and a variety of extra-curricular

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activities. The school offers curriculum streams for both native speaking and nonnative speaking groups, differentiated within classes to provide an immersive environment promoting Chinese culture. The curriculum design is based on the Chinese National Curriculum, while its authentic curriculum materials are sourced from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and Taiwan to ensure a variety and balance of Chinese language and culture.

Holistic approach to teaching Wycombe Abbey Schools teaching approach can be summarised as being collaborative and personalised. It is sensitive to the individual needs of each pupil; providing learning materials that are appropriately challenging, as well as rich and varied in content. Supported by small class sizes and low pupil to teacher ratio (12:1), each lesson encourages interaction and dialogue. To ensure that all learning objectives

are clearly understood by each pupil, teachers make productive use of instructional time to match and carefully stretch the abilities of each child in every lesson. Pupils spend plenty of time in collaborative learning situations, as we this builds a sense of responsibility and teamwork, through pupils actively engaging in challenges together.

The teacher-pupil and pupil–peer relationships are characterised by warmth and respect. Encouraging children to be sociable and cooperative with each other in all their interactions, and pupils develop the attributes of care and empathy. The school ensures the physical and emotional welfare of all pupils, meaning your child is safe, happy, involved in their work and empowered to perform to their full potential. sg

The Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, Tin Wan Street, Aberdeen. was.edu.hk

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Nord Anglia International School

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Malvern College Hong Kong An international school with British heritage in Tai Po

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ne of England’s great public schools, Malvern College has a rich and distinguished history and is known for its strong academic focus, with an enrichment programme that stimulates learning beyond the confines of exam criteria.

The leading co-educational school extended its reach to Hong Kong in 2018, opening a campus in Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po. Following the footsteps of its mother school, Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) offers a highly regarded international curriculum to the primary and secondary levels, in a beautiful greenfield campus adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park.

point of contact for pupils and parents in the primary years, whilst all secondary pupils are assigned to a tutor overseeing the academic, social and personal progress of each young person.

In the classroom, teachers develop an environment where pupils feel safe and secure. “We arrange buddies for new pupils and pay special attention to them through the transition

Settling in To help students settle in, MCHK has a carefully planned induction programme at the start of each school year. Class teachers are the main Hong Kong Schools Guide

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all-through period,” says Ms Maria Gebrial, Head of Primary at MCHK. “The buddies make sure that new pupils know their way around the classroom and the school. The onboarding process is an opportunity for pupils to understand and feel connected to the school’s culture.” Pupils also experience a sense of belonging through a house system at the school.

Sixth Form Following its successful launch in 2018, MCHK is flourishing with a growing secondary section. The primary and secondary classes are now operating from Year 1 to Year 10, adding Year 11 in August 2020. The school will see its first cohort of Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupils in 2021/22 and sit for their final exams in Upper Sixth (Year 13) in 2022/23.

To meet the increase in pupils, new staff are joining MCHK this August. The school is growing its secondary leadership team and welcoming Mr Wayne Maher as the new Head of Secondary and Diploma Co-ordinator. Mr Maher is joining from Malvern College Egypt, where he was the Headmaster. Meanwhile, Ms Katrina Englart will continue in her role as MYP Coordinator.

Hong Kong is no stranger to the IB Diploma, one of the most challenging educational programmes available. IB graduates are ambitious

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and well-prepared for success in further academic studies and in life beyond.

As a candidate school for the IB Diploma programme*, MCHK is putting time into careful and thorough planning in order to meet the requirements for authorisation, in advance of its first year of implementation. Apart from hiring new staff to accommodate the upcoming IB Diploma Programme, it is currently working on design plans for the sixth floor of its campus building, which will be opened in August 2021/22 for the first cohort of diploma pupils.

Adapting to changes The past year has been a difficult one for all industries around the world. As the coronavirus sweeps the globe, MCHK has tackled the challenges of Hong Kong’s compulsory school suspensions with gusto.

Implementing a comprehensive online learning programme across all year groups, MCHK maintained an interactive and inquiry-focused

approach to learning. There were routine days with the continuation of face-to-face check-ins, flipped learning activities and video lessons, mixed up with days focusing on connecting the school community such as wellness days, house events, the celebration of book week or an online sports week of daily activities.

When the school reopened in May, it took on a phased approach in accordance with EDB guidelines, allowing the most senior years to return first. It also shortened its school days from 8am to 1pm instead of 3pm, with all pupils departing before lunch.

To minimise the risk of exposure to infection, classroom layouts were adjusted to enable social distancing. Face masks and temperature checks became mandatory and pupils were required to wash their hands frequently. Staggered breaks became the new norm, where all pupils headed out into open air but without contact play. All facilities, classrooms and equipment were cleaned and sanitised on a regular basis.

* Malvern College Hong Kong is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, the Middle Years and Diploma Programme. It is currently pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: The Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted.

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all-through The school continues to reflect on the experience of prolonged remote learning and to retain some of the best bits of this experience. It saw huge creativity in approaches to learning and teaching. Of course, teaching staff would never want to replace face to face contact. In fact, there was great excitement when they were finally able to bring the community back together in May.

Leadership scholarship programme Starting in 2021/22, MCHK is implementing a merit-based leadership scholarship scheme designed for the upcoming Sixth Form. The purpose of this prestigious scholarship is to recognise and further pupils who have been demonstrating innovative and initiative-driven leadership that has a meaningful impact on their academic work and community environments.

Three to four leadership scholarships will be available for the academic year 2021/22, awarded to see pupils through to the end of the Sixth Form. Both internal and external applicants are eligible for the scholarship.

The school is constantly on the lookout for candidates who demonstrate solid knowledge, know-how and skills in alignment with Malvern’s

leadership definition, with a view to further their natural talent. Successful applicants’ leadership profiles are aligned with the school’s ethos and educational values.

Candidates are invited to apply based on personal, academic and co-curricular leadership experience. The school follows a three-step process to evaluate and identify suitable candidates including: Stage 1: Entry, Stage 2: Online Assessment, Stage 3: Challenge day and interview Successful candidates will be awarded with a full tuition and annual capital waiver. sg

Malvern College Hong Kong, 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po. malverncollege.org.hk

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Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong This innovative school is leading the way in STEAM-based learning

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ord Anglia International School Hong Kong is a school that seems to have the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it is part of an impressive international group with a strong educational history and a wide reaching network.

On the other, it is afforded a liberating amount of autonomy to construct an education tailored specifically to children growing up in Hong Kong.

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Brian Cooklin, has been given free rein to develop the right kind of school for Hong Kong.

