There’s always plenty to look forward to on the educational journey. From new international schools in Hong Kong to new facilities and curriculums and other updates, here are just a few of the latest developments in schools in HK and abroad!
Hong Kong School News
Experience the Joy of the Season with Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is delighted to invite families to its Winter Concert on Thursday, 12 December. Join them from 5pm for seasonal snacks, mulled wine and festive games, followed by enchanting musical performances from 6pm to 7pm. Tickets are priced at $100 for adults and $50 for children. In the spirit of joy and sharing, all funds raised will support four impactful charities: Plastic Free Seas, HandsOn Hong Kong, ImpactHK and Box of Hope. Tickets can be purchased here.
Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of warmth, music and giving back to the community!
Theatre Kids!
With the recent release of Wicked, there will be plenty of budding young musical lovers keen to spend time in the spotlight. If that sounds like your child, enrol them in Faust International Youth Theatre. On 1 and 14 December, they’re offering free trial workshops so your kids can give it a go. Faust also offers long-term programmes – upcoming Term 2 is open for registrations. It’s a good time to enrol them, too, so they’re ready for Term 3’s focus on the annual Faust Festival next June. Not quite ready to commit to a full term?
There are holiday programmes running this winter, suitable for ages three to 16 (two week-long sessions between 16 December to 3 January, and also 27 and 28 January for CNY). It’s a great opportunity to get a taste for acting, stage work and musical theatre. faustworld.com/prog_termtime.asp
Step into YCIS
Did you know that Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong (YCIS Hong Kong) was the first homegrown international school in HK? At its upcoming Open Days, you can take a look at this multicultural school, which has both local and expatriate students from more than 30 countries and regions. During the events, find out about the focus on bilingual learning from Infant and Toddler Learning Programmes all the way to the IBDP. Plus, understand more about their innovative projects and cutting-edge educational initiatives. The Open Day event is on 14 December, from 10am to 2pm (Early Childhood Education Section), 11am to 3pm (Primary Section) and 12pm to 4pm (Secondary Section). bit.ly/ycishk-openday2024
Capturing Creativity
Celebrate your young one’s artworks and preserve their childhood through bespoke art books! Tiny Explorers Stories founder Mandy Tang is a mum herself who has faced the challenge of managing and preserving her kids’ art and clutter at home. This led to her solution, to record your child’s pieces and present them in a beautiful art book. Have a look on Instagram @tiny.explorers.stories
More Hong Kong school news to note!
New Guidepost Montessori campuses!
There are now 13 campuses under CEG across Hong Kong providing a Montessori education. These new learning environments feature new and enriching indoor and outdoor gross motor playground spaces and each classrooms is also staffed by a full-time English teacher and a full-time Mandarin. This means the entire curriculum is taught in both languages and with a dual language approach.
Guidepost Montessori Mid-Levels is located on Caine Road and offers three floors with shared play spaces for children. It also sits directly across the street from Guidepost Family Club Mid-Levels, which hosts a range of engaging programs for parents, infants and toddlers.
Guidepost Montessori Repulse Bay, meanwhile, has stunning ocean views and is right across the street from Repulse Bay Beach and The Pulse shopping centre. This campus is for children six months to six years of age. The Repulse Bay campus also has private parking just steps away from the beach.
Finally, Guidepost Montessori Sai Kung can be found in the Marina Cove development, with indoor spaces that are filled with natural light and which join onto fab outdoor play areas.
Find out more at guidepost.hk
A new expansion for Harrow Little Lions – plus a new Head!
Harrow Little Lions Kai Tak will open its doors in August 2025, the new two-storey purpose-built facility will accommodate over 200 early years children in Nursery and Reception. On top of this news, Ms Nikki Street will be appointed as the new Head of Harrow Little Lions Kai Tak. Ms Street brings extensive experience in early childhood education from her previous role at Harrow Little Lions Hengqin. Enrolment for August 2025 is now open.
Discover more at aislharrow.com.
