Expat Parent School Guide Sep 2017

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SCHOOLS

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FAMILY

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ACTIVITIES

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FUN

Schools Guide

September 2017

Hong Kong edition

SCHOOL REPORTS Which one will make your grade?

Talking Heads Principals reveal their secrets

After-school activities and adventures

Exclusive insights into education Hong-Kong style

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Expat Parent

September 2017

Schools Guide Hong Kong edition

4 New schools

A round-up of Hong Kong’s newest international schools.

14 Boarding school

We talk to parents whose children have gone away to school.

18 School for one

p.6

Find out how one Hong Konger is out to revolutionise the way children are taught.

p.38

24 School visits

Exclusive entry into Hong Kong’s schools.

26 Kindergarten 32 Primary 42 All-through and secondary

58 After-school activities

Fun things to do in your spare time.

64 Tuition

Our pick of tuition centres and private tutors.

69 Family fun

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Exciting activities to keep everybody happy.

p.69

74 Directory

School listings.

80 Last words

Principals share their secrets.

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p.44

“Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela Expat Parent Schools Guide | 1

Editor’s letter

Expat Parent

Schools Guide Hong Kong edition

Publisher

tom@hongkongliving.com

T

Tom Hilditch

Editorial

editorial@hongkongliving.com

Editor Adele Brunner

Editor-in-chief Shreena Patel

Contributing editor Eric Ho

Contributing editor Catharina Cheung

Design

cindy@hongkongliving.com

Design Manager Cindy Suen

Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz

ads@hongkongliving.com

Sales and Marketing Executive Venus Man Rebecca Simpson

Sales and Marketing Executive Kiran Hiranandani

Sales and Marketing Executive Isamonia Chui

Office Manager

Digital

amanda@hongkongliving.com

cora@hongkongliving.com

Carolynne Dear

Contributors Evie Burrows-Taylor Jai Rane Julia Poon Kate Davies Kate Farr Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

Office Manager Amanda Chia

for their kids (page 14) as well as from Natalie Chan, who is on a mission to revolutionise education (page 18).

Plus, we have loads of ideas for extracurricular activities (page 58) and fun things to do for all the family (page 69).

Most of us parents simply want our children to be happy, well-rounded individuals, who at some point will be be able to financially support themselves. So whatever age and stage your child or children are at, we wish them (and you) every success this academic year.

Our School Writers

Sales & Marketing

Sales Director Hilda Chan

hink back to your own childhood. What you did after school and at weekends might all be a bit fuzzy but chances are you’ll clearly remember all about school itself... your favourite teachers, the lessons you loved and loathed, who were the coolest/geekiest/sportiest/smelliest kids.

Which is why we understand that choosing schools for your children is a big deal. Where you decide to send them will be a contributory factor in shaping their personalities, in how they learn and perceive learning and how they socialise.

So welcome to Expat Parent’s third annual schools guide. We have tried to compile a comprehensive and hopefully helpful roundup of Hong Kong’s education scene. And what a lot there is currently going on. Check out Spoilt for Choice on page 4 for the low down on the territory’s newest schools and then read on to discover what lies beyond the gates of some of Hong Kong’s more established kindergartens, primary and secondary schools (School Visits, from page 24). If you don’t see your school in these sections, it doesn’t mean we don’t rate it - just that we don’t have the space to mention all the wonderful places on offer.

The key is finding a school that works for your child. We hear from parents who decided the overseas boarding school route was an ideal fit

Digital Assistant Cora Chan

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Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Mawgan Batt

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent Schools Guide is published by Hong Kong Living Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication.

The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent Schools Guide cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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new schools

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

More new schools are opening this year and next than ever before in Hong Kong. Here are the cream of the crop

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new schools

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new schools

Shrewsbury International School

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stablished under Royal Charter in 1552, Shrewsbury School, one of England’s oldest independent schools, is coming to Hong Kong. The campus will be based in Tseung Kwan O, a short walk from Lohas Park MTR station. Already accepting applications for 2018, its first intake of students will start in August 2018.

A primary specialist setting within a purpose-built facility, Shrewsbury offers a wide range of learning spaces and construction is well on track for completion. “Our facilities will offer an exceptional range of opportunities for children between the ages of three and 11,” says founding principal Ben Keeling, formerly of Kellett School.

All six floors now in place, internal work is due to begin shortly. Tours of the school will take place with families on roll in April 2018.

A personalised transition service ensures that all graduating children are placed into senior settings that are neatly matched to their academic and social profile. “We meet 6 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

with all families at the beginning of Year 4,” shares Keeling. “Careful analysis of the options available allows us to identify, select and then support application for a school best placed to support each individual child. We see great benefit in such personal attention.”

With a range of senior connections both in and beyond Hong Kong already in place, it seems that parents will have a great range of options to choose from. “Whether selecting A-Levels, the IB Diploma or the High School Diploma, every child deserves to be placed into a system that allows them to thrive,” Keeling confirms.

The centrally located Admissions Office is open between 9am and 6.30pm and parents are advised to make early contact with the school team in order to successfully secure places for the coming academic year. Tuition fees are expected to be set at $137,000 for Nursery, $147,000 for Reception and $169,000 for Year 1 and above.

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For details, email enquiries@shrewsbury.hk or see shrewsbury.hk.

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new schools

French International School

In the past decade Hong Kong has seen an influx of French professionals, and their families, to the city. So it comes as no surprise that the French International School (FIS) is expanding. In 2018, the school will throw open its doors at a new campus in Tseung Kwan O, increasing in size to accommodate over 3,000 students across multiple campuses.

FIS currently boasts four campuses in Hong Kong and runs two streams of education – the French stream and the International stream. The

new state-of-the-art Tseung Kwan O campus will cater for both and give students the chance to learn side-by-side. The campus is being pegged as one of the most innovative and green schools in the city with a “villa concept” at the core of its design. While classes from both streams will share the villa space, a large central shared area with retractable walls will allow all students and staff to mix and mingle in the hope of greater fluidity between the streams.

The new Tseung Kwan O campus will see

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the school deliver a new level of sustainable building design and integration throughout the new campus. It will feature a botanical garden with native Hong Kong flora for students and the community to share sustainable development projects and activities. This eco garden will be maintained by the student body. The campus will also serve the local community, allowing access and shared facilities for the immediate community out of school hours.

For more information, visit fis.edu.hk.

Mount Kelly International School Mount Kelly School Hong Kong, which opened its doors this month, is the first overseas campus for the prestigious British boarding school and Hong Kong’s first stand-alone British preparatory school.

The school has three campuses in Hong Kong: a kindergarten in Tsim Sha Tsui; an International preschool in Jordan and a fully co-educational day school for Year 1 to 6 in Hung Hom Bay. Furthermore, the school’s New Territories campus for students from Year 1 to 8 is due to be completed by September 2018. Parents who are looking for a seamless transition in education for their children will be pleased to hear that students graduating from Year 8 and interested in studying abroad are expected to be offered a guaranteed placement at Mount Kelly in the UK. The school’s curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and has been endorsed by the UK Department of Education via the Secretary of State for Education. Small class sizes (the average teacher:student ratio at the prep school is 1:18) and extended school days allow for a broad curriculum, which culminates in students sitting the Common Entrance exam, the UK school’s benchmark 8 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

NOW OPEN

exam. This allows students to move onto UK schools or remain within the international school system in Hong Kong or abroad. The school also emphasises a balance of academic work and extra-curricular activities.

School fees start from $155,000 per year for students in Years 1 and 2; $165,000 for Years 3 and 4 and $175,000 for Years 5 and 6.

Applicants without an Individual Nomination Certificate (INC) or Corporate Nomination Certificate (CNC) are required to pay an annual Capital Levy of $50,000 per student. INC and CNC for 2016-2017 entry stand at $1.92 million per child and $5 million for three children.

Visit mountkelly.com.hk for further details.

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new schools

Malvern College While Malvern College Pre-School welcomes its first cohort of young students to its Olympicbased campus this year, the celebrated British institution’s site in Tai Po is on track for a September 2018 opening.

The purpose-built school, which covers six floors, and the main roof structure of the school have been completed so far. Originally founded in the rolling hills of Worcestershire, UK, in 1865, the Hong Kong branch will be based in leafy Tai Po, adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park, and has appointed Dr Robin Lister, former senior deputy head of the UK school, as founding headmaster. It will offer 960 places for primary and secondary students, aged five to 18 years, with an overall teacher/student ratio of 1:10.

The school will teach the full International Baccalaureate, with an emphasis on mathematics and science, and compulsory English and Chinese (including a collaboration with Beijing Normal University on Chinese Language learning techniques) throughout primary and secondary. However, the education of the “whole child” is at the heart of Malvern College’s ethos.

“Academics are of course important, but not exclusive,” says Lister. “I am a strong proponent of an holistic education, educating the whole child, not just the academic child.”

OPEN 2018

Extra-curricular activities, for example, will be central to the school day, not just an add-on after the bell rings. Where sport is concerned, there will be inter-house competitions and the school is keen to make its mark on the wider Hong Kong school sporting leagues.

Although maintaining day-school hours, the school will be run with a boarding school ethos. Students will divided into “houses” with designated house masters or mistresses, plus

Spanish International School It’s bienvenidos to the territory’s first Spanish International school, which is welcoming its first students this month. Located in a formerly derelict village school south of Pat Sin Leng Country Park in Tai Po, the 130,000 square foot building has undergone substantial renovation to include a brand new football pitch, basketball, tennis and badminton courts, a playground, gardening area, sandplay, music room, art room and ten classrooms.

Kindergarten and primary students in K1, K2, P1 and P2 classes are the first to benefit from the new facilities but the school will eventually expand to include the whole of primary and secondary, with a weekly boarding option for senior students. The next building phase in three years’ time will eventually feature a whole new teaching block.

The school follows the English National Curriculum with modification, including Key

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Stages One and Two curricula and assessment in Years 2 and 6. Class sizes are capped at 20 students and principal Adriana Chen plans on eventually introducing the Middle Years Programme, IGCSEs and IB Diploma for secondary students.

The school is adopting an immersive language-learning programme, which means on top of language classes, non-language based foundation classes are also taught in each of the three languages. English is the main medium of instruction at 40%, complemented by a 30/30 split of Spanish and Mandarin. All three languages are used interchangeably at morning assembly and school events and meetings. Fees start from $105,000/annum for Years 1 to 3 and $115,000 for Years 4 to 6.

For information, contact admissions@spis. com.hk or visit spis.com.hk.

personal tutors to monitor every student as they progress. Academically strong students will be offered “stretch” classes, and if any students are found to be struggling, personal programmes will be set up to support them. Fees will be about $148,000/annum, subject to Education Bureau approval.

Contact info@malverncollege.org.hk or visit malverncollege.org.hk.

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Stamford American School Nestled in bustling Ho Man Tin is the campus for Hong Kong’s latest educational newby, Stamford American School Hong Kong, which opened this month. The initial intake is being capped at around 400, from age five to 13 years, but it is hoping to become a through-school by 2021, with about 800 pupils. Described as a “small, city school”, Stamford is different from many other Hong Kong schools in that it owns the building. This means it can manage its intake of students without government interference and is aiming for an approximate make up of one-third local, one-third mainland and one-third overseas passport holders.

Stamford’s curriculum will be based firmly on enquiry-based learning and STEMinn education will be incorporated from pre-primary all the way through to final years. STEMinn is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation using an integrated approach.

Every classroom will be equipped with its

HKCA Po Leung Kuk School

New private primary school HKCA Po Leung Kuk School in Tin Hau opened last month with 180 pupils in Grades 1-3 (ages six to eight years).

In keeping with its natural surroundings, the school’s design has incorporated earth tones and bamboo leaves, and included the addition of dedicated spaces for music and art.

“We have been overwhelmed with the positive response and have met some wonderful families,” said founding principal David Priest.

“We are seeking international and internationally minded families who will share a sense of pride and belonging to the school.”

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Priest has been engaging with local kindergarten principals and secondary schools to aid a seamless transition into and out of the primary school.

HKCA Po Leung Kuk School will implement the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) curriculum framework, with authorisation targeted for 2019/2020. The school is inclusive and non-selective. Fees are $89,800/ year with no annual levy, no debenture and no quota for foreign/local passports.

For more details, visit plkis.edu.hk.

own library, with between 1,000 and 1,500 books per class. That way students don’t have to wait for a designated library lesson once a week to exchange books.

While encouraging self-learning, the school will also be keeping a close eye on progress. All students will undergo regular MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) testing in maths, English and science, an external assessment programme that measures where the child is placed in their learning group. Children will also be given a levelled reading assessment. By the end of the year, teachers and parents will be able to see exactly how the child has progressed.

In terms of languages, the school aims to have every student fluent in two languages by the time they graduate. A choice of two languages is offered, simplified Mandarin and Spanish, with four proficiency levels for each language.

Contact admissions@sais.edu.hk, call 2500 8688 or visit sais.edu.hk.

Chinese Academy This new private primary school on Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, is another learning establishment to make its debut this month.

Established jointly by Confucius Hall of Hong Kong and the International Chinese Academy Education Foundation (ICAEF),which aims to “revitalise and globalise traditional Chinese culture to cope with Hong Kong and Greater China’s ascendancy on the global stage”, the Chinese Academy is offering a fusion of Chinese principles and modern Western systems. The Hong Kong school will be coeducational, with bilingual immersion teaching in Chinese and English.

The campus will be completed in two stages so that facilities will eventually include a swimming pool, multimedia library, contemplation hall, visual arts centre, STEM lab, sports stadium and performing arts centre.

Fees are $112,000 for the 2017/18 academic year, with a capital levy of $36,000.

For further details, contact the school on 2499 8000 or visit caps.org.hk. sg

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boarding school

No turning back

The tuck box is packed, the uniform pressed and your child safely delivered to their new boarding school. So what now? Carolynne Dear speaks to the parents left behind.