In practical terms this manifests itself in areas such as the curriculum; in the early years, the school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). However, rather than teaching the Tudors and Stuarts as would be done in the UK, the children learn about the history of the Silk Road. Once classes are over, there are 120 extracurricular activities (ECAs), run by staff for free. The topics and themes of these are as broad as they are varied.

“Every member of staff voluntarily runs one extra curricular activity,” says Cooklin. “I told them

all-through that they can choose anything the like; I don’t mind what, they just have to have enthusiasm for it.”

Peer-assisted learning Cooklin also decided to install a house system that runs across the three campuses. This was done primarily for the pastoral care benefits and peerassisted learning that it encourages.

“The children get into the habit of working with each other across year groups; they collaborate.

Year 9 are currently choosing their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) subjects and we find they go to the Year 10s in their house to ask for their advice.” The house system also shows its strength when the children transfer from one of the two pre-school campuses to the larger Lam Tin campus.

Ruth Hanson, head of school at Tai Tam pre-school, describes it as three campuses but one school.

“When transitioning from one to the other, it’s important that the children feel secure and we find that comes from the house system and knowing that they are already part of a whole school.”

Whilst Nord Anglia reaps the benefits of being able to dictate its own path, there are also

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significant upsides to being part of a larger, global network. An example? Each school within the Nord Anglia family profits from the associations that have been established with the Juilliard School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Juilliard is a New York-based school of performing arts, which has spent the last hundred years providing world-class teaching in music, dance and drama. The unique collaboration with Nord Anglia Education is multifaceted; from a broad perspective, the Juilliard professionals train the NA staff to be able to deliver an enriched curriculum, far beyond the standards of a typical school. The performing art syllabus has also been developed under their guidance and each of the three performing arts is taught separately by specialised teachers, from preschool upwards, rather than grouped together as a general subject.

Additionally, throughout the year Juilliard artists and alumni will visit the Nord Anglia schools to give workshops and performances in addition to professional development classes for the teachers.

Outside of term time, Juilliard runs the Nord Anglia Summer Performing Arts programmes in Shanghai, Geneva and Florida for students wanting to excel to the next level. For the pupils, this collaboration gives unprecedented access to the highest calibre of performing arts on a dayto-day basis. It is something that Cooklin views

as essential to a well-rounded education, both academically and socially. “I think those subject do something special for a child’s confidence. I think they’re transformational and that spills over into other things,” he says.

Leading the way in STEM learning Ensuring that the pupils’ creative and academic skills are evenly honed, Nord Anglia’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) programme is also greatly enhanced by an affiliation, this one with MIT, an establishment that obviously needs little introduction.

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school visits At a time when schools are falling over themselves to demonstrate the excellence of their STEM curriculum, Nord Anglia is holding an ace, because the association with this world leader provides its students with an extraordinary opportunity to marry their studies to real world innovation.

One way in which this is done is with MIT setting the Nord Anglia students a challenge each term. Tasks such as these require the pupils to experiment and create, collaborate and think critically. One such challenge started with MIT posing the question, what are you curious about?

What emerged from that was the group decision to look at pollution in Hong Kong. This lead to five year old pupils taking water samples from differing areas around the city and the fifteen year old pupils teaching them how to perform pH testing in the science labs. “What I love about the challenges is that everybody is involved across the age groups,’’ says Cooklin.

The latest MIT challenge was centred on superheroes and this January, the Hong Kong school hosted the Nord Anglia schools in China for a STEAM festival, Comic-Con. The real feather in its cap, though, is the opportunity each spring for senior pupils and staff to travel to the US to experience MIT in action. Together with the Nord Anglia schools globally, it meets with professors and tour the world-renowned facili-

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ties, taking part in group challenges. En route, its also swings past Harvard to see a little of what student life there is like.

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong has succeeded in striking just the right balance; the balance of being part of a bigger, global establishment while still being the master of its own destiny.

Both internationally and day to day, there is tremendous opportunity here. sg Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong, campuses in Sai Kung, Lam Tin and Tai Tam. nais.hk

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Chinese Academy Discover an integrated approach to learning

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hile many feel that Hong Kong’s education options can be split cleanly into either ‘international’ or ‘local’, there are in fact quite a few schools that do not technically fall into either of these categories; and the Chinese Academy is one of these, coming instead under the classification of ‘private’ school.

The key aspects of Chinese Academy Primary School (CAPS) are that it is a bilingual Mandarin and English immersion curriculum.

Starting at Grade 1 (aged six) children learn 60 percent of the time in English and 40 percent of the time in Putonghua, with written Chinese taught as traditional characters rather than simplified. The teaching ethos focuses around inquiry-based learning, interactive engagement and creativity.

Currently going up to Grade 5, the school will grow organically, with the opening of a secondary school in the near future. It is a joint venture between Confucius Hall and the International Chinese Academy Education Foundation (ICAEF), in which the aim is to provide a school with the best of eastern and western traditions, integrating “traditional Chinese culture and global perspectives”.

CAPS’ strategy of bilingual immersion means that both Chinese and English are used fluidly across the curriculum by both staff and students.

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strong Mandarin emphasis - if they do not have any Chinese language support at home.

“The majority of our families are Hong Kong Chinese but we have started to welcome families from other international backgrounds. They’re interested in the language and the culture and want their children to develop an appreciation of the place that they are living in,” says Jane.

The school ensures that all children as they enter Grade 1 are given the appropriate support through a tailor made language programme to support them with their language development in either Chinese or English if required.

For those who come in later than Grade 1,

the school will give individual support, tailoring a programme in certain weaker areas that will bring them up to the level required for normal class participation, whilst also keeping them with their peers as much as possible.

“For children it only takes about two months to be very comfortable following instructions and conversing and then a bit longer for the reading and writing.”

Success stories The school is seeing great results from this approach. One girl arrived from London with a basic understanding of spoken Mandarin Hong Kong Schools Guide

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but almost no reading or writing skills. Within three months, she was up to the standard of her classmates’ reading level after going through a bespoke programme that focused on her weaknesses whilst still supporting her everyday learning.

Another boy arrived last year from the States, from a family with no Chinese at all. The school created a plan specifically for him that was adapted from the Grade 1 transition programme.

“What we needed to do was increase the interest appropriate for his age level but maintain it at a basic vocabulary so he could catch up with his peers. So for him, for verbal skills he would be with the class but for reading and writing he had his own programme,” LancasterAdlam explained.

This individualised approach - which balances ability with age but also makes sure that students are part of the classroom as much as possible - is very unique; so often, schools can and will only provide a cookie cutter approach to each child, no matter their

specific requirements, so the CAPS attitude is refreshing.

Leading by example After meeting Jane Lancaster-Adlam, it perhaps shouldn’t be such a surprise that Chinese Academy is carving out its own path and doing it so well. Lancaster-Adlam is clearly a purebred educationalist, and curriculum development has become her speciality, particularly on effective bilingual immersion.

