Categories

    School News: What’s Happening in Hong Kong

    Looking for up-to-date news on schools in Hong Kong? You’ve come to right place! We’ll be sharing the latest happenings in Hong Kong schools. Bookmark this page so you never miss out!

     

    Table of Contents


    The Hong Kong Autism Community Summit 

    Date: Saturday 20 April 2024
    Time: 8:00am – 3:00pm
    Location: The Harbour School (Grove Canpus), 332 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road
    Tickets: Tickets cost $335 and are available from Ticketflap 

    The Hong Kong Autism Community Summit, held at The Harbour School, will gather various stakeholders from across the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ecosystem, including educators, policymakers, professionals, individuals diagnosed with ASD, their families, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and service providers. The summit will feature discussions on a broad array of subjects such as educational methodologies, advancements in ASD research, the evolution of the ASD employment scene, and deepening the collective comprehension of ASD. More details 

    Guidepost Open Day

    Date: Saturday 20 April, 2024 
    Time: 9:00am – 11:45am (varies by location)
    Locations: Guidepost campuses: Causeway Bay, Chai Wan, Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay, Happy Valley, Kennedy Town, Pok Fu Lam. Woodland campuses: Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay Beachside, Sai Kung

    Join the Guidepost Montessori and Woodland Pre-Schools Open House events on Saturday, April 20 to see the Guidepost difference. On campus, you’ll see beautiful learning environments, meet the campus team, and learn more about their authentic Montessori programmes for children age 6 months to 12 years.

    All 11 Guidepost and Woodland campuses across Hong Kong will open for the Open House. This summer, Woodland Pre-Schools will complete the transition to Guidepost, reopening in August as Guidepost Montessori schools. This Open House is a great opportunity to learn more about the transition from Woodland Pre-Schools to Guidepost Montessori, which will bring together the largest community of like-minded young families in Hong Kong, who will receive the best educational program for their children, and the best service experience for parents.

    Attendees at the Open House will get access to exclusive offers for Guidepost Summer Camps, accompanied and unaccompanied programs.


    Nord Anglia International School –
    Hong Kong Beach Clean Up Day

    Date: 21 April 2024, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
    Location: NAISHK Sai Kung campus

    NAISHK Pre-school Sai Kung, in collaboration with Beyond Plastic, invites the community to a vibrant Earth Day Beach Cleanup. This family-centric day in Sai Kung is filled with educational activities, environmental care, and an opportunity to explore the NAISHK waterfront Early Years campus and connect with its dedicated educators. Refreshments will be available to round off a day of meaningful action. Families looking to contribute to their community and the planet are welcome to register and join this spirited event. Register at: https://topschools.link/NAISBeachCleanup

    ● Earth Day Beach Cleanup extravaganza!
    ● Educational activities & eco-action!
    ● Meet NAISHK’s inspiring team in Sai Kung!
    ● Refreshments to celebrate the day!

    Register here


    Croucher Science Week

    Date: 4-12 April 2024

    croucher science week

    Croucher Science Week 2024 is an exciting and accessible festival that brings the wonders of science closer to young people in Hong Kong. From April 4 to April 12, 2024, children of all ages can embark on a journey of imagination, curiosity, and learning. Best of all, it’s completely free!

    During Croucher Science Week, participants can enjoy a wide range of engaging activities. Families can become scientific detectives and solve mysteries together with the Mystery Hunters, who will dazzle them with gravity-defying demonstrations and mind-bending experiments. There’s also a workshop called “Mystery of the mathematical menace” that promises exciting math puzzles for parents and children to solve side by side.

    If you’re a curious mind, get ready to explore new frontiers. Join the experts from the UK’s Royal Institution in the theatrical presentation “Adventures in AI,” where they will demystify the world of artificial intelligence through live experiments and captivating storytelling. You can also discover the impact of engineering on our daily lives in the entertaining show “A rough guide to engineering.” And don’t miss the watch anytime mini show “Super tech to save the planet,” presented by science YouTuber Sophie Ward and science presenter Liv Rhoden, as they unveil the amazing technologies fighting climate change.

