quality schools guide - the · pdf filedevelopment of a host of personal potentials in ......

Quality SchoolS GuideOCT / NOV 2016

New Campusexemplar studeNts

elite iNterNatioNal sChools

Hong Kong parents spare no expense or effort in sourcing for a school that best fits their children so that they grow up not only as smart kids, but with an illustrious academic record in preparation for higher studies and their future careers.

The gathering momentum of globalization in recent years has added a new dimension to education goals and objectives. The young generation will be increasingly competing with not only their local peers, but also other bright students on an international level. And aside from academic considerations, they must also be in tune with developments in the rest of the world and be proficient in linguistic skills.

Many parents are becoming converted to the philosophy of holistic education. They want their children to be able to find their identity, meaning and purpose in life, and so they place emphasis on such issues as cultivating relationship with the community, building connections with nature, and embracing universal values such as human compassion and world peace.

A major goal of holistic education is to help students achieve self-actualization. In other words, the teaching role is expanded to cover the

development of a host of personal potentials in the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual realms.

Making the r ight choice is no easy task for parents as they look for more than a one-size-fits-all education institution. In addition to recommendations amongst the parent community, many are diligent in researching on what is on offer in terms of educational philosophies, teacher quality, learning resources, teaching methodology, study environments, student cohorts and support facilities in various schools.

It is pertinent perhaps to point out at this point that experts are of the view that there is no such thing as a “best” school, because the crux lies in the individual’s personal characteristics, strengths, aspirations and circumstances, not to mention whether budget allows or vacancies exist. But at least, we have the basis to make a reasoned and acceptable compromise.

Features Editor

A taxing time for parents

Accepting applications for 2017-2018.Limited availability for 2016-17 rolling admissions.

125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong [email protected] • (852) 2336-3812

Editor’s mEssagE

11

ContentsOctOber / nOvember 2016

04 Actions for sustainability

06 Distinctive education for Future Leaders

08 nurturing versatile problem-solvers and curious minds

10 eSF nurtures high achievers for HK and the world

12 through-train education –

From Infancy to Graduation and Onwards

14 American International School welcomes the future

16 Unlocking student potential - an Ib education at victoria Shanghai Academy

18 Lessons for thinkers and innovators

20 Par for the course

22 nurturing children's contentment

and curiosity

24 Gaining a head start

26 Growing tall

30 Discover ScAD, the University for creative careers

32 creative ways to train brain

34 Let your children experience education overseas

36 Screen time becomes creative time

38 From the Head to the Heart - Instil the balance of “cognitive” and “affective”

learning for effective higher education

and beyond

40 Guiding the entry into overseas boarding school

42 Directory

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2 Quality SchoolS Guide November 2016 3

International Schools expand the world view of their students and prepare them for a globalized future.

Actions for sustainability

Kids4Kids is once again drawing attention to the topic of sustainability in its 7th annual Powered By Youth Forum and 3rd round of Act!on for a Cause.

The two initiatives invite students aged 12 to 17 to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, an intergovernmental set of 17 aspirational goals spearheaded by the United Nations, covering issues on poverty and hunger, health and education, sustainable cities, gender equality and more.

With a theme of Take Action!, the Powered By Youth Forum will be held at the Australian International School Hong Kong on November 12 and 19, 2016. The Forum will allow youths to work directly with influential facilitators to explore issues and learn how to use their powers creatively.

Students will come up with their own Community Act!on Projects, and the Forum will wrap up with a pitching competition. The best ideas will be brought to life with funding and mentoring support from Kids4Kids through the Act!on for a Cause initiative.

Between August 1 to November 30, Act!on for a Cause challenges youth from all backgrounds to take action and bring a positive impact to issues on education, environment, poverty and health, and human rights and services. A seasoned and diverse panel will judge entries based on creativity, need, impact, community engagement, and budget management. The top 20 projects will receive funding and mentoring support.

Michele Lai, Founder of Kids4Kids, remarks, “This project embodies 100% what we are about – inspiring and empowering kids to tack action no matter how big or small; that anyone can make a positive difference.”

Kids4Kids aims to equip Hong Kong youth with the tools and insights to bring positive, constructive impact on a local level, without losing sight of the global perspective in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Kids4Kids Unit A-D, 16/F, Tak Lee Commercial Building,

113-117 Wanchai Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong 3618 6811 kids4kids.org.hk

social bond

4 Quality SchoolS Guide november 2016

The books are designed to not contain any English or Pinyin in the body, but with a full trilingual vocabulary list at the back. This helps students to remember the character itself instead of just reading the Pinyin.

The reading program in the advanced level has five categories: encyclopedia, culture and liberal, literature, stories, masterpieces of essays, and classics. When students reach this level, they will do 365 readings per year. In addition, each reading comes with a quiz and some games to engage the learning process.

ASHK offers many after school programs. The school will enter competitive teams in the International Schools Sports Federation Hong Kong (ISSFHK) in a variety of sports for 10 year old students and above. For those eager to take on leadership roles, there are student leadership clubs and community service programs. In the arts, the school will offer musical theater, bands and choir.

The use of technology is seen as being able to provide many opportunities for students to delve deeper into their learning. With this in mind, ASHK features a 1:1 laptop and tablet program for their students.

With teachers guiding and extending the educational process, students will begin to engage in collaborative work and establish their own digital footprint. MacBooks, iPads, mobile devices, smart screens, and classroom management so f t ware w i l l be connected th rough an in te l l igent infrastructure that provides seamless, wireless connectivity throughout the school.

ASHK has a rolling admissions process. In their opening year, the school offered KG2 to Grade 6, adding Grades 7 and 8 in 2017 and a High School program in 2018. Enrolled students need not reapply for higher grades, and on completion of Grade 12, will receive a US High School Diploma and/or an IB Diploma.

ASHK is operated by Esol Education, the world's largest operator of international American schools. The organization now serves more than 10,000 students at nine international schools, with experienced school leaders, dedicated and passionate teachers, and modern school campuses.

Students and parents interested in entering ASHK can submit an application form (found on the school website) with supporting documents. Admissions will arrange an appointment for a meeting with the family, and an assessment. Applications may be submitted up to two years in advance of anticipated enrollment period, with interviews in the months before enrollment.

AmericAn School hong Kong 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories,

Hong Kong 3919 4111 [email protected] www.ashk.edu.hk

American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is a kindergarten to Grade 12 non-profit, college preparatory school of fer ing a hol ist ic American and internat ional

education. Students are nur tured by quali f ied Nor th American teachers who inspire, motivate and challenge them to achieve excellence.

ASHK offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the US Common Core with IB Diploma option in Grade 11 and 12 and a focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. (STEAM).

STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics to guide student inquiry, collaboration and critical thinking.

ASHK is the first international school in Hong Kong to offer the curriculum and it provides activities that foster true innovation that comes with combining the mind of a scientist with that of an artist or designer. STEAM programs require students to be active and engaged. The approach is very hands-on. Students will be called upon to gather supplies, develop hypotheses, construct models, and test designs.

Through STEAM, students will develop ownership and responsibility for their education as they face many time management and decision making challenges. Students will become effective at teamwork, flexible thinking, creative

problem solving and the importance of student collaboration. As a school located within Hong Kong, ASHK sees Chinese

language as an equally important study compared with English and math. Chinese is taught on a daily basis for 45 minutes, entirely in Putonghua. Students are taught both traditional and simplified writing, which is different compared with other international schools which only teach simplified writing.

The Chinese program is divided between the foundation level and advanced level, and students are allowed to move to an upper level class anytime during the year if they have showed enough progress in their learning. Daily writing and reading home practices are given to students for all grade levels to ensure that they fully understand the materials that are taught in class.

At the foundation Level, classes are taught using a theme based approach with over 1,600 characters that are common to most curricula worldwide. Within the reading program, students will start with simple stories with basic vocabulary and develop through to more advanced storylines with complex historical and mythological Chinese context.

By using entertaining stories that engage students, they are gradually introduced to new vocabulary, Chinese characters, and grammar in a systematic way.

Nurturing versatile problem-solvers and curious minds

American School Hong Kong, which opened in August, delivers an inspiring, well-rounded education to equip students with the academic, social, and entrepreneurial skills required for success in the 21st century

international school


Th e E n g l i s h S c h o o l s F o u n d a t i o n

(ESF) is the largest provider of English-

medium international education in Hong Kong. The group’s 22 schools

and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

The education offered by ESF is underpinned by a broad and coherent curriculum aligned to its core values and to the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The group’s vision is for every student to be the best that they can be and its mission is to inspire creativity and nurture the global citizens and leaders of the future.