In the Spotlight
Faust is a HK performing arts centre offering fab programmes for kids and teens with an interest in the stage. Upcoming offerings include the MT Spotlight group, which is for 15-to-19-year-olds who would like to take their musical theatre skills to the next level, exploring vocal range, acting techniques, dance styles and working towards a full-scale production. Meanwhile, LAMDA Workshops provide comprehensive training to young people aged eight to 18 who are interested in taking the LAMDA examinations. If you’re starting to look at holiday programmes, Faust offers workshops during Half-Term in October, as well as Winter Programmes in December.
Clever Kids!
Hard work clearly pays off after this year’s cohort of students across Hong Kong received some fantastic International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Level results. Congrats from all of us at EL!
Blitzing the IB
The global average IB score was 30.24 points and many HK schools have reported averages between 32 and 38 percent. A total of 2,406 students in Hong Kong took part in the IB programme this year and at least 32 have attained perfect scores, up from 23 in 2023. Among them were 17 students from the English Schools Foundation, the city’s biggest international school group.
Acing A-Levels
A quick word on three schools who have earned some stellar 2024 results:
- At Harrow International School, 70 percent of students received an A grade and above, and 32 percent an A*. Students have secured places at Cambridge, Imperial, Stanford and UPenn universities, including first choice offers for Medicine at Hong Kong University and Tsinghua, Beijing. harrowschool.hk/learning/examination-results
- At Kellett School, 58.1 percent of the cohort achieved an A grade or above with 19.6 percent scoring A* grades. kellettschool.com/defining-kellett/results accreditations/results
- Over 12 percent of Korean International School students achieved straight A to A* grades. kis.edu.hk/examination-results
More excellent results at DBIS
Discovery Bay International School is another school celebrating following the news of student results. Fifty percent of its (I)GCSE students were graded A* to A, with an impressive 29 percent graded A*. Meanwhile, A-Level students also excelled, with 82 percent of grades ranging from A* to C and 38 percent from A* to A. The school’s principal Mr Marc Morris says, “The exceptional results reflect the students’ determination, the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and the nurturing environment we provide. We have no doubt the Class of 2024 will continue to achieve great things in the years to come.” The new DBIS alumni will go on to prestigious universities including Cambridge and Cornell. Photo courtesy of DBIS. dbis.edu.hk
Korean International School Admissions
KIS is a growing international school in Hong Kong offering a UK curriculum in English (International Section) and also the Korean National Curriculum in Korean (Korean Section). There’s also a range of specialist subjects such as Foreign Languages, STEM and Creative Arts. Established in 1994, the all-through school has over 800 students aged four to 18, with 600 international students from over 25 different countries.
Apply now by emailing admissions@kis.edu.hk or calling 2569 5500
ESF in Sai Sha
From 2026, there’ll be a new ESF state-of-the-art kindergarten in Sai Shai. What’s more, the 300 K1 and K2 students at the kindergarten will have guaranteed entry into Year 1 at ESF Renaissance College. This arrangement will create a new, cohesive community that extends across both schools, helping parents gain certainty about their child’s education journey.
Applications for K1 entry in 2025 at Tung Chung Kindergarten will be accepted as normal during the central application period. However, students wishing to move on to K2 will be enrolled in the new kindergarten in Sai Sha – and offered a guaranteed place at ESF Renaissance College. The existing kindergarten in Tung Chung will relocate to Sai Sha when it opens.
Award Nominations
Rugby School Thailand has been shortlisted for the British International School of the Year 2024 in the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards. These awards had a record number of entries this year with hundreds of schools submitting entries to all 24 awards categories. The school offers a stepping stone for families across Asia who would like a first-rate British education. for their children that’s close to home, and with plenty of pathways to top universities in the UK and around the world. Day and flexible boarding options are available.
Little Lions!
Harrow is opening a new campus in Kai Tak. The Little Lions Early Years Centre will be situated in the new Uptown East development, a modern residential and lifestyle hub with plenty of greenery, retail options and dining venues for the community. It’s close to Choi Hung MTR Station for easy connection to other parts of Hong Kong. Keep in the loop at harrowschool.hk.
Montessori in Bali!