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fter months of preparation, the time has finally come. Boarding school beckons and that final goodbye is imminent.

“I know it was the right thing to do,” says mum-of-two Sam, who has just dropped her first-born at a well-reputed school in England’s leafy south west. “I just can’t believe he’s gone. After years of dreaming of some peace and quiet, the silence has actually turned out to be deafening.”

Having successfully manoeuvred her brood through three international moves and four school changes over the last 13 years, one more move, this time from Hong Kong to Canada, pushed the family into deciding to put their children into boarding school. An expat and boarding school child herself, Sam is confident of her decision, but that did nothing to ease the emotion of waving goodbye.

“Seb took one look at the rugby fields, the cricket pitch, the boarding house, and that was it, he couldn’t wait to move in. And now his younger brother is counting down the days until it’s his turn,” she smiles sadly. “It’s good the boys are so positive, but it leaves me feeling very empty.”

Justine Campbell, family counsellor and director of Mindquest Group, admits her waiting room is bustling with “boarding school mums” come autumn.

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When they do come home, it’s all positive the school has done the nagging for a change “Parents are kept so busy during the leadup, the reality of what has happened usually hits home a few weeks after the departure,” she explains. “Most parents will already have spent a fairly emotional year just getting the kids into their school of choice in the first place, so a degree of fatigue will also be setting in. The primary caregiver, usually the mother, is often the hardest hit emotionally when a child leaves home,” she adds.

“I held it together right up until the bit where it was the last goodbye, the final hug,” remembers mum-of-three Catherine.

“I was desperately holding the tears back so Charlotte’s last memory wouldn’t be of her blubbing mum, but when I reached the airport later that afternoon and the check-in staff asked ‘Are you flying alone?’ it all came out.

I was such a mess that the girl on the desk ended up giving me an upgrade!”

One mother, who wished to remain

anonymous, experienced severe depression in the six months leading up to her son’s departure.

“He wanted to go back to his former school,” she explains. “I was extremely upset by his decision. I didn’t want to socialise, I lost weight, it hit me so hard. Although I would say, for me, the reality of him being away has actually been easier than the lead-up.”

Just as parents react differently to the situation, children can too. It’s also not unusual for kids who have been begging to go to boarding school to suddenly do an about-face when they get there.

“There is no ‘cookie cutter’ response, all emotions are valid,” says Campbell. “For parents to experience a sense of guilt is a common reaction, but not always the case. It’s when these emotions don’t move along, and you find yourself overloaded, that’s when you should be reaching out for help - you need to be able to process what you’re feeling.”

Campbell encourages women to talk.

“Whether it’s to a trusted friend - someone you know who will step up and support you - or a professional, you must open up. I see so many women in this sort of ‘grey zone’, exhausted from flying backwards and forwards for exeat weekends and so forth, and trying to juggle that with family demands back in Hong Kong.

“Contact the school secretary to find out if there are other Hong Kong families within the school; get on a social Facebook site in Hong Kong to establish connections with other boarding school parents - it’s ok to admit you’re not coping and to seek help from others. Maybe another mum would be happy to take your child out for the weekend if you’re struggling to fly back?”

“The mechanics have been a bit tricky,” admits Catherine. “I had just dropped my daughter back at school in Sydney and returned to Hong Kong when her teacher emailed to say she was being presented with a major award the following week. There was no way I could fly back so quickly as my two other children were just about to go back to school here, so I had to scramble to contact one of her friends to take a picture for me.”

Campbell advises parents to reach out to the school or school community in advance.

“Speak to the house master or mistress,

sponsored feature

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boarding school

or whoever it is that deals with pastoral care. They will have seen many international students pass through their door and will understand your concerns. Explain that you need somebody to take pictures for you at school events - no doubt many parents will step forward if you reach out. The school itself should have some kind of photo library too.

“Also, think about festivals, such as birthdays, in advance and again, speak to the boarding master or mistress. For my own son’s birthday, the master was entirely receptive to me ordering a cake and some pizza for his house as we had discussed it all beforehand.”

A good relationship with the school is also important for when problems arise. Campbell explains how her son once emailed with the heart-stopping one-liner: “Worst day ever!”

“It arrived at 8am Hong Kong time, which meant I needed to deal with it immediately or spend the whole day worrying while he went to bed for the night. The email exchanges went on for a bit, with him refusing to explain what the issue was. In the end, I contacted his boarding master, who agreed to speak with him. It turned out he’d misplaced a cheque I had sent to pay for an excursion, and was worried about my reaction. Because I had a good working relationship with the house master the problem was nipped in the bud,” she says.

Communications, and how these are to be managed, should also be talked about before the child leaves.

“Things to consider include the time difference, school rules and how much the child will be able to manage given that they are going to be busy at their new school. You may want an email a day, but that might not be achievable. Also bear in mind that school rules and the time difference may mean that siblings get little chance to communicate during term time,” says Campbell.

Managing the family back in Hong Kong can also be a challenge. Elisha, who has two sons in boarding school and a seven-yearold daughter in Hong Kong, says she has experienced challenging behaviour from her daughter. “I’m not sure whether to ignore it, or whether to address it somehow,” she admits.

“Again, all emotions are normal,” says Campbell. “And again, the key is communication. Every family member will be experiencing differing emotions, and every emotion is valid. It’s possible a younger child is just happy to have lost their annoying older brother. Or maybe they were really close.

Whatever the situation, offer siblings the opportunity to open up.”

She also encourages families to “move 16 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

on” without feeling guilty. “We live in Hong Kong where rent is sky high, so it’s perfectly acceptable to shuffle living arrangements around once the child has gone.”

“Charlotte had the biggest bedroom in the apartment, with an en-suite,” admits Catherine.

“My husband was keen we offer it to her brother, but I was scared stiff of her feeling pushed out.”

Campbell agrees that common sense wins the day here. “Think about it logically how often will the child actually be in Hong Kong once you’ve factored in family holidays?

Then sit down and talk to them - if they’re big enough to be involved with the decision about going to boarding school, they’re big enough to talk about bedroom allocations at home. Just make sure they are included in discussions as they too may be trying to process mixed emotions.”

Elisha admits that a house move unrelated to the departure for boarding school last year - has been a blessing. “It means we’re living in a house with no memories, so I don’t have to keep walking past empty bedrooms

reminiscing. It’s also kept me busy - I admit the first month or so after term began I spent a good deal of time ‘nesting’, sorting out my cupboards and so on,” she says.

While Campbell recommends keeping busy in those first few weeks, she also advises against jumping into time-consuming projects too quickly. “Give yourself time to sort your emotions out. Often, if you embark on something too big too soon, all you’re doing is papering over your feelings,” she says.

“At the end of the day, I think you just need to trust your child,” says Catherine.

“Be confident that you’ve raised them well. And when they do come home, it’s all positive - the school has done all the nagging for a change! The anticipation of seeing my daughter each holiday is like having several Christmases a year.”

If you have concerns about anything raised in this article, contact Justine Campbell at Mindquest Group, mindquestgroup.com. sg

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school for one

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Owning an education

Traditional learning is dead, says school principal Natalie Chan. Carolynne Dear found out how she is single-handedly leading an education revolution

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itting quietly on the 21st floor of the shiny new California Tower, Hong Kong’s dynamic Central district spread out beyond huge glass panes, is twelve-year-old Hillary Yip, student of OWN Academy, Hong Kong’s newest - and probably most unusual secondary school.

Her teacher, and school founder and principal, is Natalie Chan, an engineering graduate and former member of the corporate world. The school has no premises and student and teacher use co-working space Metta as their base in between forays into Hong Kong to research projects.

The school may have no traditional curriculum, no extra-curricular activities, no further teaching staff and currently no other students, but Chan is convinced it is the beginning of a revolution in Hong Kong’s education system.

“I’ve experienced a lot of what education has to offer, and none of it was particularly impressive,” she says. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she attended a local school, an international school, a US boarding school, and finally university, graduating with a degree in engineering.

“It was a pretty typical Hong Kong upbringing - a tiger mom, lots of after-school activities, and the expectation that I would move along this very narrow, very conservative tunnel of opportunity.”

She did what was expected, moved into corporate life, but quickly became disillusioned. “I wasn’t using anything I’d learnt. I just seemed to be helping very rich people become even richer,” she says. “I had a prestigious consulting job, but I was unhappy and out of my comfort zone. This wasn’t how I’d envisaged my life panning out. I just thought, what was the point? All those years of schooling and all those fees, just to end up using nothing of what I’d learnt.”

Quickly realising there is a “massive disconnect” between education and what actually happens when students enter the world of work, she handed in her notice and spent time teaching at the Harbour School, to find out what the more progressive schools were up to.

“I really enjoyed teaching there, it’s a great school, but I still felt it wasn’t meeting what the world requires.”

So what should we be teaching our kids?

“Well the whole technology thing, I just think a lot of educators don’t use it to its full potential. In many schools it’s employed as just another teaching medium - we had chalkboards, then whiteboards, now laptops and iPads. But that’s not getting to the root of the technology revolution.

My dream has always been to address the gap between education and employment “Students aren’t being taught how to sift information properly, to sieve the real from the fake, how to consume information and how to process it, learning how to use technology as a tool to reach a goal. In the real world we don’t use calculators in business, for example, we use spreadsheets. Time management, e-commerce, monetization techniques, social media marketing, none of this sort of information is being passed on but this is how the world actually works. Even skills like app development are becoming obsolete as off-the-shelf tools are becoming more readily available - coding is the buzz word of the moment but pretty soon it won’t be needed. Computers will take over these jobs. Students will need to be working on a macro level, figuring out how things are connected, understanding how a system works and being able to figure out how to add value to that system.”

Chan cherry picks from different curriculums using inter-disciplinary projects as her teaching base. Hers is a personal learning framework which is probably more aligned than anything else with the Finnish system, which eschews subject-based learning. For Chan, even the IB system is too systematic and leaves too many life questions unanswered.

As such, she has been collaborating with the Finnish Chamber of Education which, keen to

introduce Finnish teaching methods into Hong Kong, has approved Chan’s academy.

Essentially, her teaching methodology involves simulating the real world in a project sense, enabling students to develop a huge mind-map of how things interconnect.

“I reference other curriculums but I’m creating things as we go. I want to build a new system from scratch. I want to be as creative as I can. I have my own framework of learning and then pull from different curriculums. The Finnish system is project and theme-based rather than subject-based - real-life application learning.

I think IB is great, but it’s still very systematic.

It’s intense but it still doesn’t answer a lot of life questions.”

Yip’s parents approached Chan about a full-time school position for their daughter after she moved into secondary at Kellett School. Yip, already somewhat of an entrepreneur, admits she wasn’t enjoying school and is happier with Chan. Earlier this year she launched her own app, MinorMynas, as part of the AIA Emerging Entrepreneur Challenge. The idea behind the app was to build a global network of children under 18, to make meaningful connections while learning each other’s language.

“My reason for pulling Hillary out from the traditional international school system were two-fold,” Yip’s mother, Joey, tells me later by email. “We were seeing signs that showed she wouldn’t benefit from the school environment moving forward. She found it hard to fit into the social aspect - the teenage dynamic is a difficult situation for a nerdy kid, and sometimes the mocking and teasing and social isolation were too much to take. Secondly, Hillary wasn’t challenged enough.”

The family initially thought about switching to another international school, but realised the frustrations she was experiencing would be widespread. “Natalie offered us an alternative which fitted our needs. Hillary’s education is going to be at her own pace. We were also attracted by the style of learning, with Hillary required to actively research, internalize and connect with real-world problems… We want her to find meaning in all that she does and learn HOW to learn, to work, to lead. We have total confidence in Hillary. We have plans in place for her to move up to tertiary education should she Expat Parent Schools Guide | 19

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wish to do so further down the road.”

This term, Yip has been tasked with creating a lamp - she has spent the last couple of days furiously gathering raw materials and fine tuning her design, and this morning she is sitting down with Chan back at base to research and discuss the mechanics behind constructing a working light.

So far, Yip has clocked up two months with Chan, and says she is “really enjoying it”. She’s finding the current lamp project a challenge as her initial design didn’t quite work out. “But that’s how you learn,” she shrugs. “I’m going to develop it and then try and sell it.”

“So we start with an issue, and then we break it down into individual subject areas,” explains Chan. “The whole process involves lots of disciplines. At the beginning of the term we took a trip out to an incinerator for example - from that experience we broke things down into opportunities for subject areas like applied physics, chemistry, engineering, sustainability and so forth.”

“I think there’s lots of fun and innovative primary support in Hong Kong, with education systems like Montessori, Waldorf, IB and so on,” says Chan. “What I’m interested in is that 12+ age bracket when education seems to slip back into a more conservative rhythm. I want to take students on who have basic literacy and numeracy skills and move onto the next step that’s what I’m interested in, how they process information, how do they filter it, how can they add value to it.”

“Of course I feel incredibly responsible 20 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

for Hillary, it’s a massive leap of faith for her parents. I know I’ve picked a very hard road, but I completely believe it is the right road.

Revolutionising Hong Kong’s education system is not something that is going to happen overnight.”

She currently has a few more interested parties, parents of children who have joined Chan on the summer holiday camps that she has been running for the past few years. The camps run along similar lines to the school, in that a different project is worked on each week with students travelling all over the territory to research and develop it. She is hoping her September school intake will include a couple of classmates for Hillary.

The school day runs from 9am to 3pm, the “campus” is handily located in Lang Kwai Fong and she “will probably” break for holidays.

“Hilary’s keen to keep on trucking, but I think I might need a week or so off,” she laughs. “The school is loosely based around the Hong Kong (northern hemisphere) term timetable.”