ESF aims to enable students to grow as inquiring, thoughtful and caring citizens who show intercultural understanding and respect.

All ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools are authorised IB World Schools. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, and international education – that ESF believes is important for students.

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at ESF primary schools is a curriculum framework designed for students aged from 3 to 12 years. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in and outside the classroom. It is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

At the secondary level, ESF schools operate a school-designed curriculum with an approach that is broad and

balanced leading to a suite of IGCSE and GCSE qualifications. Students study a range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, humanities, creative and performing arts, design technology, and an additional language(s) at an appropriate level. The curriculum aims to prepare students for university and other forms of higher education, largely in English-speaking countries across the world and in Hong Kong.

The two ESF all-through schools, Renaissance College and Discovery College, cater for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) students in Years 7 to 11. At the same time, the five ESF secondary schools are aligning the school curriculum for Years 7 to 9 to the MYP framework.

After 2016, the main pathways offered to students are the IB Diploma, the Applied Learning and the Work and Life Skills Pathways. Students are counselled individually to follow the pathway most appropriate for them. This involves encouraging students to consider their personal interests, preferred learning styles and career aspirations before making their decisions. This leads to internationally recognised qualifications that enable students to access higher education worldwide.

There are 17,000 students from more than 60 different nationalities across all ESF schools. About 70 percent of the students are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF takes pride in the high academic and wider achievements of their students. In 2016, 16 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations. More than 95 percent of students go on to leading universities worldwide.

engliSh SchoolS FoundAtion 25/F, 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

2574 2351 (Tel) 2818 5690 (Fax) [email protected] www.esf.edu.hk

ESF nurtures high achievers for HK and the world



Through-Train Education – From Infancy to Graduation and Onwards

YCIS International EducationThe YCIS international education, with a bilingual focus,

is highly progressive and draws on full research to support the structure. YCIS maintains strong educational values through its philosophy and objectives; clearly defined guiding statements underpin all areas of learning along the stages of development. The benefits of a through-train school are numerous and are felt by all stakeholders involved, not least the child and there is no requirement for an ‘interview’ for a transitioning student from one section of YCIS to another.

Transitioning from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Primary

ECE four year olds have priority to enter YCIS Primary Year 1. The children’s transition is smoothly handled with a series of on-campus visits by Lower Primary coordinators and direct exchange between the sections’ teaching staff. As the academic year for the four year olds draws to a conclusion in ECE, they have the opportunity to experience a sample class at Primary.

Preparing from Primary to Lower SecondaryThe close relationship between Primary and Secondary

ensures students feel prepared for Secondary life. Secondary school teachers provide taster lessons for Year 6s from April to June, so students gain some insight and experience. Every year this has proved immensely successful in calming any ‘apprehensive’ Year 6 students. The Year 7 Head of Year, Lower Secondary Assistant Principal, the Counselling and Learning Support Team (CALST) leaders and Year 7 Form Tutors will be waiting eagerly to assist in a gradual approach to Secondary school life for the new year’s start. For the first days of school students follow a ‘Beginning of School Transition P r o g r a m m e . ’ Some of the activities

that take place during this time include ICT projects using their newly purchased MacBook, digital citizenship workshops, locker organisation tasks, ‘All About Me’ presentations, school map reading challenges and ‘Making Friends’ ice-breaker tasks.

Once settled into Secondary life, student support does not stop! The Year 7 camp proves the most popular of these activities! The YCIS CALST leads social skills awareness activities early on. Assemblies and extended Tutor time presentations can be used for important issues that should be addressed such as community and social awareness. Workshops support a holistic education and an opportunity to build connections with others, grow in maturity and make a positive contribution to the whole school.

Through-train Education BenefitsThe passage along the through-train education at YCIS not

only protects continuity of learning and all-round development but also provides a stable, all-familiar setting. This naturally leads to a child’s self-confidence and sense of security with their surroundings.

University and Career Guidance ProgrammeThe School is committed to ensuring graduates find the

right tertiary course in the right place is paramount. The University Guidance Office (UGO) staff bring a four-year Upper Secondary programme embedded into the timetable, which introduces classes connected to skills, research of programmes, interview practice, the writing of the all-important materials for application, career readiness in a global world, a career portfolio and preparation for departure to their chosen university.

YCIS GraduatesYCIS graduates, the class of 2016, gained on average four

offers each, and 90% gained offers in the world’s top 100 or 20 top UK universities. The range of subjects to be read at university was diverse and impressive.

Scholarships and Bursaries YCIS Secondary section offers scholarships (merit-based)

and bursaries (means-based) and the Admissions Office would be happy to share more.

For further information about ECE, Primary or Secondary please contact the Admissions Office: Tel: 2338 7106 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ycis-hk.com

Yew Chung International School (YCIS) provides a through-train education path, from infancy to Secondary school graduation. The carefully structured curriculum and programmes equip YCIS students to progress smoothly whilst pursuing their full potential, step-by-step.



American International School welcomes the future

The American International School (AIS) has served the local and international communities of Hong Kong since 1986. The distinctive red-brick campus on Waterloo Road, is a landmark

in Kowloon Tong. At present it is home to 840 students from Early Childhood to High School. The school has a full-time faculty of 75 international teachers, counselors and administrators.

Remaining true to its founding mission of providing an affordable option for families seeking an American international educational

program in Hong Kong, AIS, unlike most international schools has instinctively resisted the introduction o f a d e b e n t u r e s c h e m e . F u l l y accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), AIS continues to deliver a high quality US college-prep educational experience.

Over time, it has built an impressive record of student admissions to a variety of respected colleges and universities in the US, as well as other countries*.

AmericAn internAtionAl School 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

2336 3812 [email protected] www.ais.edu.hk

The AIS community has always placed a great value on high academic achievement. Students benefit from a strong and cohesive curriculum, aligned with recognized US educational standards. A broad selection of college-level advanced placement courses including the AP Capstone, and consistently strong AP and SAT results* ensure AIS graduates can pursue their studies at universities and colleges of their choice. Recent graduate data confirms the majority of AIS seniors continue to apply and gain acceptance to highly competitive American universities. About 15-20% each year also chooses to pursue undergraduate degrees in Hong Kong before going to the US for postgraduate studies.

One of the stated outcomes for all students at AIS is a well-rounded education. At AIS students are expected to participate in a range of events and activities that develop skills beyond academics. This includes a school-wide commitment to dedicated community service projects, unique experiential learning opportunities during the annual Adventure Week trips, and the opportunity to participate in the school’s vibrant, competitive team sports program.

Flexible learning spaces across the campus encourage students and teachers to learn beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Using technology to support learning and build essential digital skills is a central element to the educational experience at AIS. The AIS campus is connected to a wi-fi network that enables educational technologies to be integrated into all aspects of teaching and learning. Students and teachers enjoy the freedom to bring their own devices to school and are encouraged to embrace every opportunity to find ways for technology to support their learning. There is a strong emphasis across the school on good digital citizenship and the responsibilities our community shares living in an interconnected digital world.

Above all, AIS students and teachers enjoy a welcoming and open learning environment: a school community where students feel trusted and cared for. As a single campus school, the AIS community takes advantage of the many opportunities this creates for students, teachers and parent volunteers to connect.

*The full university & college acceptance list is available at www.ais.edu.hk/graduation-beyond

A d m i s s i o n s I n f o r m a t i o n S e s s i o n s R S V P : https://www.ais.edu.hk/admissions-tours



VictoriA ShAnghAi AcAdemyRegister Online for VSA Y6-11 Introductory Sessions10 Nov 2016 (Thu) 6pm – 7pm15 Dec 2016 (Thu) 6pm – 7pm

19 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong 3402 1024 portal.vsa.edu.hk/oasis/booking

VSA scholarships funding dreams In preparing for competitions, having access to quality

uniform and equipment is also a key necessity. With her scholarship monetary benefits from VSA, she was able to purchase her professional competition swimsuits which cost up to a few thousand dollars, added Katie.

Noxx Lam, a Diploma Programme IB student who is currently in Year 11, is a natural enthusiast of robotics, photography and filming. His passions are manifested through his leadership positions in the school’s student-initiated Campus TV club and photography team, as well as the Student Council which he served as the Secretary. As alumni of the VEO kindergarten, Noxx was particularly proud to be the team leader and director of VEO’s 50th anniversary video in 2015.

