What does it take to provide the best learning environment at primary school? We asked two heads at the French International School (FIS) in Hong Kong – ROSS ARMITAGE, Principal of the International Primary and Early Years (International Stream), and MERIEM BELHADJ, Principal of Primary Campuses and Studies (French Stream) – for their perspectives. Plus, we hear how the school’s two distinct streams collaborate for primary schooling.
Tell us how the two streams at FIS work. How is learning is delivered across them?
Ross: FIS has the French Stream Primary and International Stream (IS) Primary. Each has its own principal, vice principals, teaching teams and curricula. The FIS Primary team collaborates as part of our #OneFIS approach – this includes weekly shared projects focused on sports, arts, music and sustainability. This, as well as during lunch and break time, is where French and International students mix.
FIS IS Primary offers a holistic education based on the English Early Years Foundation Stage, the IEYC and the IPC, where students learn about the world and their role as members of a global community.
Meriem: The two streams are united by a strong spirit of collaboration, driven by our #OneFIS philosophy, which aims to create a coherent, inclusive and globally-minded school. Joint projects with students from both streams promote intercultural exchange, cooperation and the development of cross-curricular skills. This strengthens the links between communities, promotes the richness of diversity, and contributes to building a collective identity.
In your view, what are some important aspects of leading Early Years and Primary schooling?
Ross: At FIS International Early Years and Primary, our teachers work to provide a nurturing environment for the development of confident, enquiring young minds. Our stimulating play-based activities encourage students to ask questions and develop a global curiosity, with a curriculum designed to give students traits and skills necessary for the future, such as enquiry, resilience and international mindedness. Students also learn about e-Safety and experience coding and innovation using information and communication technology.
Meriem: One major challenge is coordinating language learning. The link between languages requires rigorous organisation, a shared educational vision and fluid communication between teachers. Alongside ensuring National Education programmes are implemented, our management plays a key role in developing collaboration between teaching teams and families, and promoting values of kindness, tolerance and cultural openness, while ensuring the development of each child.
What do young learners enjoy most about FIS?
Ross: Students enjoy the friendships they make in our unique French and English bilingual environment. They actively participate in cross stream Primary sports teams, competing in leagues across Hong Kong.
The students also love performing! Our Primary choir had the honour of performing at the opening of the Francophonie week in Hong Kong. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in our annual Primary’s Got Talent to showcase their talents.
Meriem: According to a student survey, what they appreciate most is the quality of support provided by a deeply committed, caring and professional teaching team. Teachers at FIS play a central role in creating a climate of trust, where every student feels safe, listened to and respected. This positive relationship with the adults at the school promotes a desire to learn. It also develops independence and self-confidence.
What are some of the ways you prepare them for the transition to high school?
Ross: Our IS Primary students exemplify IPC Personal Goals such as respect, empathy, critical thinking, ethical, effective communication, adaptability, collaboration and resilience across their learning. The transition starts in term one and continues through term three with a special transition unit. In IS Primary, our learning definition is, “Learning is a lifelong process of acquiring knowledge, developing skills and making connections to better understand the world and our place within it.”
Meriem: Preparation for the transition to secondary school is based on close collaboration with the school-college commission, which builds genuine educational continuity between primary and secondary school. Throughout the year, joint projects are set up to encourage exchanges between teachers and create concrete bridges. A dedicated time slot allows secondary school students to meet primary school students, establishing initial contact with their future school environment.
What are some exciting new things happening at FIS?
Ross: We’ve been conducting a sustainability audit, and both French and International students actively participate through the Hong Kong Green Ambassador programme. They’ve been involved in holistic gardening projects, recycling initiatives such as clothing recycling campaigns, and food waste reduction efforts. These activities demonstrate their commitment to global citizenship in various ways.
Meriem: The Asian Games are an exciting new development. This is the first inter-school sports competition designed to strengthen the link between primary and secondary education. The event offers students a unique opportunity to represent their school within the AEFE’s Asia zone. The Asian Games are fully in line with our desire to build bridges between cycles, develop selfconfidence and promote an open, dynamic school.
What drew you to FIS? What do you like most about the school?
Ross: FIS has over 40 nationalities represented and is passionate about developing lifelong learners and bilingual global citizens. I’m passionate about enhancing teaching and creating a happy and memorable school experience. I particularly enjoy interacting with students from nursery to Year Six; their enthusiasm and creativity are truly inspiring. Staff development is also central to my philosophy of school improvement.
Meriem: From the first years of schooling at FIS, students evolve in a bilingual and multicultural environment, where both languages are fully integrated into the learning process. This linguistic immersion allows the development of solid skills and real confidence in each language. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our educational project: we ensure that every child feels welcome, valued and supported in their journey.
About the Principals
“I’m from Cheshire in the UK, and I have a total of 25 years in education. This includes 17 years of experience as a primary school principal in both the UK and at two schools in Asia.” – Ross Armitage
“I have 28 years of education experience, beginning my career in the Paris region, in Île-de-France, working in teacher training and school management. I place students at the centre of my work, ensuring that I create a caring, demanding and inclusive learning environment.” – Meriem Belhadj
The French International School has four campuses catering to different ages:
- 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout
- 28 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O
- 1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan
- 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley
Found this feature interesting? It first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