“My dream has always been to address the gap between education and employment. I didn’t expect to have students quite so quickly, but it’s great that Hilary and her family have put this trust in me. Ideally, I’m trying to grow a corps of six students and then I can send them out to the corporate partners that I’ve been developing relationships with over the last year. These are not traditional teachers, but professionals who can share their valuable learning with students. I want to create “classrooms” all over Hong Kong to which

students can travel each day from our fixed hub.

There are so many awesome people out there, doing such amazing and interesting things, and we can learn from them.

“I’m really keen to create these career environments so students can really understand what different jobs actually involve. There’s not a much opportunity for this sort of thing in Hong Kong at the moment because everyone is so focused academically.

Obviously academics are important, but to create that motivation and for students to understand why they have go through these studies, that’s not addressed so well.”

So what about exam results for university?

Just how far can you challenge the status quo?

Chan smiles. “I believe university is already redundant in this age. I realise that sounds extreme and of course, university is a great choice for a lot of students, but not for everyone.

I think a large proportion of students go to university because it’s part of the process, they don’t necessarily have any idea what they want to get out of it. I want to partner with corporates and show them that students graduating from this academy are ready for work, and moving straight from school into work is a good thing.”

If you are interested in finding out more about OWN Academy, Chan can be contacted at info@ownacademy.co She will be running a series of holiday camp workshops using project-based learning, see ownacademy.co. sg

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 21

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22 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

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New Southside Mandarin Education Centre Southside Mandarin offers Putonghua immersion programmes to children from six months to 12 years, all taught by professional qualified native speakers. Choose from playgroups (under 2 years), Putonghua classes (2–12 years old), Pinyin class, certificate class (KPCC & GAPSK Examination), Putonghua drama class, Chinese pipa, Wushu, Putonghua art and a Kids Fun Club (3-7 years old).

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Bebegarten Education Centre Bebegarten Education Centre is a stimulating and nurturing learning space that honours and supports children as unique, confident and creative individuals. It aims to fully prepare them for their next steps, equipped with the tools to foster lifelong learning.

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One Keystone Education Center Keystone is a boutique education firm founded in Seoul in 2006 to provide personalised education consulting to students studying locally and abroad. The following programs are on offer: Cornerstone literature and humanities, boarding school application, academic enrichment, test preparation including SAT, ACT, AP, TOEFL, SSAT and ISEE and holiday boot camps.

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Expat Parent Schools Guide | 23

school visits

24 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

school visits

SCHOOL VISITS We go beyond the gates to find out what Hong Kong’s kindergartens, primary and secondary schools are really like.

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 25

kindergartens

KINDERGARTENs Parkview International Pre-School

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he walls and floors at the Parkview International Pre-School (PIPS) are painted in vibrant colours, student artwork and projects are proudly displayed around the rooms and the sound of young children laughing and playing fills the air. This is clearly a happy place.

Principal Mary Scarborough greets me with a warm smile. She looks completely at ease with being in charge of both the Parkview and Kowloon campuses of PIPS, but that may be due to having more than three decades of Early Learning experience under her belt.

Scarborough tells me that PIPS began in this very spot 26 years ago. Aptly named after its location, its Kowloon counterpart was created in 2007. Both are authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools that follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children from one to six years old. And that includes playgroup through K1 to K3. Classes are taught in English and Putonghua in both schools, with the option also of Cantonese at the Kowloon campus.

According to Scarborough, this tri-lingual option is to cater for those students who will continue their studies in local schools, although some students who were perhaps heading into the local system often carry on with their classmates into international schools.

26 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

“The parents seem to like the playbased teaching system that we use,” says Scarborough. “We don’t have a lot of homework and we don’t have that kind of pressurised set-up that some kindergartens do have.”

In keeping with the IB ideology, the school’s aim according to its mission statement is to: encourage responsible, respectful, reflective practices along with intercultural understanding to promote compassionate, global citizens.

This, Scarborough tells me, is mirrored not just in what they teach but in the way they teach it. She tells me the teachers listen to, respect and encourage the children to be chatty. “People are usually struck when they come here. They say the children seem really confident, curious and want to talk to the people who visit.”

This conversational outlook is very much a welcome product of the inquiry-based curriculum. At the beginning of a unit of inquiry children are asked to speak up and contribute what they know about a subject so teachers can build on that knowledge and, as Scarborough explains, challenge the children on the right level.

“I’m always amazed at what the children can do, what they’re interested in and what

they produce,” she says.

In the library amongst the English and Chinese books were also books that some of the students had made as part of a unit of inquiry titled, “Imagination and learning can be inspired by books”.

The school also places emphasis on educating the children about being eco-friendly. There are appointed “Green Ambassadors” who are in charge of making sure the lights are turned off when a classroom is not in use. Part of this environmental learning is also played out in the garden where children find out about plants and even have a go at some gardening themselves. The garden is situated in the large outdoor area to the back of the school, alongside a play space, sandpit and climbing gym. There is also an intriguingly named “exploratorium” where the play equipment changes every week.

The Parkview campus also boasts an indoor play area, a dedicated music room, a cookery room and animal corner.

“It’s part of an effort to offer the kids the broadest experience we can with the resources we have,” says Scarborough.

This is again underlined with the option of extra-curricular activities on top of regular classes. These include Kung Fu, phonics, drama, piano, Chinese writing, sport and cooking as well as English and Putonghua enhancement classes.

As my tour wraps up and I hand my visitor’s badge back, I think of all the times I’ve driven into Parkview and not thought much about what was behind those double doors. It turns out there is a vibrant, colourful world of learning happening. sg

School Report

Parkview International Pre-School

Established: 1989 Fees 2017/2018: from $41,800 (two-day playgroup) to $180,000 (full-day Nursery, Lower Kindergarten and Preparatory) Address: Tower 18, Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Hong Kong Tel: 2812 6023 Website: pips.edu.hk

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 27

kindergartens

Fairchild Kindergarten

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he sister school of Fairchild Junior Academy in Tin Hau, the new Fairchild Kindergarten in trendy Sai Ying Pun offers programs for children from two to six years. It occupies 8,000 square feet of learning space, with purpose-built classrooms for children to experience the natural elements of wood, water, sand, and soil including planting gardens, sand and water tables, a cooking and arts area and an indoor playground.

Head of school Dave McMaster and head of early childhood education Kathy Nutting, both formerly of the Canadian International School, say the kindergarten places a strong emphasis on “the atmosphere of happiness in the school”.

“The sense of respect and care for people and nature that is intrinsic to Fairchild programmes is reflected in the day-to-day interactions. The ‘smile index’ indicates that children, staff, caregivers and parents love to come to school every day,” said McMaster.

Daily activities at the school include time for uninterrupted play, stories, creative arts activities, singing, dancing, group-work, projects, painting, literacy and numeracy games and phonemic awareness in a fun and

28 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

stimulating environment.

The kindergarten offers an inquiry-based programme, with a focus on play, for children aged six months to six years. The programmes are guided by the British Columbia and Ontario (Canada) Early Learning Framework/ Kindergarten Framework, and the Early Years Foundation Stage from the UK. The kindergarten will also be collaborating with leading schools and universities in Canada to incorporate research-based learning activities into its programmes.

Teachers have been selected on the basis of their international early years’ education experience and their ability to stimulate learning through the Reggio Emilia approach.

This system of learning was developed in Italy post-World War II, and is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration in a supportive environment, according to the interests of all the children.

Fairchild Kindergarten currently offers accompanied classes for children aged one to turning two, and unaccompanied classes for children aged two to three years. At full capacity, the kindergarten will have classes for

pre-nursery through to K3. From this academic year, an international and dual-language stream in English and Chinese is also on offer.

Classes for accompanied six- to 12-, 12- to 18- and 18- to 28-month-old children will have a ratio of two teachers to every nine students; 24- to 36-month-old pupils attending unaccompanied classes will have one teacher to every six students; the preschool classes (for three to four year olds) will have one teacher to every nine children; and kindergarten (four to six years) will have one teacher to every 10 students. sg

School Report

Fairchild Kindergarten

Established: 2017 Fees 2017/2018: $8,800 per month (which includes two polo shirts and a school bag) Address: Kong Chian Tower Block 1, 351 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun (MTR HKU, Exit B1).

Tel: 2803 2638 Website: fairchildacademy.com

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 29

kindergartens

ANFIELD INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN

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nfield International Kindergarten in Kowloon Tong was established in September 1999 as a private, co-educational, Roman Catholic institution, accepting students from all backgrounds and faiths. The thriving community school follows the learning objectives of the Early Years Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum, and provides an enriching, stimulating and caring environment, preparing the children for entry into international or local primary schools. Vice principal Julie Walton

30 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

teaches two K1 classes per day with 20-25 students and two to three supporting teachers.

There are morning, afternoon and full-day sessions and a typical K1 day starts with play and prayers in the garden, followed by 55 minutes of play-based learning alongside a variety of focused activities with the teachers.

There is then a carpet session, snack time, outdoor playtime and an hour of specialist subjects including music, PE, library, cooking and Mandarin. The last part of the day includes a short carpet and story time.

Lots of time is given for children to talk about their experiences, which helps them gain confidence particularly when they share with the whole class.

Walton uses the learning objectives from the Early Years Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum to plan various activities. The children learn through play and exploration, being active and through creative and critical thinking. She tracks the children’s learning daily and responds to their unique needs by regularly setting and planning for the

next steps in their learning.

Parents are very involved in the school through specific curriculum festivals, school trips, sports day, workshops and the art exhibition. They are also encouraged to organise play dates where they can invite friends to play as this really supports childrens’ social development. sg

School Report

Anfield International Kindergarten

Established: 1999 Number of students: 216 (Kowloon Tong campus) plus a playgroup for younger children Fees 2017/2018: $6,400 per month (half day); $8,900 per month (full day) Address: 5 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong Tel: 2794 3668 Website: anfield.com.hk

kindergartens

Southside kindergarten

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ocated in the upper terrace of the colonial-style The Repulse Bay and overlooking the South China Sea, Southside Kindergarten boasts one of the most idyllic locations in Hong Kong. The independent, co-educational kindy, which was founded in 2000, provides a homely and welcoming environment that caters to the individual needs of each child and is renowned for helping children (and parents) transition from life at home to life at primary school with confidence and ease.

Parents usually choose to enroll their children initially into either morning or

afternoon sessions and subsequently attend an extended day class when they are four and five years old.

Teaching is in English with daily exposure to Mandarin. The school adopts similar methods of teaching to the Dalton Plan, which creates a framework that cultivates a high level of self responsibility, but it also complies with the Foundation Stage of the British National Curriculum and makes extensive use of Sylvan’s Beginning Reading and Early Mathematics programmes. Arts and crafts, music and physical development are all timetabled formally.

Southside’s children typically progress to Hong Kong’s leading international schools and the school understands that many parents worry about securing admission to the “better” international schools. However, its approach is highly individualised and it works closely with

parents to achieve what is best for their child without resorting to cramming or rote learning.

The other hallmark of Southside Kindergarten’s teaching is the emphasis on learning through play. The teachers at Southside nurture the natural inquisitiveness that exists in all children to help them develop self-confidence and a positive approach to life.

They lay the foundations for future success - and not just in academia either but in all aspects of life. sg

School Report

Southside Kindergarten

Established: 2000 Number of students: 35 Fees 2017/2018: $9,200/month (half day) Address: G203, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay Tel: 2592 7527 Website: southside.edu.hk

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 31

school visits

PRIMARY schools

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE, HONG LOK YUEN

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estled among the leafy hills of the New Territories, International College Hong Lok Yuen (ICHK) is a world away from the bustle of the city. Here, kindergarten and primary aged children are able to complete their early education in the peaceful surroundings particular to this area of Hong Kong’s “dark side”.

With an additional campus for secondary students in Sha Tau Kok, the school strives to make students resilient, confident risk takers - an aim supported by the small school environment and PYP curriculum, which inspires children with physical and intellectual independence.

“We run an inquiry-based curriculum but I think our children develop a natural curiosity because they’re in such a warm community,” says headteacher, Ruth Woodward. “All the children know each other.”

With a low staff turnover - the school even counts an alumni member among its team ICHK offers students a level of stability hard to 32 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

achieve in a city known for the transience of its residents.

To support this feeling of stability, the school always makes an effort to make space for ex-pupils who are returning to Hong Kong.

“If they leave, you generally find that they want to come back to our school. We try and make it so that at some stage we can take them back,” says Woodward, who has been with the school for more than 15 years.

“We try to pick up on what our parents need. This year, there were a few first-time parents and we realised that they were a bit anxious so we held a workshop where they could discuss what they were worried about,” she explains.

It was more than 30 years ago when ICHK, like many of Hong Kong’s international schools, was launched by a group of parents looking for something different from the choice of education available. In this case, they wanted their children to learn Chinese.

As one of the first schools to offer a

comprehensive Chinese-language programme, today the school teaches the language five days a week. The children, who learn using traditional characters, which they see in their everyday lives, learn to speak Mandarin.

Naturally, the students are streamed for these classes, with the native level group also given the chance to prove their bilingual muscle during drama sessions run in Chinese. While the majority of lessons are held in groups of up to 26, Chinese classes are no bigger than 14.

ICHK’s respect for Hong Kong’s culture can also be seen in its work with the city’s charities.

In particular, the Home of Loving Faithfulness, a residential house dedicated to those who suffer physical and intellectual challenges, located close to the school in Fanling, which receives a percentage of any profit made by the school.

Further afield, the students raised enough money to rebuild two earthquake-proof schools in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake. The school continues to send resources.

While this might be indicative of the

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 33

primary advise on daily routines, toilet training and the introduction of language.

The school’s facilities nod to both the benefits of modern and traditional teaching methods and equipment. Apple Mac computers and robotics technology are accompanied by an impressive school field and outdoor space, including a garden where children have boxes they can use to plant vegetables and flowers.