Apart from being a leader and a thinker, Noxx is also a caring and reflective global citizen. Like all his peers, Noxx fulfills the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirement of the MYP and the IB DP through activities outside of school. Last year, Noxx joined a school CAS trip to the SomoSomo Island of Fiji which was unfortunately devastated by Cyclone Winston, shortly after their visit. Upon hearing this news in Hong Kong, Noxx and his friends decided to raise fund to support the villagers who had welcomed them with open arms. The in-school charity noodle sale, successfully raised almost HK$9,000.

Noxx: Serving the community with roboticsWith an aspiration to be a surgeon specialising in

robotic-assisted techniques, Noxx chose to engage himself in community services, such as helping pat ients , doctors and nurses in Queen Mary Hospital through the Student Volunteer At tachment Programme. During his service at the hospital in the early years, Noxx came to understand how dif f icult daily l i fe can be for the physically impaired. Last year, he chose to create a Smart Light Bulb Controller, for his Y10 Personal Project (a core requirement in the MYP).

The Smart Light Bulb Controller is a motion-sensor controller that automatically turns on the light with a

gradual increase in light intensity when it detects someone entering the room. This device is particularly catered to Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients who have difficulties reaching for light switches. The Personal Project requirement challenged Noxx to develop an innovative invention and at the same time, encouraged him to be a responsible global citizen.

Talents for invention recognisedTogether with his team of two other students, the group

refined the innovative creation and entered the "Invent for Love" Secondary School Students Invention Contest hosted by the Hong Kong Mucopolysaccharidoses & Rare Genetic Diseases Mutual Aid Group and was awarded the Grand Prize. With the VSA Research Subsidy which is part of the school’s scholarship programme to promote innovation and creativity, Noxx now plans to continue refining the Smart Light Bulb Controller.

As an articulate communicator and recipient of the VSA Academic Excellence Scholarship, Noxx found time to test his talent at international competition without compromising his school work. He represented the city in the World Robot Olympiad 2013 and won 8th place amidst fierce competition. In summer 2016, he participated at the 7th Global Robot and Science Camp and received partial sponsorship from school via the Summer Experience Scholarship programme.

Ms Janet Au Yeung, Deputy Principal of Secondary School in VSA, points out that the IB curriculum acknowledges the importance of holistic development. It is important to VSA that besides fulfilling each student’s potential academically, the school enables students to find their passion in life and to pursue their dreams through a wide range of learning, leadership and scholarship opportunities, as well as guidance from open-minded and encouraging teachers.

Unlocking student potential - an IB education at Victoria Shanghai Academy

Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is Hong Kong’s first through-train IB World School. As such, VSA was a pioneer in this context and is now an experienced

institution when it comes to offering the IB curriculum.VSA emphasises a holistic approach at the heart of which is

inquiry-based teaching and learning. The primary section offers a bilingual education, while the secondary curriculum is delivered in English and supplemented by a strong Chinese programme.

The school has over 1,800 students enrolled at its Shum Wan campus and each learner studies under one of the three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

Passions and talents recognised and cultivatedWhile each student studying at VSA is talented in his

or her own way, two students with their passions and capabilities, as well as their dedication to

turn their dreams into reality showcase the school’s success.

Katii Tang, a graduate from Victoria Educat iona l O rgan isa t ion ( V EO) kindergarten, is currently in Year 10. Katii has been the proud recipient of multiple scholarships at VSA in recent years, including the Academic Excellence

Scholarship, Sports Scholarship and the Summer Experience Scholarship. She is

an accomplished swimmer and has been a member of the school swimming team since

Year 3. More impressive than this is the fact that

she is also a member of the Hong Kong team which competes in international swimming events.

Katii: My 2020 Olympic dream

Katii Tang has a remarkable list of achievements, with her most recent success being winning five gold medals at the School Interport Swimming Competition in Guangzhou. Katii also aspires to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with her ultimate goal to represent Hong Kong with a spot on the top dais.

Katii’s dream was ignited in VSA Primary when students were then encouraged to explore a full spectrum of activities to find their passion. To reach her goal, Katii is judicious in how she splits her time between her studies and athletics career.

The notion of being principled and balanced in IB education has taken root in her since young and kept her going all these years. Katii remarks: “Part of the credit is due to the emphasis placed on self-management skills development, which is an integral part of the VSA IB curriculum.”

The school’s advocacy of formative assessment which focuses on learners getting constructive feedback in various assessments within the academic year combined with relatively flexible assessment schedules also allows Katii to direct full attention to her competitions.

Victoria Shanghai Academy takes pride in its ability to support young learners to explore their talents and pursue their dreams. Supportive school policies and practices at VSA and the comprehensive, liberal IB programmes emphasise and enable student holistic development.



Lessons for thinkers and innovators

Located in Ho Man Tin, Stamford will be the first international school to place special emphasis on STEMinn (science, technology, engineering, math and innovation). This supports

the Innovation and Technology Bureau and the government’s call for STEM education, and addresses Hong Kong’s innovation gap as reflected in the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report.

The new school will cater to 500 children between the ages of 5 to 18 for its first academic year in 2017-2018, and offer a curriculum that combines standards-based learning with emphasis on the high-order thinking and innovation that children will need for the future.

“Many jobs that exist today will disappear in the future and modern education programs need to stay ahead of the curve,” said Malcolm Kay, Superintendent of Stamford American School Hong Kong. “The program offered at Stamford American School Hong Kong is bringing together the best of the world’s education practices to offer students a top-of-class learning experience, with a goal to set a new standard for innovation in education and help students achieve more than they believe is possible.”

World-renowned educationOn top of the STEMinn emphasis, Stamford will also be teaching

the International Baccalaureate (IB) and American Standards (American Education Reaches Out and Common Core Plus) program developed specifically for Hong Kong.

International universities value an IB education because of its integrated focus on teaching students how to gather, value and use information, while American Standards are proven to offer the strongest framework foundation for learning, and are overwhelmingly used across international schools around the world.

Stamford American School Hong Kong (Stamford), which opened in September, aims to meet the growing demand for international schools. Text: Allen Jim

As an international school in Hong Kong, Stamford places emphasis on its Chinese program. Designed to meet the various language objectives of students, the Bilingual Chinese Program aims to develop the greatest possible prof iciency in both the spoken and written language. Students will be able to develop their language skills through four proficiency levels.

Other highlights within Stamford’s curriculum include its reading program where every classroom wil l have a dedicated library with more than 1,000 books.

Knowing the studentTo ensure students achieve more than they believe is

possible, Stamford will leverage education diagnostics tools to understand and track the progress of students with precision. Tools that will be used include Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP®) Testing for reading, math and science benchmarking; Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System for individual reading program development; and Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency (STAMP) for language assessment.

As evidence for the success of their teaching methods, students at Stamford American School’s Singapore campus continuously surpass their current grade benchmark levels. Most recent results include Grade 5 students performing at a benchmark level of Grade 10 in math, while Grade 6 students performed at a benchmark level of Grade 10 in reading.

More than academicsStamford knows that a student needs more than just

textbook knowledge. With this in mind, the school will provide a holistic experience that will nurture the practical and emotional capabilities needed to navigate the future.

Developed by the non-profit Committee for Children, the Second Step Social

Program promotes skills for emotion m a n a g e m e n t , e m p a t h y, c o n f l i c t management and learning. Students who take part in Second Step have shown a 50 percent improvement in pro-social skills and behavior leading to a 10 percent

gain in academics.Although teachers are responsible for learning within the classroom, parents are a child’s lifelong teacher. This is why

Stamford has a parent support program where parents are given resources and support

to help extend and reinforce Stamford’s education philosophy at home.

The planned campus in Ho Man Tin will feature state-of-the-art technology and facilities including a 25-meter swimming pool, an indoor sports hall and a rooftop running track. Stamford Hong Kong’s campus is designed to be the perfect environment for preparing children for a future in the 21st century.

Stamford American School Hong Kong has opened an admissions office in Exchange Square and has started accepting applications for the 2017-2018 academic school year. The admissions team will be organizing open house sessions and free playgroup events throughout 2016-2017. For more information or inquiries, call 2500 8688 or email [email protected].

Stamford american School hong Kong Admissions Office: Two Exchange Square, Level 40, 05-07,

8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong 2500 8688 www.sais.hk

FEATURE

18 Quality SchoolS Guide NoVeMBeR 2016 19

Par for the courseBromsgrove school, a top independent day and boarding school

in Britain, has partnered with Mission Hills Group to set up a new campus in Shenzhen, offering primary and secondary education to Chinese nationals and foreign passport holders.