    For those who prefer a more immersive experience, Croucher Science Week offers breathtaking videos like “Wild Patagonia: an untouched wilderness” and “Above and beyond: Hong Kong from a drone’s-eye view.” These cinematic journeys will take you to stunning landscapes and showcase the intersection of science and nature. And if you’re feeling crafty, the interactive family workshop “AeroCraft adventure” lets parents and children bond while building their own paper drones and helicopters.

    Registration is now open for all students and schools. By signing up, you’ll gain access to year-round events, receive special collectibles and souvenirs, have the chance to meet renowned scientists, and enjoy priority access to book Croucher events.

    Visit the Croucher Science Week website at https://croucherscienceweek.hk/ to learn more and register.

     

    Hong Kong Academy (HKA) Exploration Day

    Date: Saturday 9 March 2024, 9:15am – 1:15pm.
    Location: Hong Kong Academy, Sai Kung

    The HKA Exploration Day will provide families with first-hand insight into Hong Kong Academy’s teaching, programmes and facilities through free-of-charge workshops and activities for children ages 2 – 13. Explore the campus, meet our welcoming parents and students and get to know our expert faculty. Attendees will also enjoy a mid-year or 2024-25 application fee waiver for applications submitted by 25th March 2024. Register now 



    The SCMP International Schools Festival

    Date: 16 March 2024
    Location: Cordis Hotel

    International School Festival Hong Kong

    Discover the best curriculum fit for your child at SCMP’s International Schools Festival on 16 March at Cordis Hotel.

    Chat with education experts and admissions teams from highly sought-after schools and attend informative sharing sessions to gain first-hand insights in paving the way for your child’s future success.

    Reserve your tickets today, Playtimes readers can get 20% discount! Simply register at Eventbrite with the promo code playtimes. Or click https://bit.ly/3w9GPg2


    The Epsom Experience in Hong Kong

    Date: 17 March 2024
    Location: South China Athletic Association, Causeway Bay

    Epsom College in Malaysia

    Would you like to learn more about Epsom College in Malaysia? Visit the Epsom Experience Day taking place in Hong Kong on 17 March 2024. During the event, children will have the opportunity to try out Epsom’s world-renowned sports academies with short training sessions led by professional coaches from the Mouratoglou Tennis Programme and LALIGA Academy Malaysia. Additionally, you can speak with professional coaches about the school’s successful integration of academic and sports pursuits.

    Read more about Epsom College in Malaysia

    Attendees will also enjoy a presentation on the school and have one-on-one consultations with school representatives to address any questions they may have.

    More Information and to register

     

    Boarding Schools Show Hong Kong

    Date: 21 March 2024
    Location: Wycombe Abbey School, 17 Tin Wan St, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

    The Boarding Schools Show offers a unique opportunity for parents in Hong Kong to connect with admissions directors, renowned heads of leading British boarding schools, and top-notch educational experts from the UK. Offering a vibrant atmosphere where parents can forge invaluable connections, engage in intimate conversations, and gain insights from enlightening seminars including “Boarding School 101: A complete overview” and “Oxbridge and Ivy League: Roadmapping excellence” to help navigate successful transfers into the UK educational system.

    Additionally, the ISS Education Clinic, powered by Bonas MacFarlane Education, provides reliable advice from London’s leading education advisors, offering support in selecting the perfect school. Choose from Family Tickets or Premium Tickets, each offering unique benefits to enhance your experience at the Show.

    Top Schools and Dalton School Live Session: The Future of Schooling: Charting a New Course in HK’s Education Landscape 

    When: 7th March 2024 at 12pm
    Where: Facebook Live
    Link: https://topschools.link/DaltonPTHeadTalk

    Live and unscripted! Pull up a chair for a candid Facebook Live session with Ruth Benny at the helm, direct from Dalton School Hong Kong. She’ll be joined by the sharp minds of Shaun Porter and Russell Cailey. Listen in to a discussion between educational professionals about the Education landscape in Hong Kong and the exciting and trepidatious changes and challenges going into a new era. 


    Woodland’s Unaccompanied Classes

    Let your child experience his first unaccompanied class at the age of 2, with Woodland Pre-Schools’ caring team of teachers who support your child all the way during the transition period.