“There’s a great saying: ‘If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow’,” says Woodward, referring to the quote from American educational reformer, John Dewey. “We’re all about a balance - it’s not all about children being in front of the computer, but on the other hand, it is their world.” sg

school’s IB outlook, students do not need to look far to learn about other cultures. Around 35 nationalities are represented by the student body, with 50% accounted for by Hong Kong Chinese pupils. The remaining half of the school is made up of Australian, American, Spanish, German, Russian and French students, to name a few, as well as a strong Dutch community. As a result, the school runs an after-hours Dutch school two days a week, and keeps Dutch language books in its well-stocked library. In

Talking Head RUTH WOODWARD Principal of International College, Hong Lok Yuen Why did you become a teacher?

I wanted to do drama and my parents weren’t very keen on that. So, I went to teacher training college and did drama at the same time.

How long have you been a teacher?

I’ve been a teacher for 41 years. I qualified as a teacher of the deaf and taught at a school in Sussex, England, before moving into socially challenged schools in Brighton. I was only in the classroom for 11 years - I’ve been a principal and a deputy for 31 years now. I like to think I am one of the most experienced in Hong Kong.

What are some of the challenges of being a headteacher?

Trying to understand that you can’t be everything to everybody. You have to try to do the best that you possibly can, knowing that you have to stand by what you believe professionally. However, we do operate as a partnership and I do welcome feedback. We have the children that we need to take care of and they’re the most important thing.

34 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

terms of staff, while the majority are from the UK, there are also teachers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

While there is currently a waiting list for places, Woodward stresses that the school makes room where it can. Younger students are also able to attend playgroup, accompanied by a parent or helper, which allows them to become familiar with the school environment before attending the nursery. The group is run by one of the nursery teachers, who can

What do you enjoy most about your position?

The children; they’re wonderful. I love that they feel they can walk freely into my office.

Sometimes, when they are in this part of the school, they will pop in to have a chat.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

The diversity, weather and the buzz. When I first came here, I worked for the British forces. I used to be a headteacher in Sai Kung and they would fly me down for meetings in a helicopter, so I had a very good entry into the city, and now it’s my home. My boys, who were both born in Hong Kong, still live here.

What has been the most memorable event of your career?

The graduations and Year 6 performances: seeing what these children have become and what they are capable of. Those events make me proud and give me goosebumps every time.

What was the best advice you were given as a child?

My mum used to say you can do anything you put your mind to.

School Report

International College, Hong Lok Yuen

Established: 1983 (formerly opened in 1984) Number of students: 400 Fees 2017/2018: $114,900 Non-refundable capital levy: $12,000 Address: 3 Hong Lok Yuen, 20th Street, Hong Lok Yuen Tel: 2658 6935 Website ichk.edu.hk

How do you like to spend your free time?

I enjoy sewing and crafts, and I walk a lot. I love the theatre and ballet would probably be my favourite thing. I’m also a copious reader.

Who was your favourite teacher?

Miss Moxon. She had a warmth about her and I still think of her when I’m looking to appoint teachers. I have to get a sense of warmth from them and if I don’t, then I worry.

Which quality do you most value in people?

Integrity.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I was more musical. I can play the piano and the recorder but I never took it to the level that I probably could have done. The other thig would be dancing - I just love it but have never pursued it.

Expat Parent Schools Guide | 35

primary

International Montessori School, Stanley

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tep into any classroom at the International Montessori School (IMS) in Stanley and you’ll find a hive of activity.

Some children lie on their tummies on the floor solving mathematical problems using differentsized blocks, others are clustered around a teacher, talking about book choices. A handful are absorbed in practising cursive writing (which they learn as soon as they start to form letters), and one group is tying on aprons for art. Busy as it is, however, there is a pervading sense of calm, independence and total absorption. And this is just the four- to five-year-olds.

“The Montessori method isn’t just about playing,” says co-founder Anne Sawyer, who set up the first school in 2002 with partner Karin Ann. “Kids have a natural thirst for knowledge and they want to work in a way that is stimulating as well as fun. The approach, particularly at the younger levels, is multisensory so the classrooms are purposely stocked with a lot of well-designed materials that encourage children to touch, feel, experiment and learn.

“The children choose what they want to do each day but they have to complete all aspects 36 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

of a particular level. A Montessori classroom is designed to have 25 children doing 25 different things.”

Near Stanley Plaza, but barely visible from it, the purpose-built campus comprises 50,000 square feet of tailor-made facilities.

There are 30 light and spacious classrooms, children’s kitchens with low-level sinks and counters, multi-purpose rooms and a vast indoor gymnasium. Outdoors is a basketball court and small soccer area, an undercover play area, a children’s garden and a playground with climbing frames.

The non-profit, non-denominational school was awarded the site in April 2013 and moved in after Easter 2014, becoming the fourth IMS campus in Hong Kong, along with MidLevels, Tin Hau and South Horizons, and the second to offer primary as well as pre-primary education. IMS is an accredited member of the International Montessori Council, the only accredited primary Montessori school in Greater China and a world pioneer in dual-language Montessori environments.

Currently, there are about 500 children

at the Stanley school, which has capacity for 600 pupils, and two permanent teachers in each bilingual class of up to 25 children.

Following Montessori philosophy, the classes are organised into three mixed-age groups with three- to five-year-olds, six- to eight-year-olds and nine- to 11-year-olds together.

Research shows this has many advantages: older children solidify their knowledge by teaching younger ones, giving them confidence and a sense of pride, and the little kids, who look up to them, often take in more than if they were listening to a teacher. As the groups within a class are flexible and there are no grade limits, it is an inclusive system, particularly for gifted or special-needs children.

“You can’t push a child to a norm that doesn’t exist, so we offer an individualised, child-focused way of teaching,” says Ann, who in the past gave a TEDx Talk about how, in education, one size does not fit all.

“For example, you might have a six-yearold who is very gifted in maths so he might work in a group with older kids for that, but stay with his own age group for English. Because

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primary everyone is mixed age and ability, nobody feels different or singled out because of their talents or lack of them. Every child is allowed to develop at his own pace and completes each level to their maximum potential with no sense of failure. Essentially, in a Montessori classroom, you’ve got 24 brothers and sisters pushing and pulling you to learn.”

Stanley’s dual-language, English/ Putonghua environment works in two streams – first and second language – with a full-time Chinese teacher assigned to each class. He or she adopts an “I will speak to you until you understand me” approach so the children soon learn that speaking any other language won’t cut the mustard. Montessori elements have been added to the strong Chinese programme to make it interesting and enjoyable.

“When Anne and I started [the schools], we had small kids and we realised none of the Hong Kong schools at that time had an exceptional Chinese programme,” Ann says.

“We wanted a strong dual-language school with small Chinese-language groups tailored to ability. In addition, we are an international school and we have many families for whom English is not their first language. Chinese is something

Talking Head ANNE SAWYER Co-founder of The IMS What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be an opera singer, although I didn’t particularly like opera nor was my voice good enough. Then I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and be a surgeon. The one thing I never thought I would be doing is starting a school. I attended 13 schools as a child, all over the world. One of my schools was a Montessori school in Germany, which I attended from ages nine to 11. It taught me how to think and to adapt. When I subsequently went to school in England, I found it easy to adapt.

What are some of the challenges of being a principal?

I love the ability to encourage and enable teachers who are passionate about what they do. The part I enjoy most is helping an Englishspeaking and a Chinese-speaking teacher negotiate how they are going to work well together. Another challenge is the diversity of the parent community. With more than 40 nationalities at last count, the expectations for children and definitions of success tend to differ quite a bit.

38 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

that unifies them.”

The largest cohort of IMS graduates take up secondary-school places at the Chinese International School although Sawyer and Ann have good relationships with all secondary schools to ensure the children go somewhere that suits them.

Sawyer’s two children have been through the IMS system in the first-language scheme, despite her own lack of Chinese. “We need to give our children the tools to be successful, well-rounded adults. As well as academic achievements, confidence and adaptability to change are key traits. Montessori does this.” sg

Most memorable event of your career?

The night we were awarded the Stanley campus will always be a highlight! Jumping around with Karin. And, of course, walking into this gorgeous campus. I have to pinch myself every time.

Other memorable events were opening a third class over the summer of 2002 owing to the huge demand for Montessori primary places.

We expected to open with 48 students and we opened with 68.

What do you like most about Hong Kong?

This is home. I love that it is Asian enough to be interesting and Western enough to feel comfortable, and that I can explore both sides of Hong Kong. I love that it’s not perfect and a little dirty, has a huge personality and a lot of humour.

The best advice you’ve been given?

“If you don’t know the answer (or quite what the problem is), ask better questions.”

What talent would you like to have?

I would love to be able to play an instrument well and I to fly a plane, though not at the same time.

Did you have a favourite teacher?

I had so many teachers, and so many who touched my life. My Montessori teacher in

School Report

International Montessori School Stanley

Established: 2002 (Wan Chai); 2014 (Stanley campus) Number of students: 500-600 Fees 2017/2018: contact IMS directly Address: Phase III, Ma Hang Estate (off Stanley Plaza), Stanley Tel: 2772 2468 Website: ims.edu.hk

Germany loved Renaissance art and ancient history, and she taught me to appreciate how everything came together. It was a joy to call her years later and tell her, “Mrs Fleck, I’m starting a Montessori school!” Other favourite teachers were Mr Malleson, my O-Level maths teacher in England, and Mrs Shull, my high-school honours English teacher in Texas. They were gifted teachers who respected their students, expected great things from us, and gave us so much.

What are your hobbies?

Travelling, reading and scuba diving.

What is your greatest fear?

Apart from fears for one’s children and family, the idea that I might not dare greatly enough. Before IMS started in 2002, I saw a sign that asked “What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail?” It was great to be able to answer, “I’m doing it!”

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I was expelled from my first nursery school at age three for painting another child’s glasses.

I took my teacher literally when she said, “Go paint something.”

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primary

ESF PEAK SCHOOL

F

or more than a century, Peak School has provided a warm and familial environment for its primary aged students. For the last 60, the school has looked out over the city from what is arguably one of its most prestigious addresses.

A member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the school maintains a philosophy that emphasises the importance of helping its students to become good communicators, critical thinkers and lifelong learners, an approach consistent with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that the school follows. And with only 360 students - 60 per year group - pupils are able to experience early learning in a safe and caring community, where every face is a familiar one.

“We’re a lovely size and it allows us to foster a community spirit,” says principal Bill Garnett. “There are opportunities for the younger students to work with the older ones throughout the year, which creates a family feeling.”

The school’s focus on producing wellrounded students is evident throughout the campus. Artwork lines the corridors, the impressive playground is big enough for all years to play in together, and the music rooms are decorated with creative flair. Children fill the bright corridors, happily greeting each other, as well as the teachers.

“When it comes to teaching you have to 40 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

Principal Bill Garnett with some of his students

recognise the whole child,” says Garnett. “It’s about the emotional and social side for the children, as well as academics. You have to take all of those things into consideration.”

The staff charged with this responsibility hail from countries all over the world, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and the UK as well as Hong Kong and China, representing a range of nationalities as diverse as the school’s students. Even so, 70 per cent of Peak School pupils are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

A passion for the city can be seen in the exhibition that takes place at the end of Year 6, an integral part of the IB programme. Each student is responsible for choosing an issue and presenting it to the community, many opting for Hong Kong-related topics, such as the pressure put on children, academic achievement versus playtime, girls’ rights and poverty in the city. The school is also closely linked to several of the city’s NGOs, many of which contribute to, and attend, the exhibition.

The school’s love of Hong Kong can also be seen in its eco-friendly initiatives. Surrounded by nature, the green-fingered members of the school community have a garden where they can grow vegetables, herbs and plants. “We are very passionate about the environment and are keen to establish a permaculture at Peak School,” says Garnett. “The children are so engaged with our greening project, which

includes a garden club. We even compost all our food waste and use it for our gardens.”

As well as the garden club, students are able to test their creative limits in the school’s annual talent show, one of many events held throughout the year. Another popular occasion is the Lantern Festival, at the beginning of the academic year. Around 750-800 people attend, including alumni, who make a special trip back to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at their old school.

The school also takes part in the ESF choral concert and holds its own performance.

Budding sports fanatics also have a chance to see where their talents lie, by getting involved in the school’s football, hockey, tag rugby and cricket teams, competing against other ESF and international schools in tournaments.

Like other ESF schools, the Peak School takes a modern approach to homework, with children expected to complete basic tasks, such as reading, spelling and maths without experiencing unnecessary pressure. “We are definitely of the opinion that children need time to play, to experience other things, and we’re aware that homework can cause tension between children and parents, and that’s something we want to avoid,” says Garnett.

Instead of giving pupils a long list of tasks to complete, the Peak School provides a grid system, asking them to do things such as cook with Mum and Dad, or have a photo taken of them playing sport. “Research shows that the impact of homework in primary schools is negative. There is some positive impact at highschool level, so we try and establish a routine to prepare them for that,” says Garnett.

Peak School is undoubtedly a unique place for children to start their education. Big enough for exploring but small enough for them to feel secure, it is a safe, progressive environment for little ones to prepare for the challenges that await them in secondary school. sg

School Report Peak School

Established: 1911 Number of students: 360 Fees 2017/2018: $106,500 (Years 1-2); $89,200 (Years 3-6) Non-refundable capital levy: max $38,000 Address: 20 Plunkett’s Road, The Peak Tel: 2849 7211 Website: ps.edu.hk

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school visits

all-through and secondary ESF DISCOVERY COLLEGE

D

iscovery College (DC) is a relatively new school. It opened in 2008 and offers a through-school experience, following the IB curriculum in both primary and secondary sections.