Bromsgrove School Mission Hills will be next to a golf course run by the integrated hospitality operator from Hong Kong, and merge with an existing preschool that the group set up last year. The prep or primary school will start admitting Grade 1 to Grade 3 pupils in September. The senior school for Grade 7 to pre-university will open in 2019.

Catherine Chu Ka-ying, executive director of Mission Hills Group and Mission Hills International Education, said the partnership with Bromsgrove School was a meeting of minds. “Both parties want to provide education in the West and the East, without the students having to leave home so early. The Shenzhen school will run on a not-for-profit model. All proceeds will be reinvested into the school.”

The partnership will extend beyond brand level to include collaboration on school management, teacher recruitment

and professional development, curriculum design and enrichment, teacher and student exchange

programs, and university placement.Founded in 1553, Bromsgrove School

has a reputation for academic and sporting excellence. The school has a national award-winning rugby team. Its students also perform well traditionally in International Baccalaureate and A-level examinations. In 2015, 29 percent

of the school’s graduates went on to the world’s top 50 universities.

T h e U K sch o o l has b e e n ad m i t t i ng international students, including those from Hong

Kong, since the 1970s, said headmaster Peter Clague, who will also head the new Shenzhen school. He said: “We set up a school in Thailand 12 years ago. That was really it for us. What’s different about the Mission Hills project is that we will be a full partner on the ground, building the curriculum and the actual building.”

The Shenzhen school will offer bilingual education, emphasizing equally Chinese cultural teaching and English learning. “Every class in the preschool level will have an English-speaking and a Chinese-speaking teacher, and the lessons just move seamlessly between the use of Chinese and English, whatever the topic might be,” Clague said.

“We will continue that model in the prep school until we get to a point where fluency in English is strong enough that we don’t have to have both teachers there. As pupils move into the senior years, they move from more generalized to specialized teaching, but it will remain bilingual all the way through.”

Pupils in junior years will follow the mainland national curriculum. On entry to Grade 10, the school will teach the International Baccalaureate program. Clague did not rule out a possibility to simultaneously offer A-level and BTEC programs in the senior years, like the school does in Britain.

The school will provide boarding options only to seniors. The rest will be day students. Currently, the preschool has 200 day pupils. It charges 95,000 yuan (HK$108,735) per year for its preschool, and 148,000 yuan for its prep school. The fees for its senior school are yet to be set.

Clague said that the school has a capacity to enroll at most 40 more preschool pupils in the

coming academic year and there is a waiting list. For the prep school, there are still vacancies, although some are expected to be filled by the preschool leavers.

It is anticipated that at full capacity the prep school and senior school will have 1,600 pupils.

Admissions to the preschool and prep school are now open. The application process for senior school will be announced next year. There is no formal entrance assessment exams for preschool, but pupils will attend an in-class, play-based assessment

Clague stressed that the school believes in developing potential. “We have a reputation for taking children from a reasonably average background and giving them high examination results,” he said. “We want to do the same thing here.”

Text: Kelis Wong

FEATURE


Nurturing children's contentment and curiosity

In a world overwhelmed by the distractions that technology and media bring daily, Wilderness wants to provide a more thoughtful and bespoke alternative for its children, taking

the time to develop a child’s unique abilities, their crucial connection with nature and an emphasis on personal and environmental sustainability.

Wilderness Director, Mrs. Connie Kenny (Former Assistant Principal GSIS), describes Wilderness as a ... “place where children discover, explore and create as they develop independence, build friendships and learn to be active members of their community. As they mature they will further develop their relationships, mindsets, communication and language skills. The young learners will gain a deeper understanding of their world and build a foundation of knowledge that builds confidence, intellect and happiness”.

To provide a more natural and connected space for children, the school has considered every element of their kindergarten, including its strategic location in Kennedy Town. Wilderness is

set slightly back from the city centre, protectively nestled within a green, mountain backdrop with inspirational learning spaces.

The kindergarten contains state-of-the-art learning facilities, learning areas where natural lighting is maximized, and an outdoor play space and learning garden.

For your child, Wilderness will feature a very special environment that helps nourish curiosity and focus on well-being. A happy childhood leads to a fulfilled life. The outdoor play garden has a tree house, sensory gardens, climbing frames and a creative play pit.

“Our pr inciples and pract ices are dr iven by our commitment to firstly; the security of each child, secondly; the well-being of each child and finally, the intellectual and physical growth of each child,” says Mr. Peter Kenny, Co-founder of Wilderness. (Founding Principal of RCHK, former IB (International Baccalaureate) in Singapore and current UNICEF Regional Education Specialist).

A child's security, well-being, intellectual development and physical growth are paramount at Wilderness International Kindergarten in Kennedy Town (Wilderness).

Although the school takes pride in its environment, it is also driven to be Hong Kong’s pre-eminent Kindergarten. Wilderness will be seeking accreditation as an IB World School and providing a Reggio Emilia inspired experience for all its children from Playgroup to K3.

Wilderness is currently establishing its first cohort of playgroup and kindergarten children, with playgroups starting in late November 2016 and Kindergarten classes beginning January 2017. Parents registered on their ‘Wilderness interest list’ will be prioritized to receive updates and the admission application form as places will be limited.

Interested parties are encouraged to attend one of the school’s coffee mornings on the 21st and 25th November at 10.30am or 3.00pm or on Saturday 26th November at 10.30 am. One must register to attend so visit www.wilderness.asia to sign up.

In January, Wilderness will be offering limited classes. For those that want to get a taste, the school is holding free trial Kindergarten classes. The classes will be offered on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of November, register online to participate.

WilderneSS international Kindergarten Ground Floor, 85 Smithfield Road,

Kennedy Town, Hong Kong 2595 9066 [email protected] www.wilderness.asia

Mr. Peter Kenny, Co-founder of Wilderness

Our principles and practices are driven by our commitment to firstly; the security of each child, secondly; the well-being of each child and finally, the intellectual and physical growth of each child.



Located in the District of Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, Starters School has for over 38 years, offered a joyful and secure teaching environment that encourages its pupils to flourish through its

“learn through play” and “theme-based” teaching methods.Seeing children as unique individuals at all times, the school is

committed to maximizing students’ potential – both intellectually and socially – in order to build their confidence and independence, and to ensure a smooth transition to junior school.

The school adopts the UK Early Years Programme curriculum, where guidelines are used by Starters School staff with the general purpose to review, develop and promote effective learning and teaching through fun activities.

The school places significant emphasis on developing various skills in young children, including social and personal skills, language and literacy skills, physical and manipulative skills, mathematical and cognitive skills, as well as science and technology skills.

Employing a team of caring staff, teachers at Starters School are pre-school qualified, experienced and registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau. Each class teacher has the help of one or two assistants.

The school provides English medium classes in the morning and afternoon sessions for children from 2.8 to 5 years old. Their Primary One class caters to children from 5 to 6 years. They also offer an extracurricular “learn through play phonics” class from Monday to Friday (1:30pm to 4:00pm) for children from 3 to 6 years old.

For school visits, contact the school office at 2527 8676 or 2529 5838 to make an appointment.

Established in 1977, Starters School international kindergarten has been providing a safe, loving and welcoming environment for its pupils, while nurturing their academic, social and emotional growth.

Gaining a head start

StarterS School 1B, 1/F Tung Hey Building,

12-22 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai 2527 8676 [email protected] www.starters.edu.hk


24 Quality SchoolS Guide November 2016

Growing tall Providing proper moral education to children at

an early stage is a challenging task for parents and educators alike. Newly established Mighty

Oaks International Nursery & Kindergarten has overcome challenges and now fosters and molds children’s character through various discovery-based classes and activities.

Principal Livia Tang said much ef for t was exerted designing the campus and curriculum to create a conducive environment for pupils that will reinforce the significance of moral values and social responsibilities.

“As an educator for more than a decade, I found that numerous problems can be identified while children are growing up. Many Hong Kong students have been criticized for their low problem-solving skills and lack of self-control, demonstrating a deficiency in moral education in the current curriculum. We therefore try to inculcate the correct moral values to our next generation as early as possible,” Tang said.