After speaking with her, you can’t help but have great faith that she knows exactly what she’s doing.

Green and pleasant land And what of the campus? CAPS is in Causeway Bay, a stone’s throw from Hong Kong Stadium. The school’s sponsoring body is Confucius Hall, which influences the overall ethos and has provided the location; the school classrooms stand in the shadows of the imposing Confucius Hall, a grand historical building which Hong Kong Schools Guide

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all-through used to be Hong Kong’s City Hall.

Aside from the history, here are some unusually wonderful words to write about a school in Hong Kong - the playground is enormous and surrounded by greenery. Both of which help to make the campus a small haven away from the chaos of island life.

CAPS is just finishing its third year since opening. There are plans already in place for a grand site with all the bells and whistles, which will ultimately include the through train to secondary school. In the meantime, the interim plan will see the current classroom provisions extended by a further five in the near future.

Chinese Academy is an interesting option for parents wanting to embrace the fusion of living in such a diverse place. Hong Kong is the city where east famously meets west and this is a school that acknowledges that relationship, offering an education to compliment both cultures. sg Chinese Academy, 77 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay. caps.edu.hk

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American School Hong Kong Experience a holistic American education

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et in picturesque Tai Po, American School Hong Kong empowers students to be independent critical thinkers and responsible global citizens with a holistic American education featuring STEAM, Chinese programmes and a hands on approach to learning.

A STEAM approach In recent years, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and other variations of the acronym have been a particularly popular concept with schools keen to advertise their forward-thinking approach to innovative teaching and the 21st century. It is however important to determine which schools pay lip-service to the concept and which offer an in depth programme.

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American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is undoubtedly one of the schools that is faithful to the concept. In personalising its offering, it has chosen to pursue the route of STEAM (crucially with the addition of the A for Arts) anits bespoke course is one of the factors that helps to define the school’s overall curriculum.

Since opening in 2016, ASHK has worked hard to carve out a unique and considered programme that helps the modern-day learner combine the skills of a scientist with those of a designer. The school is keen to teach its pupils that there are no defined lines between subjects, but instead many interesting overlaps which can allow them to be studied as a whole. “STEAM and STEM are similar philosophies that focus on integrating subjects in a

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meaningful way while promoting collaboration and problem solving. STEAM is even more powerful because it intentionally exposes students to the Arts to help them develop creativity, imagination, and innovation. As students demonstrate their knowledge through drawings, music, drama, and information technology, their learning and understanding deepens.”

Ryan Yue is ASHK’s Director of Education Technology and designs the school’s programme. He explains that it falls into two parts. Firstly, there are the purebred tech classes that focus on coding and robotics. The second part is where technology is integrated with the other subjects in order to enhance the students’ understanding and abilities.

“The benefits of STEAM can be summed up by the words of engineer and physicist Theodore von Karman, scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was.” American School Hong Kong is dedicated to maximising the creative and

innovative capacity of its students to help them become what its mission statement speaks to: “Independent critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens who excel in their future studies and careers,” Ryan says.

Chinese programme ASHK offers different streams to meet the Chinese language development needs of its students. Options of either simplified or traditional characters are offered at Chinese Foundation Level (CFL) and Chinese Standard Level (CSL), and traditional characters are taught in Chinese Higher Level (CHL) and Chinese Advanced Level (CAL).

New students are assessed by Chinese teachers with their classroom performances and assessment results during the first two weeks of school, whilst returning students are assigned to a suitable stream by their Chinese teachers according to their previous performances.

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interests and understand Chinese cultural heritage, ASHK creates an active and open learning environment and offers extra-curricular activities such as Chinese dance, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting.

Every year, the school holds a large-scale Chinese New Year celebration. Flora Hui, Head of Chinese Studies, explains: “Students will have various performances on the stage, including Chinese dance, face changing (opera mask changing), cucurbit silk, guzheng, Kung Fu Panda stage play, lion dance and dragon dance to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese culture. Students can also wander around the Chinese New Year Flower Market after the performance.”

A unique offering from ASHK is its Chinese language camps, designed to fit every student’s learning needs. There are four main options for camps. The Beijing Summer Camp gives students the opportunity to

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travel to Beijing and have a three-day trip to other provinces, and travel to cities like Inner Mongolia and Xi’an, to dive deeply in Chinese culture. The Taiwan Summer Camp puts students through a series of well-designed Chinese courses and cultural activities to enhance their ability to communicate in Chinese. The GuangZhou WuShu Camp focuses on traditional kung fu and gratitude education and guides students to cultivate good behavior and personal quality. Lastly, the Singapore Summer Camp allows students to compare the similarities and differences between Singapore’s culture and traditional Chinese culture, and to cultivate their international vision.

Hands on experience The aim is to provide visual, hands-on lessons that allow students an interactive experience (and far removed from the textbook and chalkboard system that most parents remember from their own school days). The school uses Bee Bot, Osmo Coding and Dash Robot to implement this.

“We even use robotics for the earlier years,” says Yue. “For example, for kindergarten children learning counting we utilise the Bee Bot. They draw a grid map and instruct the Bee Bot how many squares to move depending on their additions.”

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manifested in physical form is widely appreciated to allow a deeper level of learning and, crucially, better retention of knowledge. This is something that ASHK promotes whenever possible.

“Once you have written a programme, a very important concept every time is that you need to execute it. So the students see their work become a physical command. They see their work in action.”

The other significant benefit of a hands-on STEAM programme is that students develop ownership of - and responsibility for - their own work in a way which is less likely to happen when the only output is writing in a text book. Seeing the fruits of one’s labour is a process that is much more rewarding.

ASHK is certainly reaping the rewards. In particular, it is helping to break down the gender barriers that have long existed around sciencebased subjects. When asked whether he noticed a stronger interest in STEAM from one gender or another in his coding classes, Yue says me that the boys and girls share a similar level of enthusiasm for the content.

access to global schemes that would be harder for smaller schools to muscle in on.

With capacity for nearly 1000 pupils, ASHK is organically growing through the years and will see its first cohort of graduates in 2023. For the moment, the year groups rise to Grade 10 with a focus on the American curriculum centred around the US Common Core. However, as students enter Grades 11 and 12, they will move to the International Baccalaureate (IB) for the diploma course.

ASHK is an inspirational school delivering a world-class education. sg

A global network ASHK’s affiliations extend globally, as their parent company, Esol, has a long history of academic excellence. With ten international schools around the globe and 10,000 students, Esol has over 40 years of experience in education. Being part of a broader network also means that ASHK has 78

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American School Hong Kong, 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories. ashk.edu.hk

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online learning

Online learning Tutoring online vs. real world children who either find typing difficult or find that it slows down the lessons, they can continue to handwrite on paper and simply hold it up to the camera for the tutor to read.