DC is part of the Private Independent Schools (PIS) network, and is managed

by ESF under the same conditions as Renaissance College. This is an important differentiator for parents because DC acts almost as a private school within the ESF network. The school has never received government funding nor does it have a defined catchment area. This means fees are more expensive than other ESF schools and students come from the length and breadth of Hong Kong - from Repulse Bay and the Peak, to Sai Kung, Yuen Long and even Cheung Chau Island.

But while a few students are catching 42 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

planes (almost), trains and automobiles to get here, the majority live locally. Discovery Bay’s car-free community means students walk, cycle or skateboard to and from school each day.

“It’s a very physical community,” says principal Mark Beach. “I stand at the front gate every morning and see it. DC kids are mad on sports, we have a close connection with organisations like the DB Pirates [a local weekend rugby club], which is very special.”

A close sense of community has been fostered since day one at the school, with cross-pollination of the senior and junior school. This is made possible through the physical structure of the building to inclusions in the school curriculum such as a buddy programme, where senior students come to visit their junior school “buddies” to read, share knowledge and create art. These

experiences provide a link between primary and secondary and foster a big brother/sister relationship within the school community.

DC follows a philosophy of “positive education”, which is an approach that stems from the movement of positive psychology - the study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive, founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives and to cultivate what is best within themselves.

Beach says the school works hard to ensure that students feel valued and that communication channels remain open even when students are struggling.

“It’s important to give kids an understanding that they are valued and give them the tools to be able to cope with stress and change,” he says.

In recent years, the school has driven a

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school visits focus on “wellness”, with particular attention to kindness and gratitude, as well as resilience and grit.

“We’ve been focused on building on these, asking students ‘What do you do when the going gets tough?’,” says Beach.

The school is working towards a growth mindset with students and families, “an understanding that we learn through failure and changing children’s mindsets from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet”. Once they grasp this, when something doesn’t work out, it merely becomes another learning experience.”

In terms of core subjects, DC claims to provide a rigorous academic curriculum, strongly supported by the arts. In a city that is famously academically-driven, DC’s focus on the arts as an area intrinsic to learning in all subjects is arguably a risky business.

But the proof is in the pudding. In 2016, it claimed two of the city’s perfect 45 IB scores, and this year about 18% of students scored 40 points or more. DC alumni have graduated to some of the world’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and UC Berkeley.

“We’re a school that promotes rigorous academic achievement but we also value the arts as an area of focus that contributes to learning in all other subjects,” says Beach. “There’s such strong research and connection between, for example, music and maths. A focus on arts has huge benefits for skills like articulation. It’s a powerful part of our school but no more important than other subjects. It’s just that we get started at an early age and we maintain a focus for our students. We are one of the few ESF schools that provide specialised teachers for drama, music and art right from Year One. Our primary students get all the advantages of a high school.”

Chinese learning also starts in Year One with multiple lessons a week and from Year Two students are experiencing daily lessons.

Mandarin is compulsory in PIS schools and most students take Chinese all the way through to Diploma level. To cater for students with varying levels of the language, DC’s Chinese programme is “pathwayed” from Year One, which means students are learning at a pace that suits them personally.

As far as technology goes, Beach says the approach is that it should only be used if it enhances learning. “For us, the real strength is the ability for students to access information and manipulate it to further their understanding and knowledge. It’s also about being able to share their learnings presenting and collaborating with others.

44 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

Real strength is in the students’ ability to collaborate, says school pricnipal Mark Beach

The students are keen sports players.

The school promotes rigorous academic achievement.

If technology is being used properly, you shouldn’t even notice it, it shouldn’t be the focus of what you’re doing. It’s just there to support learning.”

The school works hard to support students with their post-school choices. A higher education office kicks in during Year 10 and onwards, more so as they reach final years.

“We’ve developed some very close connections with universities,” explains Beach. “We actually host a University Fair that over 130 universities attend from around the world and student from across Hong Kong are invited to attend.” sg

The students are keen sports players.

School Report

Established: 2008 Number of students: 1,319 Fees 2017/2018: $115,600 (Years 1-6); $154,600 (Years 7-11); $156,300 (Years 12-13): Address: 38 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island Tel: 3969 1000 Website: discovery.edu.hk

Talking Head Mark Beach Principal of Discovery College How long have you worked in education?

Well over 30 years! I trained and then worked as a primary teacher in New Zealand before I moved on to work in Tonga. I came back to New Zealand to teach at a residential school for delinquent boys. Some of my highlights include becoming principal of a bilingual Maori school, founding a new primary school with a focus on technology, and serving as director of the New Zealand Correspondence School, which had over 20,000 students and hundreds of teachers - it was a very unusual school. I also worked in the Ministry of Education for a while before heading to Qatar and then Hong Kong.

When did you arrive in Hong Kong?

Nine-and-a-half years ago to help with the opening of DC. What’s the toughest part of your day?

There are no tough parts but some bits are more enjoyable than others. I love being in classes with students, but because of the demands of my role I don’t get to do that as much as I would like.

Having said that, I do teach a Year 11 art unit and I go along to the Year 5 and 7 camps each year. I also coach cross country and take student council.

What’s DC’s greatest strength?

Our academic achievements and our great sense of community.

How do you feel about homework?

New learning, projects or repetitive work are not helpful in primary. It should be work that is based on what they have been doing that day.

At a junior level, we hope children will bring home work that connects parents with the classroom - like reading.

And extra tuition?

I’m not necessarily a fan at junior level. All kids learn at different rates and sometimes we need to step back a bit. Not all students are going to come out with perfect scores, but there’s often a real pressure around scores and grades. In secondary, there is some benefit. The areas we generally see needing more help are maths and languages.

I don’t have a problem with that, but I don’t like to see kids with tutors every day. There has to be a balance.

What’s the most exciting opportunity for children learning in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong kids get the experience of an international education in a cosmopolitan, global city. It’s an experience that will change their whole lives. They gain an appreciation of other cultures and values and beliefs. So much of this is about being in Hong Kong, but so much of it also comes from being in an IB school. The two blend and mirror each other beautifully.

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school visits

VICTORIA SHANGHAI ACADEMY

O

n a campus with sweeping views over Aberdeen harbour, Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is a “through-train” fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) School and one of the few schools in Hong Kong to offer the PYP programme in a bilingual format.

As with most of Hong Kong’s international schools, it enjoyed relatively humble beginnings, starting out as the Victoria Kindergarten in buildings in Causeway Bay. A primary, the CS Victoria English Primary School in nearby Tai Hang, was soon added, and by the early 2000s land for a whole school had been located in Shum Wan. The government granted the school $230 million for the new campus and between 2005 and 2007 the school was accredited for the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, creating the first “through-train” IB World School in Hong Kong.

The new campus was officially opened in 2008 and by 2014 it had received full accreditation by the International Baccalaureate, The Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Current principals Dr Judith Guy (head of academy and secondary principal) and Ross Dawson (primary principal) were appointed in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Despite the certificates, accolades and 46 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

Dawson’s own impressive resume (he has a Masters degree in IT in education and spent a recent sabbatical studying coaching psychology at Sydney University), he insists that “happiness is central to learning”.

In person, Dawson comes across as passionate about education as he is about the well-being of students.

While “east-meets-west” is a rather overused term in our cosmopolitan city, VSA is probably positioning itself harder than most at this juncture. Along with an IB education, the school focuses heavily on Chinese culture and work ethic from primary years, and primary is taught simultaneously in both English and Putonghua.

“It’s a unique offering at VSA,” says Dawson. “We have two teachers in the classroom teaching simultaneously.”

“You may have two tables of children working together - one working with the Chinese teacher in Chinese and the other in English,” explains Guy. “This allows children to concurrently develop vocabulary about a particular unit of enquiry in both English and Chinese. And that is what a lot of primary education is about, vocabulary acquisition.”

In practice, while a true bilingual primary programme may be attractive, a minimum standard of Chinese and English must be met, even for admission into P1. Most VSA students join the PYP from Victoria Educational Organization (VEO), VSA’s kindergarten partner, which also offers a

bilingual curriculum, laying the foundations for a bilingual PYP. For non-Chinese speaking families, this does require additional support from outside of the classroom. “As with learning any language, you do need exposure outside of school hours,” says Dawson. “It’s ideal if children have playdates or an extracurricular activity, like learning an instrument, in that second language.”

Guy agrees. “Placing kids in a social environment where they’re forced to use the language is the very best way for them to consolidate and build on their language skills.”

Celebrating Chinese culture is central to the experience on offer at VSA. Last year, the school appointed a director of Chinese Studies, Dr Zhou Zejun. Zejun oversees VSA’s Chinese programmes across the PYP, MYP and DP, as well as developing

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school visits

the school’s China programme. Zejun has 20 years’ experience in education in both mainland China and the US and aims to propel VSA to be a “strong Chinese language and cultural learning centre”.

The school currently offers travel and exchange opportunities with mainland China and a strong arts programme. It also runs a Chinese cultural subsidy programme where students can opt to explore a traditional Chinese art, such as calligraphy or an instrument.

In terms of teaching strategies, VSA is working with students and the parent body to achieve a responsible use of technology.

Students from Year 6 onwards are all given laptops, “but we’re working around responsible use of technology,” says Guy. The latest buzz word is creating “digital citizens” - students are asked to explore what makes a good digital relationship.

The school also provides suggestions for parental software and invites parents into school to discuss approaches to tech.

Away from academics, Dawson is leading a mindfulness programme aimed at helping students learn skills for dealing with life’s challenges. “Wellbeing is a focal point

Talking Head Ross Dawson Principal of VSA What’s your story in education?

I’ve been in education for more than 25 years, originally as a teacher in New Zealand and then in the UK and Hong Kong. My last school-based role was as deputy principal at VSA. I am also a consultant, trainer and school visitor the International Baccalaureate. Teaching has always been a natural fit for me - once I got into the classroom, I was hooked. Teaching allows me to be creative while capitalising on my people skills.

What’s the toughest part of your day?

You come to work in the morning with a to-do list - but other things come up. In the end, children, teachers and parents are your first priority so often the admin work gets left for after school or late at night. Ensuring a healthy work/life balance can also be difficult.

What do you see as VSA’s greatest strength?

People - we all really care about one another and support each other. We have a fantastic staff who really go the extra mile for students and, in return, students go that extra mile too. We also

48 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

of VSA’s leadership,” he says. “We look at the way technology can aid teaching and the science behind well-being and how our brains function best,” he says.

Simple practices like stopping for a minute to admire the VSA’s views over Aberdeen Harbour can set the tone of the day. “Empathy and gratitude are two big things we can work on in life to make our existence happier,” says Dawson. sg

have high standards - and we believe that happy, challenged students will rise to them.

What do you see as the biggest benefits for kids studying in Hong Kong?

Students are exposed to a wide range of different perspectives and points of view. This makes them very tolerant. Hong Kong has a very strong work ethic, which means educational standards and expectations are high. Hong Kongers are proud of their identity and rich culture; Chinese culture is incredibly important to us at VSA, which is reflected in our bilingual programme.

What are your views on homework in primary?

At VSA, we call it home learning as we believe it should be an extension of the classroom. We think it should enhance what is happening at school and not be just extra busy work.

As an inquiry school, students will often research and gather data at home to be used in the classrooms for lessons. We also build choice and differentiation into our home learning. For me, one non-negotiable is reading. Reading is extremely important for developing confident

School Report

Established: 2004 Number of students: 1,800 Class size: 28 Fees 2017/2018: from $123,400 (Years 1-5) to $178,200 (Years 11 and 12) Address: 19 Shum Wan Drive, Aberdeen Tel: 3402 1000 Website: vsa.edu.hk

learners with strong vocabularies who can access a vast amount of information. But again, it should be fun and exciting. Young children also need the opportunity for unstructured play, time to use their imaginations. And they also need at least 10 hours of sleep each night. In the end, it’s all about balance.

What are your views on tech in the classroom?

I think technology is amazing. It allows us to inquire, collaborate and communicate like never before. But I think it’s important to make sure we’re using tech to achieve things we couldn’t before, not just for the sake of using it. Of course, along with this access to information comes the need for greater responsibility.

We educate the students about being good “digital citizens” and partner with parents to promote the responsible use of technology.

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school visits

Canadian International School

M

odern parenting is tough. Today’s parents face challenging moments - an endless stream of new technologies, the challenges of social media, the new ways young adults explore their relationship with themselves and our world, and of course the avalanche of questionable information we deal with every day.

Sometimes it’s easier to shy away from the tough subjects. But when it feels tough and overwhelming, that’s exactly when parents need to lean in and learn. And that’s what’s happening at the Canadian International School (CDNIS).

The CDNIS community has leant right into technology, about what it means to be a good local and global citizen, and even about what a healthy sexual experience is for young adults (if that last one makes you squirm as a parent, you’re not alone).

New leadership In 2016, the school had its eyes firmly on the future with the appointment of David Baird as Head of School. With the calming effect of a teacher with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience at a raft of international schools, Baird came out of a very brief retirement to join CDNIS as Interim Head. After a long chat I get the impression he’s a “fixer” with the powerful but understated gravitas to move the school forward and leave history where it belongs, in the past.

What’s important is that, with all his

50 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

Dual curriculum delivering strong academic performance CDNIS uniquely offers a dual curriculum for secondary students – the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as well as Canada’s Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This is an important point of difference, not just for Canadian families looking for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma but also as a seal of approval for the quality of education at CDNIS. This dual system means the school is monitored by two highly respected third parties – the International Baccalaureate Organization and Ontario Ministry of Education.

Baird believes his teaching body has a unique and very Canadian connection with the students. This relaxed, mutual respect fosters a different way of instruction to other schools.