Mighty Oaks, located in Kennedy Town, offers playgroup and pre-nursery to kindergarten classes to children under the age of six. Its curriculum is modeled on two of the world’s best paradigms

for preschool education: the United Kingdom’s early years foundation s t a g e c u r r i c u l u m a n d t h e C a n a d i a n f u l l - d ay e a r l y l e a r n i n g - k i n d e r g a r t e n program.

T o m e e t l e a r n i n g expecta t ions in H ong Ko n g , t h e p re s c h o o l level modules also draw reference from the biblical term “fruit of the spirit,” which refers to the nine attributes of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

“We use the ideas as means to help develop children’s character instead of preaching religious messages. Every month, we focus on one of the attributes which we believe are the roots of virtues. A trilingual or bilingual setting, with lessons taught in English, Cantonese and Putonghua also prepare our students for primary and secondary schools,” Tang added.

The interactive play zones provide a fun environment for children to learn. They are equipped with a role-playing area, a library, a mini indoor climbing wall and preschool toys related to music, art and science.

Supervisor Kimberly Kwok said the toys have been selected for their high educational value.

“For example, the role-playing area has a variety of costumes and props. Kids get to learn what each occupation is all about when they play the roles of firemen, police officers or even housemaids,” Kwok said.

For its moral education curriculum to have environmental protection and social responsibility elements, the school tries to create a green environment. It seeks to achieve this by using a selection of eco-friendly products, such as organic snacks and biodegradable cutlery, as well as vinyl flooring and mosaic wall tiles that are recyclable or made from recycled materials.

An aquaponics system set up along the corridor aims to teach children about self-sustaining ecosystems by raising fish and cultivating plants. Under this scheme, fish waste provides an organic food source for growing plants and the plants, in turn, provide a natural filter of the water for the fish to live in.

“The system helps children understand that every living creature on Earth is interrelated and every action we do today, such as pollution, impacts planet earth and ultimately, ourselves. Recycling bins are put up to nurture their concern for the environment,” Tang said.

The school also has a large outdoor playground, making different physical activities possible. An organic hydroponic planting wall in the playground allows children to grow their own vegetables and take home their harvest every month.

Even with an all-rounded teaching syllabus and well-equipped learning environment, proper moral education is only possible with parents’ cooperation, Tang said. She always advises parents to teach their children how to put on their own shoes instead of doing it for them.

“Many tend to be overprotective. It is fine to set certain rules and regulations, but it doesn’t mean that you have to do everything for them. If they want to do something, don’t say no at first. Train them to make decisions and to be responsible for them. This is the only way for them to explore their potential,” she said.

Text: Trista Yeung

Principal Livia Tang

For example, the role-playing area has a variety of costumes and props. Kids get to learn what each occupation is all about when they play the roles of firemen, police officers or even housemaids.

FEATURE


Schools and education groups across the city are celebrating the latest steps in teaching at the School Parade.

Discover SCAD, The University for Creative Careers

As one university with multiple locations — in Hong Kong; Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online through eLearning — SCAD opens up a world of

opportunity, ensuring each student is in the right place, at the right time.

In Hong Kong, where ancient culture and modern influence converge, the university provides an authentic, engaging learning experience designed to prepare students to lead successful international careers. SCAD Hong Kong offers the area’s largest concentration of art and design degree programs, empowering today’s students to solve tomorrow’s design challenges.

Join an award-winning legacySCAD is one of the most comprehensive art and design

universities in the world, with more than 100 unique programs of study across 42 disciplines and more than 70 minors — and 21 of these programs are taught at SCAD Hong Kong, including fashion, graphic design, interactive design and game development, photography and more.

These academic programs consistently earn international accolades.

SCAD undergraduate fashion programs have been ranked No. 1 in the world for “Best Learning Experience,” according to The Business of Fashion, and the university was named 2016 School of the Year for Motion Graphics by The Rookies.

Across all programs, renowned faculty, career advisers, remarkable resources and real-world collaborations prepare students for professional success. According to a recent study, 98 percent of Spring 2015 graduates were employed, pursuing further education or both within 10 months of graduation.

Celebrate art and design at international SCAD events

Step into the spotlight at SCAD signature events featuring the world’s pre-eminent artists, designers and entrepreneurs. Throughout the year, the university presents a spectacular lineup of star-studded celebrations in breathtaking venues.

The university’s Hong Kong location hosts the SCAD Hong Kong Fashion Showcase, SCAD deFINE ART, SCADstyle

and the Sidewalk Arts Festival. Guests who have lectured, critiqued and taught master classes in Hong Kong include Miss J Alexander, Felix K P Chung, Annie Liu, Alexander Wong and more.

Gain access to renowned faculty and unparalleled resources

SCAD Hong Kong students are guided by esteemed professors who are accomplished leaders in their fields and are immersed in a dynamic university environment enriched with advanced technology and specialized resources. Classes take place in the historic SCAD-restored North Kowloon Magistracy Building, where students have access to high-tech digital labs, sound design and editing suites, darkrooms, state-of-the-art film and television studios, fashion and interior design resource labs, a green screen and more.

Through the SCAD Collaborative Learning Center, students also have the opportunity to join forces with the world’s most respected brands and companies, from Saint Laurent and The Coca-Cola Company to VTech and Walt Disney Imagineering.

At SCAD, students are given the resources to traverse their areas of study and push the limits of their practice.For those interested, please visit scad.edu.hk for more information.Courses of study are registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau, registration n u m b e rs: 2 619 5 8 - 2 61971 a n d 262196-262202. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which these courses may lead.

SCAD Hong Kong 292 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po,

Kowloon, Hong Kong 2253 8044

School Parade

30 Quality SchoolS Guide NoVeMBeR 2016

CREATIVE CAREERS BEGIN AT SCADOffering exceptional career preparation, award-winning degree programs and courses taught by renowned

faculty, SCAD Hong Kong transforms today’s talent into tomorrow’s art and design leaders.

Learn more at scad.edu.hk.

Courses of study are registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau, registration numbers: 261958-261971 and 262196-262202. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which these courses may lead.

87674_Final.indd 1 10/28/16 12:26 PM

Creative ways to train brain

Is creativity something that you are born with or can you learn to build it? The Harvard Club of Hong Kong believes it can be learned; it selected creativity as the theme of this

year’s Harvard Book Prize Award. Following the tradition of the original prize held in 1910 by the Harvard Alumni Association, the award aims to reward outstanding high school students and open their eyes to topics of concern.

“When more and more young people are thinking about creating start-ups or choosing non-traditional career paths. We think it’s a good way to address how creativity can make a big difference in our daily living and how essential it is for their future,” said Calvin Lee Chi-toa, co-chair of the book prize committee.

The non-profit organization sent more than 550 copies of the selected book – Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity, and Innovation in Your Life – by Harvard professor Shelley Carson, to students from over 190 secondary schools. The book suggests a CREATES (connect, reason, envision, absorb, transform, evaluate and

stream) Brainsets Model to jumpstart the creative process. Carson believes the model can

empower creative individuals to access specific brain states that others find more difficult to.

“The book also provides insights and drills to ignite inner creativity. Observation is the key. Take notes on the patterns you spot. Day by day, you

will accumulate with different kinds of patterns, enabling you to think in a more

systematic way,” Lee said.Apart from the book prize, the committee also

endorsed four out of 165 applicants to study at the Harvard Summer School. The students will be fully sponsored on their seven-week studies in the United States next summer.

“Two years ago, we thought a book might not be enough. It is much more consequential to send the students directly to

Harvard to experience the campus life of the States. Most of the Hong Kong students have never studied abroad so there is no way for them to compare the education system in the two places. A trip there would definitely change their mind-set,” Lee said.

St Antonius Girls’ College student Sally Cheung Sum-yi is one of those chosen.

Cheung, who is interested in science and sociology, plans to take a neurobiology course there as she is fascinated by the mysterious workings of the brain.

“The brain is the control center of organisms and any damage to it is critical for our survival. It allows us to have memories, give us sensation and coordinate with all parts of our body,” she said. Her contribution to creativity is recycling waste. “I turned plastic bottles into pencil cases or candlesticks. It takes time for plastic bottles to decompose. Using them creatively is the best way to save our environment,” she said.

Yew Chung International School student Alice Wang Yanqiu believes creativity can make a positive impact to society. “A creative individual can identify problems in daily life and offer innovative solutions. I hope not to be the one who simply adapts to change, but who strives to create a change in the community.”