    Woodland is opening its doors for new afternoon Stepping Stones Classes, an unaccompanied programme for children age 2 to 3, at all its campuses. Offering the same learning experience as their morning classes, enrolling in an afternoon class is definitely a good option with a more affordable tuition fee. The dual-language program encourages independence, social awareness, sensory exploration, and the development of physical and language skills through its play-based approach.

     

    Financial Literacy Webinar

    Are you a teacher and a Night Owl? While this may seem like an oxymoron, if you can manage to stay up late on the 10th of January you will be rewarded! The National Literacy Trust is running a free webinar aimed at secondary phase teachers who wish to develop their understanding and confidence in discussing financial topics in the classroom through the power of literacy. The 60-minute webinar, which will be delivered by the Trust’s specialist secondary advisory team, was inspired by a 2019 Trust report finding that literacy skills are essential in helping young people unlock their financial resilience. Simply register at ttps://literacytrust.org.uk/events and you’ll be sent a confirmation email with a Zoom link to join the event.

     

    EDUTech Asia to focus on Achieving Inclusive Education Across Asia

    Over 8,000 educators, 400 speakers and 200 EdTech providers will visit The EDUtech Asia Policy Summit on November 9th, 2023 to discuss to address the crucial elements required to ensure inclusive, equitable, and accessible education across Asia. The summit brings together leading policymakers and educators from various Asian countries to discuss and devise effective strategies. Key topics include the adoption of technology in schools and universities, government policies to support the education sector, vocational education standards, innovative pedagogical approaches, fostering digital skills, the role of artificial intelligence in education, and nurturing quality teachers. The summit is a closed-door event for government delegations and key stakeholders in the education sector. It is held alongside the main EDUtech Asia 2023 conference and expo, which provides a platform for education leaders, EdTech enthusiasts, and solution providers to share their successes and explore the future of education in the digital age.

     

    Hong Kong Academy Fee Reduction for Pre-Kindergarten

    Hong Kong Academy has announced a reduction in Pre-Kindergarten Application and Tuition Fees starting from August 2023. The new fees are $1,500 for the application fee and $109,000 per annum for tuition fees, billed on a semesterly basis.

    Applications are now open for a August 2024 start date, with limited spaces available for mid-year 2023/24 entry. Interested families are encouraged to visit the school for personalised tours.

    The school’s Pre-Kindergarten programme is for children aged 3-5 years and offers a 4.5-hour daily programme. Classes are limited to 18 students, with two qualified teachers providing individualised instruction. The programme also includes specialist activities and a dual-language environment. The school’s learning spaces include indoor and outdoor areas for exploration and play.

     

    School Open days in October

    The Woodland Montessori Pre-School (Caine Road and Sai Kung)

    Date: Saturday, 7 October
    Time: 9:00 -12.00 pm
    Address: Mid-Levels – On Fung Building, 110-118 Caine Road, Mid Levels;
    Sai Kung – Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung
    Beachside – 2/F, 35 Beach Road Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

    Oxbridge School

    Date: Saturday, 7 October
    Time: 2:30pm
    Address: G/F & 1/F, Star Ruby, 1 San Wai Street, Hung Hom

     

    Hong Kong Academy Exploration Day

    Date: Saturday, 14 October
    Time: 9.15-1.15pm
    Address: Hong Kong Academy,  33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung
    Register here

    The HKA Exploration Day will provide families with first-hand insight into Hong Kong Academy’s teaching, programmes and facilities. It features specialist activities and faculty-led workshops and allows parents the opportunity to meet faculty, students and current parents to discover what it feels like to be part of the HKA community. Attendees are eligible for ​Application Fee waiver for applications submitted by 31st October 2023*

     

    ESF Application Window Opens

    English Schools Foundation (ESF) has opened its central recruitment window for 2024/25 – inviting applications from parents for all of its 22 schools. Families can apply for August 2024 places in the first year of Kindergarten (K1), the first year of Primary School (Year 1) or the first year of Secondary School (Year 7) until the end of September. This is the first year of applications without a zoning requirement in place, meaning that families can apply to any ESF school – not just the schools allocated to the specific geographic zone in which they live. ESF has launched a new admissions website  and has introduced a new priority interview category for people new to Hong Kong under the government’s Top Talent Pass scheme.