Human interaction

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ith the recent schoolclosures, Hong Kong students are set to have another few months of online learning. Jenny McGowan from Keystone Tutors has some advice for parents to consider when selecting an online tutor.

The pros Time zones The time difference can play to the student’s advantage; evening in Hong Kong is morning in the UK and US, a time when tutors are more likely to be available while students in their own countries are at school.

The comfort of home Many students prefer to have tutorials in their own home environment, saving the time and hassle of travelling between lessons. Once the lesson has finished they are already home and can complete any follow

up work or have dinner without losing any time to travel.

Keeping track Many online platforms allow for effective information transfer and act as an online record of what has been covered, reducing the need for paper notes that are prone to being misplaced.

The platform can also be used in-between lessons in order to share homework or for revision purposes.

The cons Technophobia The primary concern I hear from parents is that their child will struggle with the technology and navigating the online platform, which parents worry will distract from the learning during the tutorial. However, today’s school children have grown up surrounded by technology and usually pick up the skills needed very quickly. For younger

Another concern about online tutoring is whether the relationship between tutor and student will be as strong.

By distance, of course the relationship is more abstract, however this can have a positive effect on students who may feel intimidated to ask what they worry are ‘silly’ questions in person. Having been an online tutor for many years, I found I knew my online students as well, if not better, than my face-toface ones.

Wifi woes Technology issues might be another concern and yes, there is always a chance that the Wi-Fi misbehaves and this cannot be avoided. However, a good online tutor will have a protocol for this and will have made it clear before lessons started what happens in these events. On one occasion when there was a power cut, I used my mobile data to teach an online lesson. sg Jenny McGowan is Head of Operations for Keystone Tutors in Hong Kong. keystonetutors.com Hong Kong Schools Guide

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SCHOOL’S OUT Keep the kids entertained with Hong Kong’s extensive range of after school activities

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Harry Wright International

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Sports & Academies Harry Wright International Founded in 1975, the premier swim school offers infant aquatics for children as young as four months, as well as beginner and competitive swimming programmes.

Lessons available at various clubs and schools in Pok Fu Lam, Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen, Causeway Bay, Discovery Bay and Kowloon Bay. harrywright.com.hk

ESF Sharks Swimming Look out for sharks. ESF Sports is a specialised youth sports coaching organisation with experienced and qualified coaches. The swimming lessons run by ESF Sharks are fun, exciting and safe, building up children to become confident and agile swimmers with key aquatic skills. There are courses for all ages and experience levels. esf.org.hk

Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club This swim club aims to

provide every swimmer with the best possible training environment and resources in order to help them fulfil their potential. The club is consistently ranked as one of the region’s top competitive swim teams. Lessons and squad training take place at Hong Kong International School in Tai Tam. hkstingrays.com

Hong Kong Basketball Academy Founded by former Hong Kong National player Jason Yam, the academy is open to beginners and advanced Hong Kong Schools Guide

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after-school appropriate coaching sessions. Players have the opportunity to develop their skills and play in Player Development and Academy Programmes. esf.org.hk

HK Rugby Union players, offering both girls and boys one-on-one and smallgroup coaching. Training is held at multiple locations including Stanley, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Ying Pun. hkbaallday.com

ESF Tigers Basketball ESF Tigers basketball programme focuses on delivering key fundamental skills using age-appropriate equipment, such as small balls and height adjustable hoops to stimulate and nurture a child’s development in the sport. Players have the opportunity to refine their skills and athleticism with the chance to compete against other clubs in the Elite 94

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Academy Programme. esf.org.hk

HK Dragons Football Club HK Dragons Football Club provides training for children of all ages with programmes carefully catered to age, ability and experience. With coaches having over 25 years of experience working with children and football coaching, HK Dragons Football Club have their eye on the ball. dragons.hk

ESF Lions Football This football programme, taught by highly qualified coaches, will foster a love of the game through fun, progressive and age-

Learning rugby helps to foster skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and fair play. Children from the age of four can start training under the HKRU Junior Programme in a safe and multi-ethnic environment.

Under 7s and Under 12s are registered at one of 20 mini rugby clubs, while Under 14s and Under 19s are placed in the Colts Programme, where they will compete in league events and even have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in the national squad. hkrugby.com

Hebe Haven Yacht Club The Hebe Haven Yacht Club has been providing boating and yachting facilities in the picturesque bay of Pak

activities Sha Wan in Sai Kung since 1963. As well as an extensive school sailing programme, they also offer courses for children through the Development Fund for Youth Sailing Programme at the Sail Training Center. hhyc.org.hk

Aberdeen Boat Club ABC is a recognised Hong Kong Sailing Federation centre and well known for its sailing and watersports activities for children and teenagers, including kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing and Stand-up Paddle boarding. The ABC Junior Sailing Programme for ages seven to 11 is open to nonmembers and teaches students how to sail ‘Optimists’, special

seven-foot dinghies. abclubhk.com

Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy ABC is a recognised Hong With seven outdoor courts, one International Tennis Federationstandard indoor court and two mini-tennis courts for children, HKGTA is perfect for little ones wanting to be the next tennis star. The Bruguera Tennis Academy was developed by world-famous tennis coach Lluis Bruguera and helps students develop the technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills required for success. hkgta.com

Monster Tennis Monster Tennis aims to

introduce the game to young children. Coaches use lowcompression balls, smaller racquets, colourful teaching aids and shorter court dimensions, tailored to the children’s age and size. Lessons are scheduled across Hong Kong including Happy Valley and Causeway Bay. hkita.com

Mindful Wing Chun Balancing both physical and mental health, Mindful Kung Fu kids’ classes aim to develop the whole human essence.

The students can learn how to express themselves, look after themselves, get fit and be active in a supportive, clean and calming environment. mindfulwingchun.com.hk

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Art & Creative writing Art Loop A studio school dedicated to art education, Art Loop implements a mix-aged approach in their curriculum with a strong emphasis on interaction and community, students get to learn at their own pace and level up depending on their progress rather than their age. artloop.hk

Anastassia’s Art House Hong Kong’s only Russian Art Academy offers a range of structured art classes for adults and children aged three to 16 years old. Students have an array of choices, including painting, drawing, sketching,

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ceramics, creative drama and design. Art parties and workshops are also available.

Centres are located all over Hong Kong, including Happy Valley, Repulse Bay and Sai Kung. arthouse-hk.com

Artful Kids Established by professional artist and teacher Gail Deayton, Artful Kids is a unique world for children, focusing on creativity, laughter, learning and selfexpression. With a huge range of activities, materials and projects to choose from, there’s bound to be something that kids will like.