Text: Trista Yeung

School Parade


TheStandard-Oct 2016.pdf 1 3/11/2016 6:30 PM

Let your children experience education overseas

With the interest fo r ove rseas e d u c a t i o n s

on the rise, many local s t u d e n t s h a v e b e e n

attending boarding schools for summer programs and

one-year exchanges. In order to provide first-

hand information on what they offer, an elite group of boarding

schools will visit Hong Kong for an Expo catered to local parents, students and counselors.

Boarding schools from across the US, the UK, Canada, Switzerland and India will be at the Excelsior Hotel in Hong Kong on 17 November from 6:00-9:30pm to introduce an array of programs which takes place on their safe and well-supervised campuses.

Admissions representatives will be holding discussions for any students who wish to attend a boarding school for an extended period of time.

This group of selective boarding schools offers some of the most sought-after and unique opportunities that children can experience to broaden their outlook and enhance their knowledge.

The extensive Expo comprises a diverse range of schools with a vast array of locations, facilities and options, together with a mixture of philosophies and cultures.

Amongst the prestigious collection of 27 boarding schools are girl’s schools, schools with competitive sports, arts, robotics, and science programs, Catholic schools, and schools with strong academic support programs, the IB program, AP program, and ESOL courses.

One of the world’s foremost experts on boarding schools will also be available to speak with families. John Williamson’s clients and speaking engagements have taken him to every inhabited continent. He has an impressive track record assisting families place their children at the most desirable boarding schools in the world. Attendees of the event will have unrestricted access to Mr. Williamson and his advice for free both during and after the event.

The Expo is free and open to the public. Students who are six to 19 years of age will find remarkable programs to explore.

No reservations are necessary but pre-registrations can be made by sending email to [email protected] by sending email to [email protected]. or at SchoolExpos.com/hongkong.

SUMMER & BoARDIng SCHooL EXPo 17 November 2016, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

The Excelsior, Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay

2868 4068

School Parade


Screen time becomes creative time Learning to code at an early age can help children develop their communications skills, critical thinking, and creative confidence.

Children from the age of six and above can begin their journey to understanding and learning the building blocks of computer programming

at First Code Academy, through its classes, courses and camps.

Fostering communicationMany studies have shown the average number of digital devices owned

per person is growing exponentially every year. This is where coding becomes important. One of the major advantages of learning how to code at a young age is that they could communicate and command the numerous computing devices around them.

Enhancing critical thinking skillsCoding encourages thinking ahead, and then detailing commands. Take

learning to build an app as an example. Before a student can code an app, he or she needs to first identify the root problem before defining the purpose of the program. After identifying and defining the purpose, the next step is to

transform the ideas into a detailed series of steps, which requires student to make logical connections between different steps.

Building creative confidenceLearning to code not only teaches logical thinking skills,

but also cultivates creative confidence in a child. The flip side of having computing devices all around

us is that more and more children are using them rather than creating anything. Merely using information technology limits creativity and self-expression among children. In fact, IT is like a blank canvas. Coding is the

skill that enables children to express and create on this blank canvas. By learning how to code, young children

will gain the power to transform their ideas to life instead of playing games.

FIRSt CoDE ACADEMy (Hong Kong ISLAnD CAMPUS)

Unit 302-305, 3/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan

2772 2108 hk.firstcodeacademy.com

School Parade


Learn to thinkby learningto code

From the Head to the HeartInstil the balance of “cognitive” and “affective” learning for effective higher education and beyond

GROWHOUSE In Association with London Gifted and Talented (LGT) is the first education hub of its kind to combine a bookstore with classroom programmes that nurture excellence in all learners and ensure that

students and parents are given valuable extra-curricular opportunities to explore and excel in the world of books, films and ideas.

A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. While learners are encouraged to read widely, seldom do they come across the idea of reading critically, let alone understanding metaphysical concepts in books. What is “critical reading”? It is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that makes independent analysis and understanding of context, intention, and style possible. Critical readers are able to abstract information from texts and media in order to connect, interpret, and discern – in turn, they are better-equipped intellectually and emotionally to participate in their community and wider society.

Traditionally, academic excellence has been synonymous with cognitive learning. Yet in recent years, many international and IB schools are placing greater emphasis on the “affective” domain – learning that relates to emotions, beliefs, and attitudes, and character building over time. In a fast-changing, globalised society, young people need not only the ability of processing high volumes of information, but also the capability to articulate a personal engagement with the world. Critical reading, hence, serves as the foundation of this engagement that sharpens student’s analytical mind-set, as well as critical and lateral thinking.

Critical thinking mattersCritical thinking within an affective education model goes hand in hand

with both the IB programme and tertiary education, as it helps learners in establishing:• Individualised value systems, attitudes, beliefs, interests and appreciations • Persistence, independence and mindset/self-concept • Awareness of own and others’ emotions• Curiosity, risk-taking, complexity, and imagination • Character and leadership.

GROWHOUSE works exclusively with London Gif ted and Talented to nurture excellence in all learners through honing their CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING AND MINDFULNESS with a three-pronged approach:• Enrichment (LGT literary programme)• Exploration (bookstore and literary events)• Experience (coaching for community service and authorship)

The enrichment programme comes in three streams: Film, Fiction and Non-Fiction, and offers opportunities to engage broadly and deeply with written and audio-visual texts. The programme focuses on developing empathy, well-argued opinions, and character in young learners in a small class. Not only does it foster reading habits and engender a greater love for books and films, it exposes learners to a literary world with broader perspectives by training learners to think in a critical mind and extends the reading skills to all academic disciplines.

GROWHOUSE has two branches: one in Central, and one in Repulse Bay. With a carefully-curated bookstore and three classrooms in each location, GROWHOUSE offers a conducive environment for learners of all ages to read, learn and grow.

gRoWHoUSE In ASSoCIAtIon WItH LonDon gIFtED AnD tALEntED

GROWHOUSE Central | Shop G1 & G2, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street / 22 Ice House Street, Central

3468-7620 GROWHOUSE Repulse Bay | 106A & 107A,

The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong

2558-2728 www.growhouse-lgt.com

School Parade


Guiding the entry into overseas boarding school

Founded by Cindy Hah and Dan Chen in 2008, Aegis Advisors offers personalized advice and support for families when it comes to planning for their children’s

academic future.In the beginning, the company mostly focused

on of fer ing suppor t for US el i te universi t y applications. Now, Aegis is about three dozen people strong and offers a wide range of personalized education services including US and UK universi t y appl icat ions, mentorship, family and parent coaching, and academic tutoring to guide students and their families through their entire educational lifespan.

Getting a head startParents understand it is better to start

preparing early and decide that sending a child to an overseas boarding school would give them an advantage when heading into university.

Considering that a majority of top universities in the world are in the UK and US, many parents likewise, focus their attention on these two countries when deciding on a boarding school.

While schools in both countries command high recognition, they have different criteria for selecting students.

Boarding schools in the US like to choose their students holistically and are in favor of nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Most commonly, international students enter a US boarding school at age 14 or 15, when they are

just about to head into high school. However, due to the amount of groundwork needed

to enter a school, students start preparing a year in advance.

Key admissions components of US boarding schools including: taking the SSAT, TOEFL/IELTS, strong academics and extra-curricular profile, student

essays, recommendation letters and interviews, among others.

On the other hand, boarding schools in the UK are more academically-driven and

want students that are top performers. Even though schools in both countries demand strong grades,

UK schools require their applicants to take multiple exams that cover various core subjects including English, math, sciences and sometimes even foreign languages and geography.

Education overseas is an attractive prospect for many students and parents. The process however can be difficult, as there are many variables to consider when choosing a suitable school. Aegis Advisors’ aims to help lighten the load and guide families on to the right path.

Likewise in interviews for UK schools, interviewers are likely to ask more academic questions and request applicants to show their depth of knowledge. This is different from US schools where they would ask more personal questions such as what are your interests and why.

When applying for a school in the UK, many of them request that parents register two to three years before their child formally enters the school. What this means is that, even though classes don’t start until they are age 13, families have to start preparing by age 10.

The reason behind this gap is explained by Jennifer Liu, UK advisor and Director at Aegis Advisors, as a way to help applicants better manage their options.

“The top schools want to handle process early because they know about the fierce competition. Applicants take their initial exams at age 10 and receive their application results at age 11. If, for whatever reasons they were to not succeed, they would still have a few years to look for other schools,” Liu explains.

Parents eager to start preparations even earlier, can enrol their child in a prep school that exists specifically to help the child enter a good boarding school. The top boarding schools in the UK have their own branch prep schools that allow graduating students to automatically move onward to the senior school.