    Merit-based Scholarships at Hong Kong Academy

    Hong Kong Academy is offering merit-based scholarships for new Secondary School students enrolling in August 2024. Eligible applicants must be applying to enter Grade 6 to 10 as new students, with excellent academic grades and evidence of excellence in fields such as mathematics, STEAM, languages, and more. The scholarships range in value from HK$75,000 towards tuition fees to full tuition fees and capital levy waiver. The application window is open from 1st September to 30th November, with offers made in December. For more information, visit the school’s scholarship page or contact the admissions team. www.hkacademy.edu.h

    Find out more – Meet the Head of Australian International School 

    South China Morning Post International Schools Festival

    Date: 23 September 2023

    The International Schools Festival provides a platform to connect local and expat parents and their children with leading international and private schools and learning centres in Hong Kong. In addition to visiting the booths of more than 20 highly-sought-after international schools at the venue, you are invited to attend a Future of Education Conference, taking place concurrently with the festival, to get first-hand insights and admission tips from school representatives.

    Sessions include:
    ● The curriculum: EYFS, Montessori, IB and more?
    ● Save, spend and give: How to teach practical money-smart lessons
    ● After-school activities: More or less is good?
    ● Drill or chill: How to prepare for a primary admissions interview

    The Future of Education sessions are only open to premium ticket holders and seats are limited. Reserve your premium tickets with a 50% off discount (original price: HK$100). Register Now

     

    ESF Sports & Language becomes ESF Explore

    ESF Sports & Language has been rebranded as ESF Explore, reflecting its expanded educational offerings. The new brand positioning, “Inspire and Explore: Learn. Create. Grow.,” highlights the broader focus of education at ESF. The rebrand includes a new name, logo, and messaging strategy, symbolizing the company’s progressive vision and diverse educational activities.

    Eight ESF Students Score a perfect 45 in IB

    Eight students from schools within the English School’s Foundation scored the maximum 45 points in their IB. The pupils come from ESF Island School, ESF King George V School, ESF Renaissance College and ESF Sha Tin College

    German Swiss International School IB results

    Two-thirds of graduating students from the English International Stream at German Swiss International School (GSIS) achieved 40 points or more in they IB examinations. Ten students achieved 43 or 44 points and one student achieve the maximum 45 points. Five of these students were awarded a Bilingual Diploma. In the German International Stream, the average score in the German International Abitur (DIA) was 1.78, which is equivalent to approximately 38 points in the IB. This is the highest score out of all the German Schools Abroad which is 135 within the network.

    Hong Kong Academy (HKA) Announces New Head of School

    Hong Kong Academy recently announced the successful completion of its Head of School search process. The school’s preferred candidate, Kasson Bratton, has accepted the offer to join HKA in July 2024. Kasson is currently the Deputy Head of School and Director of Learning at Nanjing International School in China, where he has worked for the past nine years. Kasson’s understanding of the international school ecosystem in East Asia, leadership infusing global citizenship into the curriculum and commitment to cultivating rigorous and inclusive learning communities strongly align with HKA’s mission and vision for our next stages of development.
     

    ICHK Joins the Alliance of Sustainable Schools

    The Alliance of Sustainable Schools is a network of schools within Hong Kong and globally that seeks sustainable solutions in how they operate. Member schools recognise the seriousness of the ecological crisis – including climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution and water scarcity. ICHK has now officially joined.

    The Standard International Schools Fair

    Date: 2 September 2023

    If you’re still searching for the right international school to begin your child’s education, check out The Standard International Schools Fair at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Representatives from many of Hong Kong’s finest international educational institutions will be on hand to provide expert guidance. Among schools in attendance are American School Hong Kong; Bloom KKCA Academy; English Schools Foundation; German Swiss International School Hong Kong; Hong Kong Academy; Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong; Oxbridge School Hong Kong; Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong. There will be panel discussions; coding sessions by The Genius Workshop and pop-up photo shoot experiences by Venture Studios. Registration

    Experience a Day at Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK)!