CDNIS teachers are both IB and Ontariocertified, and the school offers consistent training for staff. The school sees enormous academic success with one student achieving a perfect score and 31 students scoring over 40 points in the 2017 IB. international experience, he’s genuinely impressed with the school and speaks with great regard for the close community the CDNIS teaching and student bodies have created. “I’ve worked in a lot of schools, very quickly when you walk into schools you can feel the tone. I knew right away this was a place that has a really good tone.”

Baird worked with CDNIS staff to redevelop the school’s mission and vision, including a firm plan that’s both actionable and accountable.

“It’s an excellent school – the resources that are here, the location, the clientele, the international flavour. It was put on hold for a bit, but we want to take an excellent school and continue to be excellent. And that’s where we’re going.”

A sense of belonging CDNIS is a sizeable school, with around 1,780 students currently enrolled. Despite its size, Baird assures this is not a faceless school.

“That family feel is here, the kids are really happy here, they fit in. It’s extremely important for a kid to be happy and accepted. I believe that they feel that here.”

He credits the teaching staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure the community at CDNIS feels connected, “The ability to keep that friendly, family feel when you get up to this size – that’s hard to do. But I know the teachers continue to work really hard maintaining that special atmosphere.”

Walking the technology talk Schools across the globe are spending significant amounts of money on technology to facilitate learning in the classroom. CDNIS is one such school that has a robust technology offering, with students and teachers able to access a plethora of tech.

What sets the school apart though, is the way CDNIS is managing its technology offering, “I’ve never seen a school like this that has so much IT,” says Baird, remarking how impressed he is with the digital integration and the staffing provided to support CDNIS teachers and students.

“I’ve seen it in many places, schools come up with the funds for the hardware, because they want to keep up, but where they fall short is the professional development,” he explains.

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school visits At CDNIS the school has a dedicated faculty of five learning teachers who work with other teachers to integrate new technology, support IT needs and offer ongoing professional development. The school also has a dedicated, physical space called “One Door” where students and teachers can source, often immediately, IT help desk support.

The One Door team are a busy lot, helping CDNIS students to immerse themselves in technology, whether that’s building robots or coding websites. “We’ll be moving to coding, looking at it almost as a foreign language,” says Baird. “It’s great to see grade fours learning to code to make robots work. We also have grade five and six students designing apps.”

It’s not all robot battles and app creation, technology is a serious business at CDNIS and that means a serious discussion about how it impacts on our lives. The school employs an acceptable use policy which students adhere to, and this policy provides education around how to use technology safely.

This is an education that even spans the

Talking Head DAVID BAIRD Head of School of the Canadian International School How long have you been in education?

I began my first job as a teacher in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, in 1982. My wife and I didn’t want to take a safe route in an established school district in Vancouver but sought an adventure.

Going to teach on these remote islands was pretty appealing for a young teaching couple.

I was previously a federal park naturalist with Parks Canada - the interaction with visitors I think helped me decide on a career in teaching.

What’s your Hong Kong history?

I arrived in August 2016 but had visited a number of times while living in Vietnam and Thailand.

Head of School is a pretty demanding role, but when I do get out I rely on guide books and the recommendations of long-time residents.

Did you have a favourite subject at school?

I loved biology and geography. It’s interesting how a few inspiring teachers can steer you on a path you would least expect. At university, I continued with these subjects, though chance courses in Canadian and US Foreign Relations almost made me switch majors. Again, the impact of a passionate teacher cannot be underestimated. I might have had a career in the diplomatic service had these courses come in my

52 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

school’s librarians who teach students how to verify information and identify when sources can be trusted. Baird explains this is about helping kids navigate the knowledge explosion. “How are kids trained to ask the right questions and access the right information? It’s the people who know how to access the right information in a timely fashion, that’s what we want the students to know. We don’t want to pack their heads with content, because content changes rapidly.”

A strong Chinese connection Hong Kong is home to a large number of Canadian citizens, many of whom are of Chinese heritage, thanks to a significant wave of immigration to Canada from Hong Kong back in the early nineties. This celebration is manifested in the school’s Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC), a $60 million dollar venture created to expand the exposure of CDNIS students to the Chinese language and culture. The CCC features teaching spaces, a library and performance facility in a design that honours the Chinese Yin & Yang philosophy of balancing elements of life.

first year of studies instead of my last.

What’s the toughest part of your day?

Trying to manage information and stay on top of social media. There is so much room for error on social media - rather than seeking information directly from the school, questions are raised and opinions posted. The fallout from social media can divert valuable time away from what really matters - creating a safe and inspiring environment for the education of the students.

What do you see as CDNIS’ greatest strength?

Three things: the calibre of the students; the overall quality of the teachers; the incredible facilities. I’ve been amazed at the engagement of the students, their enthusiasm and their respectful approach to learning and to one another. I’m incredibly impressed with the digital learning programs that have been developed here, the blogging, the constant striving of teachers to be leaders in their fields.

How do you feel about homework in primary years?

People often use Finland as an example of where the emphasis on homework is significantly different than other countries. I think a very small amount of homework, as long as it is age appropriate and given in moderation, with clear communication to parents, is acceptable. As a parent of three children, all of whom went on to university, I’d recommend reading with children in the evenings as a priority. The love of reading

Hong Kong and Canada enjoy a bonded relationship, one that is embraced and celebrated at CDNIS. sg

School Report

Established: 1991 Number of students: 1,780 Fees 2017/2018: from $103,500 (half-day Pre-Reception and Reception) to $187,100 (Grades 11 and 12) Address: 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen Tel: 2525 7088 Website: cdnis.edu.hk

starts with that evening time, sharing stories and being available to discuss them the next day.

For me, this can be worth so much more than an extra hour with a tutor.

What about extra tuition?

All students learn at different rates and having a student sit for an hour after class can be tough.

However, at the right age and time, it can be exactly what is needed to help a student break through a perceived leaning barrier or concept block.

Do you support the use of tech in the classroom?

Technology is incredibly useful. It’s here and it’s going to be an essential tool in 21st century environments. At CDNIS, we have one of the most diverse and widespread digital learning programs I have ever seen in a school. But these tools are not a substitute skill set for oral and written communication or the ability to engage in respectful debate, or to express oneself thoughtfully. Technology does not teach empathy, or cross-cultural understanding. Neither a pen nor a keyboard writes the great stories of the world; technology is a tool, an implement to give voice to the creativity and uniqueness of the author.

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school visits

ESF WEST ISLAND SCHOOL

S

ituated on Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, with the steep slopes of Mount Davis to one side and the East Lamma Channel to the other, West Island School (WIS) was originally founded in 1991. At that stage it housed its initial 80-odd students in the old military hospital on Borrett Road, Mid-levels, moving to the purpose-built campus in Pok Fu Lam in 1994.

WIS boasts an impressive average IB score six points ahead of the world average and a 98% success rate for its students’ first choice of university destination.

“My vision for West Island School is for it to become world-leading,” says head of school Chris Sammons, who replaced popular former principal Jane Foxglove, last year. “There’s no magic to that, it’s about relationships between staff and students, about high quality pastoral care, about high aspiration and having the best teachers - the best-trained teachers in the world who can enable students to take on their own learning.”

WIS is an ESF secondary school providing an enquiry-based education for children aged 11-18 years old. The school offers students IGSCE qualifications (taken in Year 11) and the IB Diploma (Year 13) upon graduation.

Like so many Hong Kong schools, WIS has a waiting list for all year levels, but it does see active movement and those seeking places are usually accommodated in good time.

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Academic excellence has fast become the calling card of so many Hong Kong schools; WIS is another addition to that list. The school has consistently delivered superior IB results and those math-challenged parents among us will need two hands to count the number of perfect IB scorers the school has produced each year.

Perfect scores are very impressive, but it’s the university acceptance rate that really speaks to the power of the school’s relationship-centric approach - 98% of WIS students are accepted into their first university choice. (However it’s very important to note that perfect IB scores aren’t the be-all-andend-all of university acceptance. In fact, there’s discussion about the weight academics is playing in the application process. There’s a wind of change affecting foreign student applications – perfect grades, while always influential, are becoming less important to selectors.)

So, how does WIS achieve results like this? The short answer is: relationships.

“That achievement comes from really knowing our learners well, and building on the relationships we have with them so they can perform to their best,” explains Sammons. He also credits the team at the school’s dedicated careers centre.

All schools would claim to have a relationship with each student, so what makes

the WIS approach so unique and effective?

It’s a combination of getting to know students before they enter the school system, and the intimate in-school tutor group system that ensures each student is given ample personal time with a single, dedicated teacher throughout each school year.

“We get to know the learners even before they join us,” explains Sammons. “That’s about relationships with the primary schools (most learners come from ESF Kennedy School), understanding them in Year 6, knowing where their skills and talents are.”

Once the school year has started, each child is afforded personal time with a dedicated teacher on a regular basis. This happens in two formats – daily in the student’s tutor group, a small session of up to 16 students that starts each school day, and in regular 1:1 sessions with their tutor who then becomes a single point of contact for that student.

“There’s a daily conversation being had with each student about the things they need to do and even about what happened overnight. Are they prepared for the day? This gets them set up for the day,” adds Sammons.

This is supported by a 1:1 program in which young people will have three or four individual, structured conversations with their tutor on a Monday afternoon. “It’s a thorough conversation that takes over an hour. The tutor will talk about their learning, where

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school visits their strengths are, talk about any difficulties.

They also receive information from subject teachers.”

From this ongoing, structured monitoring, each student is challenged with his or her own “high challenge, easy access learning path”, ensuring their needs are being met and their best results are being achieved. WIS also offers a learning centre for additional learning support to those who need special resources.

The school has resources for over 20 students with moderate learning difficulties.

Those parents who shudder at the thought of tests will be happy to know that school assessments have evolved since “the olden days” when we were at school. WIS is no exception. They’ve moved well away from the formal assessment structure once embraced by schools and now offer ongoing, individual assessments for each learner.

“The school has moved away from this sense of you get assessed at the end of term.

Each of the faculties assess the child when it needs to be done,” explains Sammons. While this might seem unconventional to some parents, he assures that WIS parents are very well informed.

“As a parent, you have an ongoing report that happens via our website throughout the whole year.”

This ongoing information builds into a significant portfolio of information about each child, “At the end of the year, you might have up to forty pieces of information that have come to you. It’s a much more formative

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conversation that’s happening,” he concludes.

In terms of technology in the classroom, the school uses Google Drive, Google Classroom and Google Apps which allow teachers to collaboratively set tasks, then monitor children as they build up their knowledge, interrupting or extending the students where necessary.

“There’s been a huge investment in technology,” says Sammons, explaining that the school has sighted a sweet spot for the future curriculum where technology, the arts and ICT computing meet, in a space where design concepts of the future can be explored.

Many of the science and tech facilities were given a refresh over the summer of 2016, ready to inspire an eager new generation of WIS students.

“The arts also have a very long tradition at West Island School. We have a performance group called Circle in the Water. Drama delivers some of the best results in the school and we believe the arts has a central importance – they develop confidence, communications skills, but most importantly it’s about the creativity.”

Sammons believes strongly in the power of a liberal arts education for success, explaining that WIS is one of few schools with a unique policy that mandates students participate in an arts subjects for their IB studies (with some student exceptions). “We expect our students to choose a subject in the arts. Other schools don’t expect that, but we do. It’s of central importance to the curriculum.” He cites a UK

study that shows the vast majority (80%) of arts graduates go on to leadership positions in business, “It’s about development of creative skills and effective communication,” he says.

WIS is also renowned for its sporting success. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool that hosts a 7am WIS swimming club session frequented by visiting alumni; three outdoor resources; a dance studio and an established relationship with neighbouring Hong Kong University that generously allows WIS students access to its own first-class sporting facilities.

WIS has proudly brought home the city’s coveted BOCHK Bauhinia Bowl prize, a series of sports accolades bestowed to students and schools by the Hong Kong School Sports Federation and WIS footballing families are now very excited that the school has welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ronaldo Football Academy, the first one to come to Hong Kong. sg

School Report

Established: 1991 Number of students: 1,200 Fees 2017/2018: $122,900 (Years 7-11); $129,100 (Years 12-13) Non-refundable capital levy: $26,000 max Address: 250 Victoria Road, Sandy Bay, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Tel: 2819 1962 Website: wis.edu.hk

Talking Head CHRIS SAMMONS Head of school of West Island School How long have you worked in education?

I first qualified to teach in 1993 and have taught in five different secondary schools with various teaching and leadership roles.

What’s your history in Hong Kong?

I first came to Hong Kong in 1996 and worked at Sha Tin College as head of business and economics. I returned to the UK and but came back to Hong Kong last year. Things move quickly here but it felt like I had never been away.

What are your best bits of Hong Kong?

I have always remembered and still enjoy walking along Tsim Sha Tsui promenade at sunset. I love emerging from East TST MTR and watching the visitors’ faces as they walk along the promenade and through the Cultural Centre to one of the most stunning sites in the world. I always drag visitors along on the first night they arrive.

Did you always want to work in education?

Always. My wife is a teacher of the deaf and when we were studying I was fascinated by the experiences and passion she had for her work.

What is the toughest part of a principal’s day?

The most important thing is to see the opportunities in everything, no matter how tough it may feel. I think, like most people, the toughest part is getting up in the morning.

What’s the biggest difference between teaching in Hong Kong and the UK? The international context and geographical location of Hong Kong means students have a wider appreciation of world affairs and are more outward looking. It makes it easier to teach both your subject and also how to show young people how to get along with others from such a wide range of backgrounds.

What’s the most exciting or beneficial opportunity for children completing their education in Hong Kong?

The ‘can do’ culture; the chance to learn internationally and mesh this with Mandarin; the

diversity of people and the richness this brings to daily life; the inspiring architecture.

What’s your stance on homework?

Drawing on my experience as a teacher and a father, home learning should be valued by teachers, students and families. It communicates value in knowledge, develops interest and can help parents come together with their children in the early years. It also teaches a different set of skills that perhaps aren’t being measured - independence, structure of time, to value knowledge.