With this in mind, parents now want their children to enter prep schools because it makes the process of entering a good boarding school that much easier.

Aegis Advisors' role in all this is working closely with families, guiding and preparing them through every step of the application process.

Their students have successfully been admitted to top US and UK schools including Exeter, Andover, St. Paul’s, Lawrenceville, Westminster, Eton and Winchester.

On top of their application services, they also provide ongoing mentorship and advisory services to students studying at boarding school.

AEgIS ADvISoRS 16/F Vulcan House, 21-23 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

8175 5687 www.aegis-advisors.com

Cindy Hah, Director and Co-Founder at Aegis Advisors

Dan Chen, Director and Co-Founder at Aegis Advisors Jennifer Liu,

Director at Aegis Advisors

Text: Allen Jim

FEATURE


American School Hong Kong 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai PoTel: +852 3974 8555Email: [email protected]: www.ashk.hkYear Founded: 2016School type: PrivateCurriculum: US, IB

American International School Hong Kong125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon TongTel: +852 2336 3812Email: [email protected]: www.ais.edu.hkYear founded: 1986School type: PrivateCurriculum: US and AP Courses

Anfield International Kindergarten5 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong, KowloonTel: +852 2794 3668Email: [email protected]

Anfield International Kindergarten and NurseryL2, Phase 1, Laguna Verde, 8 Laguna Verde Avenue, Hunghom, KowloonTel: +852 2766 3882Email: [email protected]

Anfield SchoolNo. 1, Lung Pak Street, Tai Wai, Shatin, N.T. Tel: +852 2692 8823Email: [email protected]: www.anfield.com.hkYear founded: 2008School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Australian International School Hong Kong 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon TongTel: +852 2304 6078Email: [email protected] Website: www.aishk.edu.hkYear founded: 1995School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Australian

Beacon Hill School, English Schools Foundation23 Ede Road, Kowloon TongTel: +852 2336 5221Email: [email protected] Website: www.beaconhill.edu.hkYear founded: 1967School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Blooming Buds Preschool And Child Care CentreUnit 7, 1/F, Island Crest, 8 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong KongTel: +852 2887 9921Email: [email protected]: www.bloomingbuds.com.hkYear founded: 2012School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Bradbury School, English Schools Foundation43C Stubbs Road, Happy ValleyTel: +852 2574 8249Email: [email protected] Website: www.bradbury.edu.hkYear founded: 1992School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Bromsgrove School Mission Hills8 Mission Hills Road, Shenzhen, PRCTel: +86 755 2801 0733Email: [email protected]: bromsgrove.mhis.educationSchool Type: PrivateCurriculum: Ministry of Education in Ontario (Canada)

Canadian International School of Hong Kong36 Nam Long Shan Road, AberdeenTel: +852 2525 7088Email: [email protected] Website: www.cdnis.edu.hkYear founded: 1991School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB and OSSD

Chinese International School1 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North PointTel: +852 2510 7288Email: [email protected] Website: www.cos.edu.hkYear founded: 1983School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Primary: Both English and Chinese; Secondary: IBMYP & IBDP.

Finding the Perfect Education Institute for your Children is easy if you know where to look.

43

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International SchoolKowloon City Campus2 Fu Ning Street, Kowloon CityTel: +852 2713 3733Email: [email protected]: www.cais.edu.hk

Lai Yiu CampusLai Yiu Estate, Wah Yiu Road, Lai King, NT, Hong KongTel: +852 2778 3370

Email: [email protected]: www.cais.edu.hkYear founded: 1992School type: PrivateCurriculum: Canadian

Clearwater Bay School, English Schools FoundationDD 229, Lot 235, Clearwater Bay Road, Clearwater BayTel: +852 2358 3221Email: [email protected] Website: www.cwbs.edu.hkYear founded: 1980School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Concordia International School68 Begonia Road, Yau Yat ChuenTel: +852 2789 9890Email: [email protected] Website: www.cih.edu.hkYear founded: 1990School Type: Private Curriculum: North American

Deborah Educational Institute: Deborah English Kindergarten and International Play SchoolKindergarten Tower, Beverly Garden, Tseung Kwan OTel: +852 2217 7933Website: www.deborah-intl.edu.hkYear founded: 1978School type: Private

Delia School of Canada5-7, Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo ShingTel: +852 3658 0400Email: [email protected] Website: www.delia.edu.hkYear founded: 1987School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Canada

Discovery Bay International School Discovery Bay, Lantau IslandTel: +852 2987 7331Email: [email protected]: www.dbis.edu.hkYear founded: 1983School Type: PrivateCurriculum: British

Discovery College, English Schools Foundation38 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau IslandTel: +852 3969 1000Email: [email protected] Website: www.discovery.edu.hkYear founded: 2007School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma

Elsa High School, Carmel School Association460 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei WanTel: +852 3665 5388Email: [email protected] Website: www.carmel.edu.hkYear founded: Carmel School Association was founded in 1991 and Elsa High School was established in 2009School Type: PrivateCurriculum: International Baccalaureate

EtonHouse International Pre-School102, 1F Red Hill Plaza, 3 Red Hill Road, Tai TamTel: +852 2353 5223Email: [email protected] Website: www.etonhouse.com.hkYear founded: 1995School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

French International School165 Blue Pool Road, Happy ValleyTel: +852 2577 6217Email: [email protected]: www.fis.edu.hkYear founded: 1963

School Type: PrivateCurriculum: French Baccalaureate, IBDP

German Swiss International School11 Guildford Road, The Peak Tel: +852 2849 6216Email: [email protected] Website: www.gsis.edu.hkYear founded: 1969School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Primary: drawn from best practices from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand; Year 7-9: broadly based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales; Year 10-11: I/GCSE; Year 12-13: IB Diploma

Glenealy School, English Schools Foundation7 Hornsey Road, Mid LevelsTel: +852 2522 1919Email: [email protected] Website: www.glenealy.edu.hkYear founded: 1959School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Harrow International School Hong Kong38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen MunTel: +852 2824 9099Email: [email protected]: www.harrowschool.hkYear founded: 2012School Type: PrivateCurriculum: International

Hong Kong Academy33 Wai Man Road, Sai KungTel: +852 2655 1225Email: [email protected]: www.hkacademy.edu.hkYear founded: 2000School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP

Hong Kong International School1 Red Hill Road, Tai TamTel: +852 3149 7001Email: [email protected]: www.hkis.edu.hkYear founded: 1966School Type: Private Curriculum: American with Advanced Placement (AP)

International College Hong Kong60 Sha Tau Kok Road, Shek Chung Au, Sha Tau KokTel: +852 2655 9018Email: [email protected] Website: www.ichk.edu.hkYear founded: 2009School Type: PrivateCurriculum: UK, GCSE, IGCSE, IBDP

International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen3, Twentieth Street, Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po Tel: +852 2658 6935Email: [email protected] Website: www.ichk.edu.hkYear founded: 1983School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Island School, English Schools Foundation20 Borrett Road, Mid LevelsTel: +852 2524 7135Email: [email protected] Website: www.island.edu.hkYear founded: 1967School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Diploma, Applied Learning Programme (BTEC qualifications)

Japanese International School (International Section)4663 Tai Po Road, Tai PoTel: +852 2834 3531Email: [email protected] Website: www.jis.edu.hkYear founded: 1997School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Jockey Club Sarah Roe School, English Schools Foundation28 Tin Kwong Road, HomantinTel: +852 2761 9893Email: [email protected] Website: www.jcsrs.edu.hkYear founded: 1985School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Kellett School7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon BayTel: +852 3120 0700Email: [email protected]: www.kellettschool.comYear founded: 1976School Type: PrivateCurriculum: English National Curriculum

Kennedy School, English Schools Foundation19 Sha Wan Drive, Pokfulam Tel: +852 2855 0711Email: [email protected] Website: www.kennedy.edu.hkYear founded: 1961School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Kiangsu & Chekiang Primary School & Kiangsu-Chekiang College (International Section)20 Braemar Hill Road, North PointTel: +852 2570 1281Email: [email protected] Website: www.kcis.edu.hkYear founded: 1993School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); British; IB Diploma

King George V School, English Schools Foundation2 Tin Kwong Road, HomantinTel: +852 2711 3029Email: [email protected] Website: www.kgv.edu.hkYear founded: 1902

School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Diploma, Applied Learning Programme (BTEC qualifications)