    Australian International School Hong Kong provides a learning environment which balances academic success with wellbeing. It is the only school in Hong Kong to offer the choice of either the IB Diploma or the New South Wales Higher Certificate (NSW HSC) in senior secondary years, providing a balanced education and global university and career destinations.

    Find out more! AISHK invites parents to enjoy a special school tour of its award-winning campus, whilst your child enjoys an engaging class andactivities with the teachers. The session is free of charge! The Experience A Day in Primary session, for students who are currently in Years 3-6, runs on Wednesday 23 August, while the Experience A Day in Secondary, for students who are currently in Years 7-10, runs on Wednesday 30 August.

    To express your interest in attending these events, please contact [email protected].

     

    Fast Track your kids into French International School

    French International School (FIS) is a through-train school that offers bilingual education immersed in French culture. At FIS your children will embark on a learning adventure in an inclusive and supportive environment. They will be nurtured throughout their educational journey and helped to achieve their full potential.

    Worried you missed the boat on applying? Don’t be. If you’re interested in French International School for your child, you can fast track your enrolment through the Chai Wan Campus. Apply now and your application can be processed through to an offer WITHIN TWO WEEKS! www.fis.edu.hk

    ESF Zoning

    For as long as anyone can remember, The English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools have operated under a catchment area system, where the location of a student’s residence dictated which school they could apply to within the ESF community. This zoning has now been scrapped, meaning that from 1 August families can apply for any of ESF’s 22 schools, regardless of where they live. Parents who are already in the application process will be contacted and offered the chance to revise their choice of schools. www.esf.org.hk

     

    Nord Anglia Early Years Virtual Open Day, 18 May

    Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS) is a through-train school known for its warm and friendly global community made up of over 40 nationalities. NAIS educates children for the future, enhancing its curriculum through collaborations with the world’s best organisations including MIT and Juilliard.

    Founded on the highest academic standards, NAIS offers a personalised education which enables your child to achieve outstanding success.

    Join Nord Anglia for an Early Years Virtual Open Day on 18th May 2023 to learn more about the Sai Kung Pre-school and admissions process.

    The live stream will include presentations from the Principal and Head of Early Years, Overview of the school and you’ll have a chance to see the beautiful Sai Kung campus and ask questions in the Live Q&A session.

    Register here.

     

    International Schools Fair, Saturday 15 April

    Head to the International Schools Fair to meet experts in the education sector. Running 10:00am – 4:00pm at the JW Marriott Hotel in Admiralty, the fair hosts top international schools in Hong Kong, as well as relevant educational companies, who are on hand to provide up-to-date information and advice on the International school system. Seven information sessions will take place, as well as art, science and life skills workshops led by NovaLearn. There will also be a free coding and robotics session by The Genius Workshop, a pop-up photo shoot experience by Venture Studio and a vision screening test for children by Clarity Myopia Control Centre. Free admission is on a first-come basis. Register NOW and attend the Fair for a chance to WIN a pair of admission tickets of Water World, Ocean Park! *5 winners will be chosen from the best answers to a prize quiz held at the Fair.

    Jerudong International School (JIS) Brunei Darussalam

    Is a possible move to Brunei on the cards? Or are you considering an overseas boarding school for your children? Jerudong International School (JIS), located in Brunei, has just been awarded Patron’s Accredited Member Status by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) having met accreditation and compliance standards across all 10 standards. In addition, it is the first school in the world to be awarded Beacon Status in 3 areas: Standard 2: Student Welfare; Standard 6: Boarding; Standard 10: Extra-Curricular, Enrichment and Engagement. www.JerudongInternationalSchool.com


    Kellett School awarded ‘Outstanding’ by British Schools Overseas 

    Kellett School has been given an award of ‘outstanding’ across all categories assessed by British Schools Overseas (BSO), in all phases from Reception, Prep, Senior to Sixth Form. BSO noted, “Kellett School is an outstanding school and provides an outstanding quality education for pupils.” Kellett Principal & CEO, Mark Steed, expressed his delight at the BSO’s assessment, “This is a huge testament to the dedication of the staff. The school is in great shape and it’s really pleasing to have that affirmed by such a distinguished inspection team. We are truly delighted with this outstanding report that places Kellett amongst the finest schools in the world.” 