Do you support the use of tech in the classroom?

Completely. I think we have arrived at the most exciting time in education when we are using technology to accelerate learning and make the use of time more efficient. The simple use of shared Google Docs and Google Classrooms is really empowering learners to take charge of their own learning.

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after-school activities

BUSY BODIES

Classes galore to keep your kids occupied after school

Asia-Pacific Soccer School Asia Pacific Soccer School runs football classes throughout Hong Kong, offering Kinder Kick programmes for the U4s, and moving up to all-level training for kids aged from five to 13 years, as well as girls-only training sessions.

There are also selective squad programmes for talented players with the opportunity to play in the Hong Kong Junior Football League and the HK Football Association Henderson League. apsoccer.hk.

Hong Kong Basketball Academy Shoot some hoops with the HKBA, which runs weekly sessions for boys and girls of all ages (from under eight to 19 years) and levels.

Introductory classes teach the fundamentals of basketball including teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun, safe environment while further down the line, competitive players get to test their skills in the Premier League program.

Holiday camps and 1:1 private training also available. hkbaallday.com.

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Mindful Wing Chun Designed to improve kids’ focus, inner balance and self discipline as well as teaching them the martial arts system, Mindful Wing Chun offers a range of traditional classes for kids. Get three-13 year olds one step closer to Bruce Lee with Kung Fu, Chi Sau or Wing Chun basics. Priced at $275 per class; private and group classes available. mindfulwingchun.com.hk.

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after-school activities

Island Glee Club

Red Shoe Dance Red Shoe Dance runs classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.

The school offers RAD ballet and ADAPT jazz examinations as well as performance opportunities, competitions and overseas training camps. Little ones can begin at three

and there are also pre-professional intensive training programmes for older students interested in a career in dance. Studios are located in Aberdeen and Central. redshoedance.com.

If your child seems born to perform, the Island Glee Club provides opportunities for aspiring young singers and dancers to collaborate with professional performers. Classes are divided into junior, intermediate and senior students, with a chance to take part in an open-day performance each term. The club also runs classes in stage performance, which cover microphone techniques, performing for the camera and performance fundamentals.

After-school and weekend classes from venues in Central, Parkview and Hong Kong Academy. No experience necessary. theislandgleeclub.com.

Faust Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three-18 at various venues across Hong Kong. Faust introduces children to the world of theatre and creativity through fun, lively sessions, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. Classes are open to everybody with no previous drama experience needed. It also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres during the year.

2547 9114, faustworld.com.hk.

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Twinkle Dance Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Twinkle Dance continues to teach budding ballerinas to dance at various locations across Hong Kong. Classes are available for 14 months to adults and everyone in between, with professional teachers from all over the world as well as from the Hong Kong

Ballet. LIttlies (aged from 18 months) can learn to dance with Mum by their side while older children can go for their ballet exams and beyond. Jazz classes, special needs workshops, seasonal holiday camps and parties are also offered. twinkledance.com.

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after-school activities

Anastassia’s Art House

Maggie and Rose A concept that was born in London, this is a club for all family members to use (grandparents too). Located at the pulse in Repulse Bay, it provides a creative space for kids in surroundings that also appeal to grownups. Your children (and you) can join one of the many classes on offer such as cooking, messy art sessions, music, dance

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and role play. There’s a soft play area plus a roof terrace and beachfront access for running around and letting your hair down.

Classes start for one-year-olds upwards; holiday camps are run throughout the year for members and non members alike. maggieandrose.com.hk.

Learn to draw, paint and sculpt from the crème de la crème at Anastassia’s Art House, an award-winning Russian art academy with locations in Sai Kung, Repulse Bay and Happy Valley. Qualified specialists are flown in from around the world promoting globalised, multicultural, artistic training. Starting at $280 for a one-hour session. arthouse-hk.com. sg

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tuition

In tuition Academic help is at hand

AEGIS ADVISORS Aegis Advisors is committed to making an impact on the lives of students and families across Asia. With a 10-year track record, it offers private tutoring, test prep, mentorship and coaching, and admissions advisory. The committed and experienced team of dedicated advisors, tutors and mentors provides students with a full range of educational support and guidance such as advisory services for US/UK boarding schools and universities (including Ivy Leagues and Oxbridge), private tutoring from primary school through to IB, AP, GCSE and A-level curriculums and test preparation for standardised exams (ISEE, ISAT, SAT and ACT). Aegis now offers “study space” where students can reserve a seat in the centre to work in a focused environment after school and at weekends, with tutors on site if help is needed in core subjects. Intensive SAT, ACT and SSAT bootcamps, and UCAS Personal Statement Workshops also available.

8175 5687, aegis-advisors.com.

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Brandon learning Centre Founded in 2006 by Dr Jessica Ogilvy-Stuart, Brandon Learning Centre in Causeway Bay specialises in getting children ready to sit exams for British boarding and day schools.

Whether they need early foundation work in English, French, maths, science and verbal/ non-verbal reasoning, want to brush up their interview techniques or are about to face the challenges of Common Entrance at 11+ or

13+, Brandon’s expert tutors are on hand with help and advice. The centre also offers online learning support in various subjects, university preparation, public speaking courses and a bespoke consultancy service for students applying to UK schools. One-on-one or very small group classes; seasonal holiday courses are also available.

2575 1761, brandoncentre.com.

ITS EDUCATION ASIA

Annie Mandarin Center

ITS Education Asia provides educational support for children and adults across a range of subjects as well as exam preparation services for SATs, iGCSEs, A-levels, IB and more. Take a tutorial programme at one of ITS’ Hong Kong schools or use the online learning service. In addition to tutorials, ITS offers university admissions advice and an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. Locations in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

2116 3916, itseducationasia.com.

Annie Mandarin Center was founded by professional Mandarin teacher Annie Liang.

Qualified teachers are available for one-on-one and group classes covering speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Tuition classes can also be tailored to help complement school lessons and exam preparation. One-hour lessons start from $115 per hour for big group classes (up to 7 students); from $140 semi private (3-4 students) and $350 for one-on-one tuition. 2333 8992, anniemandarin.com.

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tuition

Hong Kong Institute of Languages Since 1985, the Hong Kong Institute of Languages has been at the forefront of teaching foreign languages across the territory. Whether hoping to improve a second language, prepare for language examinations or simply out of enjoyment of learning a foreign language, the institute has a range of courses to suit. Students can choose from private tuition, semiprivate tuition and small group classes with programmes running one or two classes per week for each module. Too busy to make a class at the Institute in Central? Lessons can be arranged at a time and location that are most convenient for you.

2877 6160, hklanguages.com.

Kaplan Kaplan is an international provider of educational and career services.

Offering a comprehensive range of programmes from language tuition to exam and admissions preparation, Kaplan has helped thousands of students make the grade. Also on offer is one-on-one tuition for students who need to work at their own pace. Personal tuition classes can be booked in 10-hour packages with additional hours purchased after that.

2526 3686, kaplan.com.hk.

Pasona Education Founded in 1984, Pasona Education is a professional training institute that offers expertise in Japanese, English, Mandarin and Cantonese tuition to both children and adults. Classes are taught by trained native speakers and are open to all levels of learners for both general and business use.

Students can enrol on private tuition courses as well as group classes.

To supplement class teaching, cultural workshops and Awaji study programmes are also organised.

2577 8002, pasona.edu.hk.

Southside Mandarin As well as offering straightforward Mandarin lessons, this learning centre has playgroups and immersion programmes for children aged six months to 12 years. Babies up to 24 months old join the Putonghua playgroup whilst older children can attend art, music and drama classes taught in Mandarin. A special fun club combines language and cultural learning with play-based activities for children aged three to seven. All classes are taught by professionally qualified native speakers with experience in early childhood and primary education.

3427 9619, southsidemandarin.com.

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Sylvan Learning Center Sylvan uses a diagnostic assessment to establish a child’s strengths and weaknesses and designs a tailor-made programme accordingly. Tuition in maths, science, Mandarin, English reading and writing is available in addition to homework help, preparation for school entrance exams (UK, US and Hong Kong) and for the IGCSE, IB, SAT and ACT. Lessons are available for children aged five-18 and are taught in groups of three (students work on their individualised programme with two other children at the same table). Sylvan’s holiday camps are available during the summer, winter and spring breaks. They include STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), robotics and coding, as well as writing. Locations in Aberdeen and Repulse Bay. 2873 0662, sylvan.edu.hk.

PGEM For support outside the classroom, PGEM offers online tuition and academic support in a range of subjects, as well as essay help, online SAT/ ACT test preparation and university counseling. PGEM also covers IB MYP, IB DP, AP, A-Levels, IGCSE and HKDSE including languages. Learners can book slots with tutors through the PGEM website for a one-on-one session using interactive video calling, live chat and whiteboard facilities. Online fees for live one-on-one tutoring are USD$60 per session; fees for essay help and writing support are between USD$60-USD$150 (for USD$150 essay supervisors provide four rounds of feedback/comments on a student’s work). Ask questions, receive feedback and develop a deeper understanding of academic subjects from the comfort of your own home.

2500 6078, teachers-to-go.com.

Tute.HK The brain-child of Oxford-educated businessmen Richard Howorth and Alastair Altham, Tute.HK uses British undergraduates from top UK universities to lead online tutorials. Students can opt for group or oneon-one sessions in almost any discipline or area in which they need help.

All sessions are recorded, so students are able to re-play sessions at a later date. This also enables parents to keep a check on what is going on. As well as individual subjects, study areas covered also include the International UK Entrance Test, IGCSEs, A-levels and IB. Tutors have access to a huge online library of coursework materials.

3166 5988, tute.hk. sg Expat Parent Schools Guide | 67

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family fun

PLAYing AROUND Fun activities for all the family

HONG KONG

We think Hong Kong is pretty cool for kids. If you’re stuck for ideas, how about Ocean Park, Disneyland, pink dolphin spotting, Sai Wan, Cheung Chau, tram riding in Central, Sheung Luk Streams, Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Hong Kong Science Museum, Peak tram, Hong Kong

Park, ice skating, Madame Tussaud’s, Kadoorie Farm, sailing, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, geopark exploring, the Big Buddha and the Ngong Ping cable cars, surfing, Star Ferry, Ladies’ Market, BMX Bike Park, Hong Kong Wetland Park, and the bird market for starters?

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family fun

Baumhaus One for the younger siblings, Baumhaus has two learning centres with attached play areas that are perfect for tiny tots. Sign up for music and drama classes, or simply drop in for a play – both the Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui branches feature large birch wood “tree houses” surrounded by plenty of soft play space and wooden toys to explore. Mums and dads will appreciate the on-site coffee shops, offering a range of healthy snacks and drinks guaranteed to keep everyone happy. Open daily. Wan Chai branch between 9am and 6pm, Tsim Sha Tsui branch between 10am and 7pm. Playroom costs $100 for the first child and $60 per subsequent sibling.

1/F Kar Yau Building, 36-44 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2321 5898, baumhaus.com.hk.

Verm City If your idea of a family day out involves hauling yourselves up sheer rock face then you’re in luck! Based in Quarry Bay (in the same building as Ryze trampoline park), Verm City is a brand new climbing gym that’s suitable for the entire family. Adults and older kids can tackle tougher top-roping and bouldering, while on Mondays and Fridays, Verm offers free sessions on Asia’s first augmented climbing wall – a completely unique projector-based rock climbing game. Meanwhile Verm’s Clip-n-Climb Park is suitable for kids aged four and above, with 19 different climbing challenges, games and puzzles to tackle. Do note that you’ll need to ditch the flip-flops, as socks and sneakers are compulsory for all climbers. Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 11pm; Weekends from 9am to 9pm. Clip-n-Climb Park costs $180 per hour with regular packages available. Bouldering wall costs $180 per day with membership packages available.

4/F, Kodak House, 321 Java Street, Quarry Bay, 2560 8128, vermcity.com.

Epicland If bigger means better in your household, then look no further than Discovery Bay’s Epicland. At 14,000 square feet, Hong Kong’s largest play centre is fully tricked-out with fantastic facilities to match its huge space. Daredevils can test their nerves on the sky-high Air Trek obstacle course, while down below you’ll find a mini golf course, trampolines, laser tag, foam ballistics room, climbing wall, vast playground, dedicated toddler area… the list goes on. There’s a snack bar for quick bites. You can also take advantage of DB’s family-friendly restaurants and make a day of it. Open daily from 9.30am to 7.30pm. Admission costs $148 per child on weekdays and $188 per child at weekends (admission includes one adult per child); ages 13 and over cost $168 on weekdays and $200 at weekends.

G/F, 31 North Plaza, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, 2441 0098, epiclandhk.com.

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family fun

LOST Great for tweens and teens, Causeway Bay’s LOST is hard to beat. An escape room game designed to be completed as a team, this is a physical and mental workout that’s great for the whole family, although under-12s will need to be supervised by an adult. Find hidden clues, solve complex puzzles and complete a variety of challenges to escape the locked rooms, which are graded by difficulty and theme. Each challenge lasts between 45-90 minutes and can accommodate teams of up to 10, making this a fun birthday party activity. Open weekdays from 1pm to 11pm and weekends from 11am to 11pm. Pricing varies per room selected.

15 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, 2892 2393, losthk.com.

Aqua Float One of Hong Kong’s newest attractions, Aqua Float is a vast inflatable adventure playground bobbing atop Lake Egret Nature Park in Tai Po. With 43 individual obstacles to tackle, you can set adrift on floating icebergs, scale improbably bouncy steps then zoom down a 6m-long sheer water slide. Test your balance on speedy slip-and-slide runways and catch some air on the park’s aquatic trampolines. Open seven days a week, Aqua Float is just one of the facilities at Core HK’s sprawling site. If you’re especially energetic, you can also try out wakeboarding and waterbiking. Feeling peckish after all that wet-and-wild activity? Pack a cool box and make the most of the on-site barbecue pit where you can grill your dinner and dry off a bit. Open daily from 10am to 8pm. $108 per hour if pre-booked, or $138 per hour on the day. A free shuttle bus runs from Tai Po Market MTR Station.