Kingston International School Lower Primary Campus113 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, H.K. Tel: +852 2337 9031

Upper Primary Campus105 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, H.K. Tel: +852 2337 9012

Email: [email protected]: www.kingston.edu.hkYear founded: - School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Korean International School55 Lei King Road, Sai Wan HoTel: +852 2569 5500Email: [email protected]: www.kis.edu.hkYear founded: 1994School Type: PrivateCurriculum: US

Kowloon Junior School, English Schools Foundation20 Perth Street, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong KongTel: +852 3765 8700Email: [email protected]: www.kjs.edu.hkYear founded: 1902School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Lantau International SchoolCheung Sha CampusNo. 22, Upper Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong KongTel: +852 2984 0302

Tong Fuk CampusHouse 113, Tong Fuk Village, Lantau, Hong KongTel: +852 2980 3676

Pui O CampusNo. 17-19, Lo Wai Tsuen, Pui O, Lantau Island, Hong KongTel: +852 2984 0302

Email: [email protected]: www.lis.edu.hkYear founded: 1995School Type: PrivateCurriculum: British Curriculum



Mighty Oaks Nursery & Kindergarten1/F, Lungga Mansion, 46A Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong KongTel: 2806 8383Email: [email protected]: www.mightyoaksedu.hkSchool Type: PrivateCurriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage

Mills International PreschoolThe Spectacle, 8 Cho Yuen Street, Yau Tong, Kowloon, Hong KongTel: +852 2717 6336Email: [email protected]: www.millsinternational.edu.hkYear founded: 2013School Type: PrivateCurriculum: UK Early Years Framework

Norwegian International SchoolPrimary School Campus170 Kam Shan Rd., Kam Shan Village, Tai Po, Hong KongTel: +852 2658 0341 Email: [email protected]

Kindergarten Campus175 Kwong Fuk Rd., Tai Po, Hong KongTel: +852 2638 0269Email: [email protected]

Website: nis.edu.hkYear founded: 1984School Type: PrivateCurriculum: International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Australian

Nord Anglia International School11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, KowloonTel: +852 3958 1488Email: [email protected]: www.nais.hkYear founded: 2014School Type: PrivateCurriculum: English National Curriculum

Parkview International Pre-School (Hong Kong)Tower 18, Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Hong KongTel: +852 2812 6023Email: [email protected] Website: www.pips.edu.hkYear founded: 1989School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Parkview International Pre-School (Kowloon)Podium Level, Kowloon Station, 1 Austin Road West, KowloonTel: +852 2812 6801Email: [email protected] Website: www.pips.edu.hkYear founded: 2007School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Peak School, English Schools Foundation20 Plunketts Road, The PeakTel: +852 2849 7211Email: [email protected]: www.ps.edu.hkYear founded: 1902School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Quarry Bay School, English Schools Foundation6 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North PointTel: +852 2566 4242Email: [email protected]: www.qbs.edu.hkYear founded: 1902School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Renaissance College, English Schools Foundation5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On ShanTel: +852 3556 3556Email: [email protected]: www.rchk.edu.hkYear founded: 2006School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma, IB Career-related Certificate

Sear Rogers International School15 Tong Yam Street, Tai Hang Tung, KowloonTel: +852 2547 5479Email: [email protected]

Website: www.srishk.comYear founded: 1982School Type: PrivateCurriculum: British

Sha Tin College, English Schools Foundation3 Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha TinTel: +852 2699 1811Email: [email protected]: www.shatincollege.edu.hkYear founded: 1982School Type: PrivateCurriculum: GCSE/IGCSEs, IB Diploma

Sha Tin Junior School, English Schools Foundation3A Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong KongTel: +852 2692 2721Email: [email protected] Website: www.sjs.edu.hk Year founded: 1988School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IB Primary Years Programme

Singapore International School 23 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen Tel: +852 2872 0266Email: [email protected]: www.singapore.edu.hkYear founded: 1991School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Singapore curriculum, IGCSE, IBDP

South Island School, English Schools Foundation50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, Hong KongTel: +852 2555 9313Email: [email protected]: www.sis.edu.hkYear founded: 1977School Type: PrivateCurriculum: GCSE/IGCSEs, IB Diploma, Applied Learning Programme (BTEC qualifications)

Stamford American School Hong Kong25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man TinTel: 2500 8688Email: [email protected]: www.sais.hkYear founded: 2017School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

The Harbour SchoolMain campus:2/F, 23 Belcher's Street, Kennedy Town, Hong KongTel: +852 2816 5222

Ap Lei Chau campus:The Garden, 138 Lee Chi RoadTel: +852 3708 9060

Email: [email protected]: www.ths.edu.hkYear founded: 2007School Type: PrivateCurriculum: American (AERO standards)

The International Montessori School of Hong KongPhase III Ma Hang Estate, StanleyTel: +852 2772 2468Email: [email protected]: www.ims.edu.hkYear founded: 2002School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Montessori

Think International School117 Boundary Street, Kowloon CityTel: +852 2338 3949Email: [email protected]: www.think.edu.hkYear founded: 2003School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Umah International Primary SchoolFung Chi Tsuen, Wang Chau, Long Ping Road, Yuen LongTel: +852 2446 1258Email: [email protected]: www.umahk.com Year founded: 1996School Type: Private

Victoria Shanghai Academy19 Shum Wan Road, AberdeenTel: +852 3402 1000Email: [email protected]: www.vsa.edu.hkYear founded: 2004School Type: PrivateCurriculum: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP

West Island School, English Schools Foundation250 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong KongTel: +852 2819 1962Email: [email protected]: www.wis.edu.hkYear founded: 1991School Type: PrivateCurriculum: GCSE/IGCSEs, IB Diploma, Applied Learning Programme (BTEC qualifications)

Wilderness International KindergartenGround Floor, 85 Smithfield Rd, Kennedy Town, Hong KongTel: 2595 9066Email: [email protected]: www.wilderness.asiaYear founded: 2017

Woodland Group of Pre-SchoolsSuite 2405 Universal Trade Centre, 3-5A Arbuthnot Road, CentralTel: +852 2559 4855Email: [email protected]: www.woodlandschools.comYear founded: 1978School Type: PrivateCurriculum: Other

Yew Chung International School (YCIS)3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon TongTel: +852 2338 7106Email: [email protected] Website: www.ycis-hk.comYear founded: 1932School Type: PrivateCurriculum: International curriculum based on the framework of the National Curriculum for England Age of Students:Early Childhood Education: 6 months–5 yearsPrimary School (Year 1–6) : 5–11 yearsSecondary School (Year 7–9) : 11–14 yearsIGCSE (Year 10–11) : 14–16 yearsIB Diploma (Year 12–13) : 16–19 yearsHighlight of YCIS Global Education:• A Bilingual focus within a multicultural

environment will give your child the global mindset and intercultural competence they need for the 21st Century.

• Unique Co-Teaching and Co-Principals models help students to learn two cultures and give equal emphasis to both English and Chinese.

• YCIS integrates Character Formation programmes into our curriculum, focusing on developing positive qualities.

• Strong music programme enhances children’s reasoning skills, develops memory span, concentration and coordination.

• YCIS maintains 100% university placement with students admitted to top universities in Hong Kong and overseas.



Ace AcademyCentral branch1305 Universal Trade Center, 3 Arbuthnot RoadTel: 2523 5533

Causeway Bay branch2th Floor, Capital Commercial Building, 26 Leighton RoadTel: 3118 6787Email: [email protected]: www.aceacademy.com

Fairchild Junior Academy22/F Park Commercial Centre, 180 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tin Hau, HKTel: 2898-1611Email: [email protected]: fairchild.academyYear groups: 6 months – Age 4

First Code Academy Unit 302-305, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong KongUnit 404, Kowloon Building, 555 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Email: [email protected]: www.firstcodeacademy.comYear Founded: 2013Year groups: Tinker: Age 6-8Explorer: Age 9-11Creator: Age 12-14App Entrepreneur: 15+

GROWHOUSE in association with London Gifted and Talented Central branchShop G1 & G2, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street / 22 Ice House Street, Central Tel: 3468-7620

Repulse Bay branchG106A & 107A, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong Tel: 2558-2728Email: [email protected] Website: www.growhouse-lgt.comYear Founded: 2015Year groups: Ages 5 – 16

SCAD — the Savannah College of Art and Design292 Tai Po Road, Hong KongTel: 2253 8044Email: [email protected]: scad.edu.hkYear Founded: 2010


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