    British Boarding Schools Show, 23 March

    Taking place on 23 March at Wycombe Abbey, the British Boarding Schools Show offers parents the opportunity to meet staff from some of the most prestigious British boarding schools, as well as leading educational experts from the UK. Find out about entry requirements, scholarships and bursaries, and get answers to specific questions at the British Boarding Schools Show. www.schoolsshow.co.uk/event/hong-kong

    American School Hong Kong Fun Day, 25 March

    Learn, Play, and Explore at the American School Hong Kong’s Fun Day on Saturday 25 March. There will be game booths, inflatables, hand/face painting, performances, arts and crafts, and other fun teacher-led activities for children to enjoy. Parents can join information sessions led by the school’s leadership team and discover the teaching philosophy of ASHK. Entry is free, and certain activity tokens can be purchased at the reception. Join us in either the AM Session 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or PM Session 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more details, check out the event page at www.ashk.edu.hk/admissions/experience-ashk-2023.

    The Secrets of Getting 25 Offers from the World’s Top Universities,
    25 March

    To celebrate the excitement of its 10th anniversary, Crimson Education is hosting a free seminar on 25 Mar 2023 (Saturday). Jamie Beaton, the co-founder of Crimson and who graduated Magna Cum Laude at Harvard University will share insights into how he secured 25 multiple offers from the top universities and answer questions from Hong Kong parents about the misconceptions about university admissions.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the brightest young entrepreneurs and educators of our time!

    Exclusive registration invitation for Playtimes readers. Register now while seats last. The seminar runs 3:15-4:15 on 25th March

    International Schools Festival, 11 March

    Meet with over 30 Hong Kong international schools under one roof at the International Schools Festival at Cordis Hong Kong on 11 March. Visitors will be able to garner valuable information on difference curricula, admission procedures and interview tips. Register here to Get a free ticket. Or purchase tickers via www.eventbrite.hk

    Open House: Shrewsbury Hong Kong

    Learn more about the outstanding opportunities and unique experiences enjoyed daily by Shrewsbury students. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with Principal, Mr .Ben Keeling, and members of the Senior Leadership Team following a full tour of Shrewsbury’s purpose-built campus. Sign up to attend the  open house on Saturday, 25 February 9:00 – 12:00 pm.

    Children’s Mental Health Webinar, 10 February

    The team at Woodland Pre-Schools have arranged a live webinar tackling the hugely important subject of children’s mental health. The webinar is open to any parents and will take place on 10 February at 4:00pm-5:00pm. To register visit 

    ESF Island School Rebuilt Campus Officially Opens

    ESF Island School was officially opened today (11 January 2023) by The Secretary for Education Dr Christine Choi Yuk-lin, JP, following a nine-year project to transform the historic Borrett Road campus. The ‘new’ campus is built over eight floors and covers over 24,000 square meters. It boasts 42 state-of-the-art classrooms and 13 laboratories, a four-storey outdoor climbing wall, a double-court sports hall, a dedicated performance space and an eight-lane indoor swimming pool.

    American School Hong Kong Awarded: Global Citizenship

    American School Hong Kong (ASHK) international baccalaureate diploma (IBDP) student received the EARCOS 2022 Global Citizenship Award! They were also selected to join the Take the World Forward Fellowship program in collaboration with organizations at Harvard and MIT. The EARCOS Global Citizenship Award is presented to a student who is a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, has an open mind, is well-informed, aware, and empathetic, concerned and caring for others, encourages a sense of community, and is strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. The ASHK Mission & Vision empowers students to become responsible global citizens who excel and build a global community. (Posted 9 December 2022). www.ashk.edu.hk

    Education & Careers Expo

    Running 2-5 February, 2023 at the Exhibition Centre, the Education & Careers Expo features a variety of zones, including the Education Zone, which connects colleges, universities and language schools with potential students. Entry is free. https://event.hktdc.com/