The studio also holds parties for children with activities such as painting canvases and making hats. artfulkids.hk

Elephant Community Press Publication is now an attainable dream for children with the help of Elephant Community Press.

Children aged four and above are guided through every stage of writing in project-based workshops held throughout the year. Completed works are published online or in print for parents, peers and the larger community to enjoy. elephantcommunitypress. com

Read for Meaning Since 2006, Read for Meaning book clubs have encouraged children of all ages to become active readers, allowing them to get more out of books and broaden their horizons. Reading that is both productive and enjoyable bolsters academic success and

activities becomes a lifelong passion. readformeaning.com

Drama & Dance Shakespeare4All One of Hong Kong’s leading performing arts education organisations. It is a registered charity founded in 2003 with the purpose of building fluency and confidence in English through performing Shakespearean plays. The organisation has provided drama experiences to thousands of students through aided, direct subsidy, government and private schools in the region. s4a.org.hk

Faust International Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three to 18 at venues across Hong Kong. In fun, lively sessions, Faust introduces children to the world of theatre and creativity, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence.

Classes are open to everybody, with no previous drama experience needed. Faust also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres throughout the year. faustworld.com.hk

Starlit Voice Starlit Voice’s programmes are infused with an incredible

sense of energy and creativity, delivered by highly skilled and passionate practitioners, drawing upon a wealth of drama and performing arts experience.

Teachers help develop the confidence of each individual learner and give them the platform to express their own unique ideas while developing and nurturing the essential skills needed to work with others. starlitvoice.com

STAGE RIGHT! Enriching young people’s knowledge of theatre since 2011, STAGE RIGHT! offers workshops that allow children of all ages to explore their acting and performance skills and investigate real-world issues in a safe and controlled environment. stagerighthk.com Hong Kong Schools Guide

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activities The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection Established in 2008, AFTEC believes that children learn through the arts. The awardwinning learning centre is also a registered charity that offers a range of performing arts programmes in both Chinese and English for primary to secondary school students.

AFTEC also offers classes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other learning difficulties. aftec.hk

Twinkle Dance Twinkle Dance offers ballet, jazz and contemporary dance classes for children aged 18 months and above. Each class seeks to engage kids by using fun visual themes that they can connect with.

All of the teachers have professional training and

qualifications. Branches are located in Central, Causeway Bay and Wong Chuk Hang. twinkledance.com

Russian Ballet School The first ballet school in Hong Kong to follow the disciplined yet vibrant Vaganova system, the Russian Ballet School takes from the rich history of Russian ballet and teaches with a unique focus on performance readiness and individual correction, allowing every student to shine with elegance. russianballetschool-hk.com

Red Shoe Dance Red Shoe Dance specialises in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hiphop, AcroDance, musical theatre and tap. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels and

are suitable for children aged three to 18 years. redshoedance.com

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Southern School of Dance Dance the day away with Southern School of Dance!

Children will love the ballet, tap, and modern dance lessons, and shine in their annual performances. Don’t feel left out, Mums – you can enrol in the ladies’ ballet fitness classes. southernschoolofdance.com.hk

A bit of everything Activekids Hong Kong With 60-plus participating schools and clubs in

Hong Kong, Activekids specialises in organising a multidisciplinary approach to a child’s development through a plethora of unique programs for children aged three to 17. Programmes include arts and crafts, fashion design, robotics and coding, creativing cooking and chess. activekidshk.com

per week while also hosting holiday sport camps and children’s parties. sportsclassesforkidshk. com sg

Minisport HK An enthusiastic group of sports educators who teach multiple disciplines to children aged 18 months to nine years through schools, clubs and private residences around Hong Kong. Minisport coaches over 400 children Hong Kong Schools Guide 101

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EXAMS IN PROGRESS Ace those tests with these tuition classes

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tuition Hong Kong Kids Academy Located in Central, Tseung Kwan O, and Southside, the Hong Kong Kids Academy (owned and operated by Hong Kong Institute of Languages, providing language instruction for 35 years) combines foreign language courses, enrichment programmes and a bi-lingual English and Mandarin preschool, with flexible online learning and home tuition options available. Children will enjoy learning in the stimulating and fun, educational environment with spacious classrooms with indoor and outdoor play areas. hkkidsacademy.edu.hk

NTK Academic Group To support the development

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of students, NTK offers professional advice and guidance for students applying to US, UK, elite international universities and boarding schools. Its courses cover all major subjects and curricula. ntk.edu.hk

agencies arrived in Hong Kong. Specialising in all areas related to the British curriculum, Keystone Tutors offers online tutoring for the UK system including 11+, 13+ and GCSEs. keystonetutors.com

Kumon

Offering customised oneto-one or small group home tutoring solutions for students by the hour, week or full time.

A consultant is on hand to guide you through the process of handpicking tutors to suit a student’s unique objectives and personality. Every school and university subject is covered, as well as key study and life skills, including exam techniques, time management, public speaking and critical thinking. bespoketuition.com

Founded in 1958 in Japan, Kumon encourages students to self-learn through helping them to refine their analysis, communication and summary skills regardless of age or school grade. Subjects are available in Maths, Chinese and English. kumon.edu.hk

Keystone Tutors In 2018, one of London’s most popular tutoring

Bespoke Tuition

study time Hong Kong International Learning Academy Located in Discovery Bay, HKILA is a private school, which offers non-formal curriculum for students of all abilities. It has a high teacher-student ratio and an effective online assessment and reporting system, which means that it can continually monitor and adjust the learning targets of each student. studyhkila.com

tuition, overseas education advice and university application assistance. It specialises in GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level and IB classes, covering all subjects from English literature to computer science. hkets.net

Ampla Education With an experienced team composed of Oxbridge, Yale and Imperial graduates, Ampla Education offers tuition for a vast range of exams, including GCSEs, A-Levels, IB and Pre-U, as well as

HKETS Conveniently located on Pottinger Street in Central, HKETS provides the English speaking community of Hong Kong with a range of educational services, such as individual and small-group

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bespoke programmes for tests such as IELTS and SAT. Admission preparation courses and comprehensive consulting services are available for those considering boarding schools and universities abroad. ampla-edu.com

ITS Education Asia ITS Education Asia provides educational support for children and adults across a range of subjects, as well as exam preparation services for SATs, IGCSEs, A-Levels, IB, HKDSE, IELTS and more. ITS also offers university admissions advice 108 Hong Kong Schools Guide

and an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for children. itseducation.asia

Sylvan Learning Centre By using a diagnostic assessment, Sylvan Learning Centre is able to establish a child’s strengths and weaknesses and design a tailor-made programme. It offers tuition in a range of subjects, including maths, science, Mandarin and English, plus school entrance exam

preparation for children aged five to 18. sylvan.edu.hk

Tute.HK Tute.HK uses British undergraduates from top UK universities to lead online tutorials. Students can opt for one-on-one or group sessions in almost any discipline or area.