Core HK, 2 Hung Lam Drive, Tai Po Kau, Tai Po, New Territories, 2465 3468, corehk.net.

Ryze If you’d rather no more monkeys jumping on the bed, then pack them off to a trampoline park to expend their energy! Hong Kong’s original trampoline park, Ryze’s fun soft obstacle course and slack-line challenge makes a great option for rainy days and scorchers alike. You are required to sign a waiver before entering and there are strict safety rules in operation, so read the fine print and happy jumping! Ryze is open daily from 9am to 9pm and costs $95 per hour for under-sixes and $150 per hour for age six and over. ryzehongkong.com.

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directory

Kindergarten Anfield International

ESF International Kindergarten

Kindergarten

ESF Abacus

Address

|5 Cumberland Road,

Address

ESF International Kindergarten

ESF Wu Kai Sha |1 A Mang Kung Uk Road,

Address

| Level 1, Lake Silver Tower, 599 Sai Sha Road,

Clearwater Bay

Kowloon Tong

Ma On Shan

Telephone

| 2794 3668

Telephone

|2 719 5712

Email

| admin@anfield.edu.hk

Email

| kinder@abacus.esf.org.hk

Telephone

| 2435 5291

Year Groups

| K1-K3

Website

| abacus.edu.hk

Email

| kinder@wks.esf.org.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $6,600-$9,100 per month

Website

| wukaisha.edu.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| From $7,600 per month

ESF Hillside Address

|4 3B Stubbs Road, Happy

Verde, 8 Laguna Verde

Telephone

|2 540 0066

Avenue, Hunghom

Email

| kinder@hs.esf.org.hk

Website

| esfkindergartens.org.hk

Kindergarten & Nursery Address

Valley

|L 2, Phase 1, Laguna

Telephone

| 2766 3882

Email

| admin-lv@anfield.edu.hk

Year Groups

| Nursery and K1-K3

All

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| From $7,100-$9,100

Curriculum

| I B Primary Years

ESF Tsing Yi Address

| Maritime Square, 33 Tsing

Telephone

| 2436 3355

Email

| kinder@ty.esf.org.hk

Website

| esfkindergartens.org.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| From $7,522 per month

King Road, Tsing Yi

Programme All Website

| anfield.edu.hk

Curriculum

| Early Years Foundation Stage

Year Groups

| K1-K2

All

Tuition Fees 2017/2018

|F rom $7,600 per month

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years Programme

Year Groups

| K1-K2

Fairchild Kindergarten

SKIP (Sai Kung Pre-School)

Southside Kindergarten

Address

Address

Address

| G203 The Repulse Bay,

|K ong Chian Tower Block 1, 351 Des Voeux Road West, Shek Tong Tsui

| 159 Che Kung Tuk Road, Sai Kung

109 Repulse Bay Road

Telephone

| 2791 7354

Telephone

| 2592 7527

Telephone

| 2803 2638

Email

| skip@skip.edu.hk

Email

| info@southside.edu.hk

Email

| info@fairchild.academy

Website

| skip.edu.hk

Website

| southside.edu.hk

Website

| fairchild.academy

Curriculum

| UK Early Years

Curriculum

| UK National Curriculum

Curriculum

|R eggio Emilia-

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| From $9,200 per month

Year Groups Tuition fees 2017/2018

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Foundation Stage

inspired inquiry-based

Year Groups

| Playgroup, K1-K2

programmes

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| From $160 per

|P re nursery-K3

session-$4,950 per

| $8,800

month

Foundation Stage

directory

Primary Anfield School

English Schools Foundation

Beacon Hill School Address

| No. 1, Lung Pak Street,

Address

Tai Wai, Shatin

English Schools Foundation

Clearwater Bay School | 23 Ede Road,

Address

| Lot 235, DD 229, Clearwater Bay Road

Kowloon Tong

Telephone

| 2692 8823

Telephone

| 2336 5221

Telephone

| 2358 3221

Email

| office@anfield.edu.hk

Email

| bhs@bhs.edu.hk

Email

| info@cwbs.edu.hk

Website

| anfield.edu.hk

Website

| beaconhill.edu.hk

Website

| cwbs.edu.hk

Curriculum

| UK National Curriculum

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Bradbury School

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $11,700

Address

|4 3C Stubbs Road,

Address

| 7 Hornsey Road,

Gleanealy School Happy Valley

Mid-levels

Telephone

| 2574 8249

Telephone

| 2522 1919

Email

| enquiries@bradbury .edu.hk

Email

| enquiry@glenealy.edu.hk

Website

| bradbury.edu.hk

Website

| glenealy.edu.hk

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

| Y1-Y6

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

| $89,200-$106,500

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

All Curriculum Year Groups Tuition fees 2017/2018

All Programme

Programme

Dalton School Hong Kong

ESF Kennedy School

ESF Kowloon Junior School

Address

Address

Address

| 20 Perth Street, Ho Man

| G/F, Imperial Cullinan, 10 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon

| 19 Sha Wan Drive, Pok Fu Lam

Tin, Kowloon

Email

| info@dshk.edu.hk

Telephone

| 2855 0711

Telephone

| 3765 8700

Website

| dshk.edu.hk

Email

| office@kennedy.edu.hk

Email

| office@kjs.edu.hk

Curriculum

| English and Putonghua

Website

| kennedy.edu.hk

Website

| kjs.edu.hk

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

bilingual Dalton Plan Year Groups

| Y1-Y2

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $181,500

Programme

Programme

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

expat-parent.com 75

directory

Primary ESF Peak School

ESF Quarry Bay School

ESF Sha Tin Junior School

Address

Address

Address

| 3A Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan,

| 20 Plunketts Road, The Peak

| 6 Hau Yuen Path,

Sha Tin

Braemar Hill, North Point

Telephone

| 2849 7211

Telephone

| 2566 4242

Telephone

| 2692 2721

Email

| office@ps.edu.hk

Email

| office@qbs.edu.hk

Email

| info@sjs.edu.hk

Website

| ps.edu.hk

Website

| qbs.edu.hk

Website

| sjs.edu.hk

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Programme

Programme

Programme

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Year Groups

| Y1-Y6

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $89,200-$106,500

Generations Christian Education

The International Montessori School

Mount Kelly Hong Kong

Address

Address

Address

| Schools in Mid Levels,

| Campuses in Mid-levels,

| Three campuses across Kowloon and Tsim Sha

South Horizons, Stanley

Sheung Wan, and Tai Po Email

| office@generations.edu.hk

Website

| generations.edu.hk

Telephone

| 2772 2468

Telephone

| 2110 1978

Curriculum

| International Primary

Email

| admissions@mountkelly.

Website

| mountkelly.com.hk

Curriculum

| Common Entrance

Year Groups

| Nursery-Y8

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $1,200 per month;

Email

| apply@ims.edu.hk

Curriculum and Biblical

Website

| ims.edu.hk

Foundations Curriculum

Curriculum

| Montessori Dual-

Year Groups

| Nursery, Kindergarten,

Year Groups

| Playgroup-Primary

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $54,680-$106,000

Language Programme Primary Tuition fees 2017/2018

76 expat-parent.com

Tsui

and Aldrich Bay

| From $10,000 per month

com.hk

$175,000 per annum

directory

Secondary Concordia International High School

ESF Island School

ESF King George V School

Address

Address

Address

| 2 Tin Kwong Road,

| 68 Begonia Road, Kowloon Tong

| 20 Borrett Road, Mid-

Ho Man Tin

levels

Telephone

| 2789 9890

Telephone

| 2524 7135

Telephone

| 2711 3029

Email

| office@concordiaintl.

Email

| school@online.island.

Email

| office@kgv.edu.hk

edu.hk

Website

| kgv.edu.hk

Curriculum

| GCSE/IGCSE, IB

edu.hk Website

| cis-hk.edu.hk

Website

| island.edu.hk

Curriculum

| Based on North

Curriculum

| GCSE/IGCSE, IB

America’s curriculum with

Diploma, Applied

SAT, AP and TOEFL as

Learning Programme

exit qualifications

(BTEC qualifications)

Year Groups

| G7-G12

Year Groups

| Y7-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $56,750-$64,750 per term

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $122,900-$129,100

Diploma, Applied Learning Programme (BTEC qualifications) Year Groups

| Y7-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $122,900-$129,100

ESF Sha Tin College

ESF South Island School

ESF West Island School

Address

Address

Address

| 250 Victoria Road,

| No. 3 Lai Wo Lane,

|5 0 Nam Fung Road,

Pok Fu Lam

Aberdeen

Fo Tan, Sha Tin Telephone

| 2699 1811

Telephone

| 2555 9313

Telephone

| 2819 1962

Email

| info@shatincollege.edu.hk

Email

| sis@sis.edu.hk

Email

| wis@wis.edu.hk

Website

| shatincollege.edu.hk

Website

| sis.edu.hk

Website

| wis.edu.hk

| IB and applied learning

Curriculum

| I B Diploma, SIS Diploma

Curriculum

| Middle Years Diploma,

Curriculum

curriculum, IGCSE/GCSE | Y7-Y13

Year Groups Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $122,900-$129,100

and Applied Learning

IGCSE, IB Diploma,

Diploma

Foundation Diploma,

Year Groups

| Y7-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $122,900-$129,100

WIS International Diploma Year Groups

| Y7-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $122,900-$129,100

expat-parent.com 77

directory

All-through American School Hong Kong

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

Delia School of Canada

Address

| 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po

Address

Address

| Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo

Telephone

| 3919 4100

Email

| admissions@ashk.edu.hk

Telephone

| 2525 7088

Telephone

| 3658 0400

Website

| ashk.edu.hk

Email

| admissions@cdnis.edu.hk

Email

| admissions@delia.edu.hk

Curriculum

| US High School Diploma,

Website

| cdnis.edu.hk

Website

| delia.edu.hk

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| Ontario Program and

IB Diploma

| 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen

Shing

Year Groups

| Kindergarten-G12

Programme, IB Middle

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $141,500-$182,000

Years Programme, IB

Year Groups

| Pre grade-G12

Diploma, Ontario Secondary

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $105,000-$120,000

Alberta Program

School Programme

ESF International School

Year Groups

| Pre reception-Grade 12

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $103,500-$187,100

French International School

Harrow International School Hong Kong

Address

Address

| 38 Tsing Ying Road,

Telephone

| 2824 9099

ESF Discovery College Address

| 38 Siena Avenue,

| Campuses in Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout,

Discovery Bay

Tuen Mun

Telephone

| 3969 1000

Email

| office@dc.edu.hk

Telephone

| 2577 6217

Email

| info@harrowschool.hk

Website

| discovery.edu.hk

Email

| info@lfis.edu.hk

Website

| harrowschool.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $115,600-$156,300

Website

| fis.edu.hk

Curriculum

| Early Years Foundation

Curriculum

| IB Diploma, IGCSE,

ESF Renaissance College Address

Hung Hom and Chai Wan

| 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma

Stage, UK National

French National

On Shan

Curriculum, IGCSE,

Curriculum

A-levels

Telephone

| 3556 3556

Year Groups

| Reception-Y13

Year Groups

| K1-Y13

Email

| info@rchk.edu.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $100,260-$189,560

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $145,557-$197,930

Website

| rchk.edu.hk

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $111,500-$151,000

All Curriculum

| IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma

Year Groups

78 expat-parent.com

| Y1-Y13

directory

All-through Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Adventist Academy

International College Hong Kong

Address

Address

Address

| 33 Wai Man Road,

| 1111 Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung

Sai Kung

| 3, 20th Street, Hong Lok Yuen / 60 Sha Tau Kok

Telephone

| 2655 1111

Telephone

| 2623 0034

Email

| admissions@hkacademy.

Email

| info@hkaa.edu.hk

Telephone

| 3955 3000/2655 9018

Website

| hkaa.edu.hk

Email

| info@ichk.edu.hk

Website

| hkacademy.edu.hk

Curriculum

| Hong Kong and American

Website

| ichk.edu.hk

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

Curriculum

| IB Primary Years

edu.hk

Griggs International Academy

Programme, Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Year Groups

| Pre Kindergarten-G12

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $146,100-$214,600

Kellett School

Address

Road, Shek Chung Au

Year Groups

| G1-G12

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $8,900-$10,600

Programme, UK National Curriculum, IGCSE/ GCSE, IB Diploma Year Groups

| Nursery-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $119,300-$171,200

Nord Anglia International School

Stamford American School Hong Kong

Address

Address

| 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin

Lam/ 7 Lam Hing Street,

Telephone

| 3958 1428

Kowloon Bay

Email

| admissions@nais.hk

Telephone

| 2500 8688

| 2 Wah Lok Path, Pok Fu

| 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon

Telephone

| 3120 0700

Website

| nais.hk

Email

| admissions@sais.edu.hk

Email

| admissions@

Curriculum

| English National

Website

| sais.edu.hk

Curriculum

| Inquiry-based framework

Curriculum, EYFS,

kellettschool.com Website

| kellettschool.com

Curriculum

| English National

Year Groups

| Nursery-Y10

Reaches Out and

Year Groups

| Reception-Y13

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $75,000-$167,685

Common Core Plus, IB

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $157,300-$201,200

with American Education

IGCSE, IB

Diploma, American High School Diploma Year Groups

| Pre-primary-Secondary

Tuition fees 2017/2018

| $165,900-$182,100

expat-parent.com 79

80 | Expat Parent Schools Guide

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1 | Expat Parent Schools Guide