    International Schools Festival 2023

    Connecting parents with international and private schools, the International Schools Festival takes place on Saturday 11 March, 2023 at the Cordis Hotel. It will also feature a selection of panel discussions. www.internationalschoolsfestival.com

    Hong Kong International Literary Festival

    2023 is a year of change for the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. The event moves to 6 – 12 March 2023 in the calendar and combines with another popular festival – the Young Readers Festival. More details are still to be released, but the event, which is the first festival under a new executive director, promises to be the best yet. www.festival.org.hk

    Accelerate German language learning at GSIS

    German Swiss International School has two programmes to accelerate German language learning. The CLIPPY programme (Cultural and Language Integration Programme in Primary Years) and Fast Track Secondary programme are accelerated language and learning curriculum, suitable for students with no prior knowledge of German. Students receive the globally recognised International Abitur, a college preparatory diploma that is accepted by top universities in Europe, USA, Canada, and UK.

    Harrow Hong Kong 450th Music Concert

    Harrow Hong Kong recently hosted a 450th Music Concert to celebrate the 450 years since Queen Elizabeth I granted John Lyon a charter to open a school for ‘local’ boys in Harrow, North London. Harrow boasts an impressive musical heritage, with traditions such as the Harrow song book with songs sung across the schools and intricately coordinated music productions showcasing the flair and skills of our pupils.

    Special Needs Network Hong Kong: Secondary Education Options

    Special Needs Network Hong Kong (SNNHK) is excited to bring you their first event of the new academic year focusing on Secondary education. This panel discussion on Tuesday 25 October aims to help parents and caregivers navigate the various options, processes, availability and application process of secondary school places for SEN students. SNNHK’s expert panel of speakers includes:

    • Kathryn Lung, Head of Learning Support, ICHK;
    • Franky Poon, Principal, HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School;
    • Trisha Tran, Parent & Advocate and Co-founder of HopeShare;
    • Dr Gail Wright, Head of Individual Needs, West Island School; and
    • Nicki Ward, Senior Manager – Strategy and Planning, English Schools Foundation

    Webinar Time & Location
    25 Oct, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm HKT

    Sign up on the SNNHK website to attend.

    2022 IB Results For Hong Kong Students – Top Scores

    Even with the disruptions to education the past couple years, Hong Kong students have persevered. This year saw over 2,200 students in Hong Kong from 31 schools take the International Baccalaureate exam with excellent results. There were 93 students who achieved top scores! Of these top scoring students, 36 were from the English Schools Foundation (ESF), 12 from St Paul’s, five from Diocesan Boys’ School in Mong Kok, five from German Swiss International School, five from Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School, four from Canadian International School, four from The Independent Schools Foundation Academy, three from Singapore International School (Hong Kong), two from Elsa High School, two from Yew Chung International, two from The Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union Logos Academy, two from Creative Secondary School, two from French International School, two from HKCCCU Logos Academy, two from Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong and one from Victoria Shanghai Academy. Top Schools shows a live, updated school chart with score details.

    ESF’s full results:

     ESF results
    (May 2022)
    Worldwide results
    (May 2021)*
    45 points36 students (4.3%)1,351 students (1.7%)
    44 points62 students (7.4%)2,093 students (2.7%)
    40 points or more391 students (46.3%)16,284 students (18.4%)
    35 points or more663 students (75.0%)38,998 students (44.1%)
    30 points or more782 students (92.7%)62,844 students (71.0%)
    Students awarded the Diploma (24 points or more)836 students (99.1%)78,735 students (89.0%)
    Average point scores for all IB Diploma students37.933.0

    Global Citizen Diplomas at Hong Kong Academy

    Hong Kong Academy’s graduating class were recently awarded their Global Citizen Diplomas (GCD). HKA is the only school in Hong Kong to offer the GCD, one of three credentials their graduates can earn. The class of 2022 have offers from prestigious universities such as Brown in the US and Durham in the UK.