All sessions are recorded so students are able to replay their learning and parents are able to keep track of their progress.

The study areas covered include the UK Entrance Test, IGCSEs, A-Levels and IB. learn.tute.com

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study time Languages-learn the lingo Hong Kong Institute of Languages

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions is an international provider of educational services.

It offers a comprehensive range of programmes from language tuition to exam and admissions preparation, including IELTS. Personal tuition classes can be booked in 10-hour packages with additional hours purchased after that. kaplan.com.hk

Campion College Consultancy After 20 years as head of careers at ESF’s South Island School, Martin Campion set up independently as a higher education consultant. Able to advise on universities and colleges in the UK, US and Canada amongst others, he has an in-depth understanding of the path from an international school to global tertiary education. campionhk.com

True to its name, Hong Kong Institution of Languages teaches a wide range of languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese courses for children, teens, adults, schools and corporations and has been doing so for 35 years. The Institute has built its teaching model around small group classes, private lessons and has introduced online learning and home or office tuition.

Courses range from beginner to advanced levels and exam preparation. hklanguages.com Southside Mandarin As well as straightforward Mandarin lessons, this learning centre has playgroups and immersion programmes for children aged six months to

12 years. All classes are taught by professionally qualified native speakers with experience in early childhood and primary education. southsidemandarin.com YWCA Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement (CLLE) The CLLE is an innovative, multicultural and professional one-stop learning centre equipped with a full spectrum of educational and learning services. CLLE has Mandarin classes for children aged 12 months to seven years. clle.ywca.org.hk Mini Mandarins Children aged 18 months and up can join classes to get the best of both worlds at Mini Mandarins, which combines language learning with interactive play. minimandarins.com

Phonics Land Learning Centre Phonics Land Learning Centre uses a teaching style geared towards inputting the right habits and techniques in children when they read and write. With comprehensive and rigorously researched curriculum and teaching methodology, Phonics Land Learning Centre promotes a lifelong passion for reading and writing. phonicsland.com.hk sg Hong Kong Schools Guide 111

PLAY ALL DAY Keep the little ones busy with these fabulous indoor playgrounds

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Ryze

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Maggie & Rose A family members club born in London in 2007, it now has locations in Repulse Bay and Causeway Bay and provides a uniquely creative and fun space for children and beautiful dining areas for adults to enjoy. hk.maggieandrose.com

Verm City If your idea of a family day out involves hauling yourselves up sheer rock face then you’re in luck. Based in Quarry Bay, Verm City is a climbing gym that’s suitable for the entire family. Adults and older kids can tackle tougher top-roping and bouldering while Verm’s Clip-n-Climb Park is suitable

for kids aged four and above, with 19 different climbing challenges, games and

puzzles to tackle. Socks and trainers are compulsory for all climbers. vermcity.com Hong Kong Schools Guide 115

play centres

Epic Land If bigger means better in your household, then look no further than Discovery Bay’s Epicland. At 14,000 square feet, Hong Kong’s largest play centre is fully tricked-out with fantastic facilities to match its huge space. Daredevils can test their nerve on the skyhigh Air Trek obstacle course, while down below you’ll find a mini golf course, trampolines and dedicated toddler area. epiclandhk.com

eight and below with four different play corners: baby, pretend and imaginative, creative activities and games.

Sessions can be reserved up to one week in advance. hkpl.gov.hk

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The Big Things A nature-inspired indoor playground for kids to run and play around in. The Big Things also offers cooking classes for children and adults, along with a restaurant attached that serves up delicious, balanced delights. thebigthings.com

Toy Library The first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Toy Library can be found on the second floor of Hong Kong Central Library.

It is aimed at children aged

a trampoline park to expend their energy. Ryze’s obstacle course and slack-line challenge make this indoor venue a great Island-side option. The park requires you to sign a waiver before entering and have strict safety rules in operation, so read the fine print and happy jumping. ryzehongkong.com

Ryze

Children’s Play Rooms

If you’d rather have no more monkeys jumping on the bed, then pack them off to

Provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Children’s Play Rooms are

play all day conveniently located across the city and offer hour long play sessions for children up to nine years old. Children under the age of four must be accompanied by an adult. lcsd.gov.hk

Funzone A classic crowd-pleaser that’s a sure-fire hit with the toddlerto-tween demographic.

Funzone’s three convenient locations (Kennedy Town, Ma On Shan and North Point) mean that you’re never too far away from an air-conditioned soft play when the need arises. All three branches are spacious, with ample space for cooped-up kids to run, jump, clamber and slide to their heart’s content. funzone.hk sg

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FAMILY FUN 12 fabulous days out for the whole family

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12 Stanley

Best known for its lively market, Stanley’s seaside promenade is vibrant and busy, packed with bars, cafes and restaurants.

Children will love overlooking the ocean while sitting on the top deck of the 40-minute bus ride from Central.

11Cheung Chau

This colourful island has plenty to offer including an 18th Century pirates cave.

Visit during the Cheung Chau

Bun Festival (May 9-13) and witness a procession of colourfully clad children balancing on poles and the famous bun race. Ferries run 24-hours a day from Central Pier 5.

10 Disneyland

The magic of Disneyland is sure to capture the imagination of little ones and parents too. With rides, shows and lovable characters, you’re guaranteed to have an action packed day. If one day isn’t enough, stay over at one of their themed hotels located on the premises. hongkongdisneyland.com

exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to engage in hands-on exploration of the mystery of science.

Ignite your child’s curiosity with games, fun facts about electricity, earth formation, motions and much more. hk.science.museum

Hong Kong 8 Zoological and Botanical Gardens In the heart of Central you’ll find Hong Kong’s oldest park. Divided into two parts,

Kong 9Hong Science Museum

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family fun connected by a pedestrian subway, the eastern side is home to a large children’s playground, aviaries and a greenhouse. The western side houses monkeys, racoons, reptiles and flamingos. lcsd.gov.hk

7Ocean Park

With roller coasters, wildlife enclosures and a cable car offering stunning views of Southside you’re gantenteed a jam-packed day out at Ocean Park. If you’re visiting during the summer months, pop into the aquarine for a much needed aircon break. oceanpark.com.hk

6Toy Street

Christmas will come early for your little ones after a trip to

Sham Shui Po’s Toy Street.