Cosmic Education Group (CEG), one of the largest operators of Montessori schools in Asia – including Guidepost Montessori campuses here in Hong Kong – has established an exclusive partnership with AYANA Estate Bali, to introduce the world’s first “destination school”, Guidepost Montessori AYANA Bali. Set in the beautiful surrounds of a five-star estate, the school offers both a long-term academic program for children aged 3 to 6 years, as well as Adventure Camps with 2-day and 4-day options year-round for children of the same age. Little ones will explore marine life, local agriculture and more, in what will be an ideal offering for families visiting Bali during Hong Kong’s long summer break. The program integrates parents too, with a shared session at the end of each 4- day program. Families interested in either Adventure Camps or the long-term school program, or who are keen to tour the Guidepost Montessori AYANA Bali campus, can contact the admissions team on +62 812 3967 2804 or email ayanabali@guidepost.id.
A unique pathway
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong has announced the opening of the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway, initially for students placed into Early Years classes, from January 2025. Leveraging the strengths gained from the English National Curriculum, students who are enrolled in this new pathway will benefit from a unique blend of learning experiences and dual language instruction, including Mathematics in Chinese. Shrewsbury is at 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O.
2480 1500 | admissions@shrewsbury.edu.hk
New Early Learning space
HK’s newest bilingual nursery programme is opening its doors! Learn more about the CDNIS Early Years Centre at The Southside through a campus tour, and explore the expansive 14,000-square-foot space that includes state-of-the-art teamLab classrooms designed to ignite the imaginations of all learners. Applications for the CDNIS programme for two-year-olds will open soon, pending EDB approval.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the future of early education and shape your child’s journey – register your interest and learn more by visiting cdnis.edu.hk.
A preschool taster!
Discover the magic of learning at Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong at one of its Taster Sessions, and see how the school supports children’s curious minds and passion for discovery. You’ll hear first-hand about Malvern’s curriculum and regular Forest-Beach School learning opportunities, and get a glimpse into a typical class and the Reggio Emilia inspired environment, from English/Chinese circle time to group activities focusing on Maths, Literacy, Chinese, Expressive Arts and Design, and Understanding the World. The Taster Sessions conclude with a guided campus tour. malvernpreschool.hk/taster-sessions
New term, new face
Creative Secondary School has made a fresh start to the opening term of 2024, with a flag-raising ceremony and a special assembly to welcome new School Principal, Mr Stephen Hindes. A lifelong resident of Hong Kong, he brings a wealth of local experience and international perspective. Stephen earnt his Executive Master of Arts in International Educational Leadership & Change (IB Leadership) at EdUHK and has over 20 years of experience. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at The Hong Kong University Graduates Association College. Outgoing Acting Principal Ms Lancy Tam will continue her contributions to the school as the new Senior Consultant – School Development and Quality Assurance. Good luck to everyone for a great term at CSS!
Making learning easier
Looking for a maths tutor and education specialist? With over 20 years’ experience, Annette Garrett-Cox provides bespoke maths tuition for 11+, IBMYP and IGCSE, using her Masters degree in Neuroscience and Education to support students with difficulties learning maths and fast learners seeking to be stretched. Annette also supports learners with maths anxiety and neurodiversities including dyscalculia, dyslexia and working memory difficulties. Through her business, Granite Rose, she offers online sessions to suit a Hong Kong time zone, along with workshops for parents about how best to support their child’s learning. graniteroseeducation.co.uk
A new sporting competition kicks off in style
More than 400 athletes from over 30 schools from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai competed in November in the inaugural Greater Bay Area Cup. Sponsored by CTF Education Group (CTFEG) and hosted by Benenden Bilingual School Guangzhou, the event saw school teams battle it out in basketball and football games, as well as tennis and golf matches. The GBA Cup aims to set a new benchmark for sports events that promote the development of athletic talents in the region, aligning with CTFEG’s commitment to exploring innovative approaches to integrate sports and education.
Read for Meaning
Do your children dislike reading? Are they getting enough out of books? Since 2007, Read for Meaning has fostered a love of literature and promoted active, productive reading through its after-school programme at German Swiss International and its open Saturday programme at Glenealy School in Mid-Levels. Pupils from five to 16 years benefit from small group study of fiction and non-fiction from around the world; they enjoy the process and broaden their horizons. Find out more or register for Term 2 book club sessions starting on 13 January at readformeaning.com.