    Secondary Schools Education Forum

    Date: June 11, 10.00am-4.00pm
    Location: JW Marriott Hong Kong

    Trying to decide which Hong Kong-based International Secondary School would best suit your child? The Secondary Schools Education Forum offers the chance to meet with educators from some of the most respected Internationals schools in Hong Kong to learn about their curriculum, ask questions and gain practical tips. Register here

    Government Declares Early Summer Holiday

    Chief Exec Carrie Lam announced this week Hong Kong students will have early summer break (March/April 2022) rather than wait until the usual summer holiday starting in July. The aim of this is to utilise schools for Covid-19 testing, vaccination and isolation purposes. This means all classes, even online ones, for kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools, including international schools, will be suspended until at least after the Easter break in mid April. After which time it would be safe to return to school. Universities, aka tertiary institutions, are not included in this class suspension arrangement. The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education exams may still take place as scheduled on 22 April. The EDB has invited intonational schools to a meeting today to discuss possible options.

    EDB Announces Details of Vaccination Programme For Students Aged 5-17

    According to the EDB, children aged 5 to 11 may now receive the Sinovac vaccine. From 16 February 2022, children may receive the BioNTech vaccine at the Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC).

    Also, the EDB has announced that schools can resume whole-day face-to-face classes if: 70% or more of the teachers and school staff (including teaching and non-teaching staff) directly employed by the school have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for more than 14 days; and 70% or more of the students aged 5 to 17 in the whole school have received one of the following vaccines for more than 14 days: 1 dose of BioNTech or 2 doses of Sinovac.

    However, if schools “cannot achieve the above requirements for whole school to resume whole-day face-to-face classes, but the number of such students in an individual class level can meet the above requirements,” the EDB will allow the schools concerned to arrange whole-day face-to-face classes and other activities for students in that particular class level.

    Kindergartens & Primary Schools To Stop In-Person Classes

    All playgroups, kindergartens and primary schools in Hong Kong are set to stop in-person classes by January 14 2022, because of concerns about COVID-19. Classes are set to resume after the Chinese New Year break.

    The ESF University Fair

    The online event aims at providing ESF Year 12 students with information on higher education destinations. Each year, over 100 institutions from all around the world send representatives to the Fair. It’s a great opportunity for students to get a better understanding of universities or countries they may be interested in, and for universities to get to know ESF schools and their students.

    When: 22 January (online)

    For more information, visit the website.

    The International Schools Festival

    Interact with representatives from 30 of Hong Kong’s most highly-regarded international and private schools at the International Schools Festival at the Cordis Hotel on 12 March 2022. Parents will be able to get a better understanding of the schools’ teaching styles and cultures and receive in-depth answers to questions specific to their child. Practical advice will also be given regarding the different curricula, the admissions process and how to tackle interviews.

    When: 12 March 2022

    Where: Cordis Hotel Hong Kong

    For more information, go to the website.

    Kellet School Awarded Patron’s Accredited Membership

    Kellet School has joined just six schools in Asia and is the first in Hong Kong to be awarded Patron’s Accredited Membership. The school has also been awarded Beacon School status, which is awarded for excellence and identifies the school as “an example of best-practice for other schools to learn.”

    Oxbridge School

    The recently-opened Oxbridge School, an international primary school in Kowloon, offers a British education for children ages 5 to 11. Class sizes will be kept small (maximum of 15 children) and taught by subject specialists. The campus boasts a bright, modern and inspiring place to learn with a Learning Hub library facility, well-equipped classrooms, specialist teaching rooms and a dedicated Gifted and Special Needs centre. They also have on-site play areas and excellent facilities nearby for sporting activities.

    Find out more information about Oxbridge School here.

    New Early Years Programme at French International School

    French International School has announced an exciting new Early Years Programme in Chai Wan. Children will encounter a rich variety of learning experiences, giving them a firm foundation to build on as they move on to Primary and beyond in this top, dual-stream international school.

    Apply for the new programme here.

    Retykle’s School Uniform Recycling Scheme

    Retykle and The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS) recently launched a pilot project that aims to address the issue of school uniform waste. Pre-loved uniforms for ISF Academy and Kellet School are for sale on Retykle’s online platform. The pilot will run until June and, if successful, hopefully additional schools will be added to the scheme.

    For more information and to shop the items, click here.

    Related articles:

     

     

    FEATURED

    Subscribe to our newsletter!

    Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, views and giveaways in Hong Kong

    spot_img