Located on Fuk Wing Street, you’ll find an abundance of shops selling toys, childrens clothes and festive decor that change with the season.

Kids will love rummaging for treasure while parents will love the low price tags.

5Boat trip

One of Hong Kong’s most popular summer pastimes.

Boats and junks are available for hire and can fit up to 30 people, making it the perfect party venue or weekend trip.

Book through a junk company or hire your own.

Kong 4Hong Observation Wheel

Witness the city’s iconic skyline and Victoria Harbour like never before on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Enjoy three rotations during the 20-minute ride along with plenty of photo and sightseeing opportunities.

What’s even better, each pod is air conditioned, giving you a much needed break from the heat. hkow.hk

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3Dolphin Watching 2Bowling The Chinese white dolphin (also known as the pink dolphin) was first recorded in local waters in the 1600s, although the population has been in decline. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch Ltd. offers regular trips around Lantau Island on a luxury cruiser, with a detailed presentation on the dolphins by experienced guides. hkdolphinwatch.com

Most of the city’s bowling options include discounts during the day time, making it an ideal family activity.

Sai Kung’s tropical-themed TikiTiki Bowling Alley is home to 10 bowling lanes, four restaurants and an outdoor beer garden, so parents can sip on cocktails while the kids battle it out on the lanes. tikitiki.hk

1Tram party

Cruise through the streets of Hong Kong Island aboard one of the city’s most iconic means of transport. The vintage trams feature an open-air terrace, bluetooth speakers, comfortable chairs and on-board catering.

Travel from Whitty Street Tram Depot across to Happy Valley and beyond for a truly unique party experience. hktramways.com sg

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TAKE A STROLL Child and stroller-friendly hikes for little legs

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hikes for tykes

Parkview to Tai Tam One of Hong Kong’s most popular stroller walks, this trail is mostly downhill with pavement throughout.

Starting at Parkview, head down to the left until you come across a black and white barrier, preventing traffic access. Once through the barrier, follow the signs for the waterworks trail where you’ll find yourself at the picturesque Tai Tam Reservoir. Hop on a bus to Stanley at the end of the trail for a well deserved lunch.

Kennedy Town Pier Originally used as a container terminal and cargo dock, the pier has been transformed into the perfect social spot for a Sunday stroll. Fully pathed, the pier is perfect for buggies and offers stunning views of 128 Hong Kong Schools Guide

Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island, particularly at sunset.

Lamma Island Family Trail For a full day out, explore the serene and quiet Lamma Island. The family trail will take you across the island starting at Sok Kwu Wan and finishing at Hung Shing Ye Beach. With little snack stalls along the way (on weekends)

and plenty of rest spots, this walk is perfect for junior hikers. The hike can also be done in the opposite direction starting at Yung Shue Wan, depending on which ferry you take.

Kam Shan Country Park Tucked away in the hills behind Kowloon lies a hidden wealth of picturesque landscapes shrouded in thick jungle and

take a stroll

monkeys galore. Heading into Kam Shan Country Park, follow the concrete access road into the woods, then cross the Kowloon Reservoir dam wall until you reach signs for the Family Walk. A note of warning: avoid approaching the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business.

Tai Long Sai Wan (Sai Wan Beach) Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, this secluded spot requires a hike through Sai Kung East Country Park to reach its powdery sand and clear waters. Sai Wan is one of four beaches that make up Tai Long Wan Bay, and is a popular surfing and overnight camping spot. Alternatively you can buy a boat ticket back to Sai Kung from one of the restaurants.

includes one hill, keeping the complaints to a minimum.

Hong Kong Park An oldie but a goldie, if you’re looking for some fresh air.

You’ll pass the water features and the big ponds on the way in, which is perfect for the kids who love seeking out the terrapins. There is also a 1,000 square metre playground on six levels, with a toddler specific section at the top, sandpit, huge slides, swings and something for all kids under 12.

Peak Circle Walk On an entirely paved route, this walk is smooth riding for little ones (perfect bike and scooter territory) and offers viewpoints of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. Starting from Lugard Road near The Peak Galleria, walk along the shaded path until you reach Harlech Road, which will soon bring you back to your starting point. The route has many seating areas throughout, making it a great stroll for the whole family. sg

Trio Beach A scenic stroll with the promise of a swim at the end, is the perfect excuse to get the kids out and about in nature. The hike starts off paved but gradually becomes more rural, so be wary of loose ground. The hike only Hong Kong Schools Guide 129

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directory Kindergarten

Italian International Kindergarten

City Kids Pre School and Playgroup

EtonHouse International Pre-School Hong Kong

Age: 2 to 6 years Curriculum: Reggio Children Approach, Two bilingual streams Italian-English, plus Putonghua and English-Putonghua, plus Italian Location: Ap Lei Chau Website: iikg.edu.hk

Age: 2.8 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years, Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) Location: Mid-levels Website: citykidshk.org

Age: 6 months to 6 years Curriculum: Inquiry-Based.

EtonHouse Inquire Think Learn Curriculum Framework, Reggio Emilia Approach Location: Tai Po Website: etonhouse.com.hk

Small World Christian Kindergarten

United Christian Music Kindergarten

Woodland Pre-Schools

Age: 2.8 to 4 years Curriculum: International Early Years Curriculum Location: Mid-levels Website: smallworld.edu.hk

Age: PN, K1 to K3, Playgroups, Bravo Symphony Orchestra and Interest Class Curriculum: IEYC, UCM Music Curriculum, STEAM and Greenery Sessions Location: Tseung Kwan O Website: ucm.edu.hk

Age: 6 months to 6 years Curriculum: Montessori and traditional methods based on the Early Years Foundation (British National Curriculum) Location: The Peak, Repulse Bay, Kennedy Town, Happy Valley, Pokfulam, Harbourside, Sai Kung Website: woodlandschools.com

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Malvern College PreSchool Hong Kong

Malvern College Pre-School Island West

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong

Age: 2 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Southwest Kowloon Website: malvernpreschool.hk

Age: 2 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Sai Ying Pun Website: malvernpreschool.hk

Age: 3 to 11 years Curriculum: English National Curriculum Location: Tseung Kwan O Website: shrewsbury.hk

Discovery Montessori School

Sunshine House International Pre-Schools Hong Kong

SKIP (Sai Kung PreSchool)

Age: 1 to 6 years Curriculum: AMI Montessori Location: Discovery Bay, Central Website: dms.edu.hk

Age: 1 to 6 years Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay, Tung Chung Website: sunshinehouse.com.hk

Age: 1 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage Location: Sai Kung Website: skip.edu.hk

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Sai Kung Montessori

Les Petits Lascars by Hong Kong Kids Academy

Age: 3 to 6 years Curriculum: Montessori Location: Sai Kung Website: saikungmontessori.com

Age: Pre-nursery (2-3), K1-K3 (3-6) and Playgroups (12-24 months) Curriculum: French stream - French International Preschool curriculum, bilingual French and English with option of Mandarin. English stream

– International Early Years Preschool curriculum, bilingual English and Mandarin with option of French.

Location: Central, Tseung Kwan O and Southside Website: www.petitslascars.com

Nord Anglia International Pre-School Hong Kong

Fairchild Junior Academy

Fairchild Nursery & Kindergarten

Age: 3 to 5 years Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Age: 8 months to 6 years Curriculum: Canadian Early Learning Frameworks and Hong Kong Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide Location: Tin Hau Website: fairchild.academy

Age: 2 to 6 years Curriculum: Canadian Early Learning Framework and Hong Kong Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide Location: Sai Ying Pun Website: fairchild.edu.hk

Location: Tai Tam and Sai Kung Website: nais.hk

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2020/2021 Primary

The International Montessori School

Anfield School

Island Christian Academy

Age: 2 to 12 years Curriculum: Montessori DualLanguage Programmes Address: Mid-Levels, South Horizons, Stanley, Aldrich Bay Website: ims.edu.hk

Age: 5 to 11 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Address: Tai Wai Website: anfield.edu.hk

Age: 4 to 12 years Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum & International Middle Years Curriculum Location: Sheung Wan Website: islandca.edu.hk

Wycombe Abbey Schools Hong Kong

Discovery Montessori Academy

HKCA Po Leung Kuk School

Age: 5 to 11 years Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Location: Aberdeen Website: wycombeabbey.com.hk

Age: 3 to 6 years Curriculum: IB PYP & AMI, Elementary Montessori Address: Discovery Bay Website: dms.edu.hk

Age: 6 to 11 years Curriculum: PYP (Candidate School) Location: Tin Hau Website: plkis.edu.hk

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directory Secondary/All-through schools

Mount Kelly Hong Kong

Hong Kong Adventist Academy

Delia School of Canada

Age: 6 months to 13 years Curriculum: The English National Curriculum, British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Jordan, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui Website: mountkelly.edu.hk

Age: 6 to 17 years Curriculum: Local + U.S. Curriculum Address: Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung Website: hkaa.edu.hk

Age: 4 to 18 years (Taikoo Shing), 5 to 15 years (Kwun Tong) Curriculum: Ontario program (Tai Koo Shing) and Alberta program (Kwun Tong) Location: Tai Koo Shing, Kwun Tong Website: delia.edu.hk

American School Hong Kong

Renaissance College

Malvern College Hong Kong

Age: 5-13 (in 2019), 5-18 (in 2022) Curriculum: US Common Core

Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP,

Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP)

Curriculum and IBDP Location: 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po Website: ashk.edu.hk

IBCP Location: Ma On Shan Website: rchk.edu.hk

Address: Pak Shek Kok Website: www.malverncollege.org.hk

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Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong

Australian International School Hong Kong

Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IBDP Address: Lam Tin Website: nais.hk

Age: 6 months to 18 years Curriculum: International Address: Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O Website: ycis-hk.com

Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: Australian curriculum, IBDP, NSW HSC Location: Kowloon Tong Website: aishk.edu.hk

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

Victoria Shanghai Academy

Creative Secondary School

Age: 3 to 18 years Curriculum: IB, Ontario Secondary School Diploma Address: Aberdeen Website: cdnis.edu.hk

Age: 6 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP) Address: Aberdeen Website: www.vsa.edu.hk

Age: 12 to 18 years Curriculum: IBMYP; HKDSE/IBDP Location: Sai Kung Website: css.edu.hk

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Hong Kong International School

Japanese International School Hong Kong

Kellett School

Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: American curriculum; Advanced Placement (AP) courses available in High School Location: Repulse Bay, Tai Tam Website: hkis.edu.hk

Age: 4 to 11 years Curriculum: Authorised I.B. World School - PYP, since 2007 Location: Tai Po Website: es.jis.edu.hk

Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: English National Curriculum Location: Pok Fu Lam (Preparatory), Kowloon Bay (Preparatory and Senior) Website: kellettschool.com

German Swiss International School

Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School

French International School

Age: 3 to 18 years Curriculum: Eight-year Gymnasium based on the core curricula for German schools in South-East and East Asia, derived from the curricula of the German state of Thuringia, UK National Curriculum Location: The Peak, Pok Fu Lam Website: mygsis.gsis.edu.hk

Age: 6 to 12 years Curriculum: English and Putonghua, academic and STEM development with character-building Location: Kwun Tong Website: fssas.edu.hk

Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: French National Curriculum or English National Curriculum: IGCSE & IB Location: Blue Pool Road, Chai Wan, Jardine’s Lookout & Tseung Kwan O Website: fis.edu.hk

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ICHK Hong Lok Yuen

The Independent Schools Foundation Academy

Chinese Academy

Age: 4 years 8 months to 17 years Curriculum: Bilingual and Bi-Cultural Inquiry-Based Experiential Learning, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme Location: Pokfulam Website: isf.edu.hk

Age: 6 to 18 years Curriculum: Bilingual immersion globalised curriculum, inquirybased learning. IB MYP and DP in secondary school Location: Causeway Bay Website: caps.edu.hk

Norwegian International School

Han Academy

Hong Kong Academy

Age: 2 years 8 months to 11 years Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum & International Early Years Curriculum Location: Tai Po Website: nis.edu.hk

Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: Bilingual International Curriculum, IBDP Location: G/F-2/F, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen Website: hanacademy.edu.hk

Age: 3 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP) Location: Sai Kung Website: hkacademy.edu.hk

Age: 2 years 8 months to 18 years Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme, IGCSE in Year 10 and 11; IBDP in Years 12 and 13 Location: Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po (Kindergarten and Primary), Sha Tau Kok (Secondary) Website: ichk.edu.hk

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backpage hikes

Back to school Our younger readers share what they are most looking forward to this back to school season

Luca Keates

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Age 6

I can’t wait to see all my school friends again. I hope I’m allowed to give big hugs!

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Noah Reynolds Emilie & Myles Bremer Age 4

I can’t wait to see my teachers because I love them and I’m really looking forward to playing with my classmates.

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Winston Luk Age 17

I’m excited to get back to school. It’s been a difficult year, studying and learning from home. Trying to focus and do your own work is the worst part, I struggle to focus and there are too many distractions at home.

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Age 11 and 9

We can’t wait to join the after school clubs that we’ve heard so much about and see our friends again.

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Noelle Watt Age 5

I can’t wait to play tag with friends during recess and attend all my amazing after school classes including Wushu, Chinese dance and rugby.

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take a stroll

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