HKA school fee reductions
Good news for new school families: Hong Kong Academy has announced reduced Pre-Kindergarten application and tuition fees! From August 2023, the one-off and non-refundable application fee is $1,500 and tuition fees will be lowered to $109,000 per annum, billed on a semesterly basis.
HKA’s Pre-Kindergarten programme is for children aged 3 to 5 years and involves a daily 4.5-hour programme with the option to enrol in after-school activities. Classes are limited to 18 students, with one English-speaking teacher and the other teaching in Mandarin to expose students to a dual-language environment.
Applications are open for an August 2024 start date, with limited spaces still available for mid-year 2023/24 entry. If you’re interested in HKA, contact admissions by email office@hkacademy.edu.hk or call 2655 1118 to book a visit and a personalised tour.
CDNIS is expanding!
Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is set to unveil a state-of-the-art, purpose-built CDNIS facility in The Southside, Wong Chuk Hang. The 14,000-square-foot space will offer the half-day Early Years Programme, the popular bilingual half-day programme of Early Years 1 classes for three-year-olds, and a new bilingual Nursery Programme for two-year-olds (pending EDB approval). Its stimulating and spacious classrooms will support the school’s youngest learners as they’re introduced to inquiry-based IB components, and help to foster curiosity and creativity in both English and Chinese.
The expansion is expected to be finished in time for the 2024/2025 academic year, with applications for the CDNIS Early Years Programme opening in April 2024. For more info, visit cdnis.edu.hk.
Planting Trees
It’s a great time to teach children an appreciation for the natural world, and the International College Hong Kong (ICHK) Hong Lok Yuen has been recognised for doing just that! At the International School Awards 2023, ICHK won the Sustainability Award for its tree-planting initiative in the kindergarten and primary years, which sees students allocated their own tree to care for, to develop an understanding of their role in sustainability. (Look out for the community wide organic farm coming to campus soon, too.)
Meanwhile, Year Three students created a song and music video, “Whispering Reefs”, about protecting marine life, which won first prize at the 2023 Voices for the Planet Awards! (Find out more anout the awards here.) ichkhly.edu.hk
Parent Workshops
Shrewsbury International School is hosting a series of online chats with parents centering around the identification of five key ideas or tips under a common theme. Aptly named “Five ways to…”, the 45-minute sessions are hosted at 5pm on Wednesdays periodically throughout the academic year, covering topics such as inspiring children to write, effectively managing challenging behaviour, and supporting Chinese learning as a non-native speaker. The school says the talks will draw far more broadly upon the expertise of the academic team than ever before. To register, visit hjuglcnu.paperform.co.
Happy 60th Anniversary!
It’s not only one of the biggest international schools in Hong Kong, but with six decades of education under its belt this year, the French International School is also the oldest. Some 2,700 students from 45 countries attend FIS across four campuses, in an all-through school that offers two internationally accredited streams in French and English. The academic environment is multilingual, inclusive and caring – and you don’t need to speak French to join! Find out more about how FIS seeks to unlock and develop each learner’s talent and passion while supporting their needs at fis.edu.hk.
Anchors Academy
New kindergarten and primary school Anchors Academy has opened in Yuen Long in the New Territories, offering a creative, hands-on curriculum that combines the best elements of Eastern and Western educational ideals. There’s a focus on developing international mindedness, confidence and character, and the specialised STEAM curriculum lets children learn how to explore and grow within an innovative world. Additionally, each student has an opportunity to learn English, Cantonese and Mandarin through play. anchorsacademy.edu.hk/en
Exploring & Learning
Thirty years after launching as an integral offering of the ESF (English Schools Foundation), ESF Sports & Language has rebranded as ESF Explore. The new name celebrates and reflects on the expanding educational offerings of ESF – and there’s a new logo, too. Education at ESF means a great deal more than academic achievement, and the ESF Explore curriculum has been developed to nurture the whole child. There’s a wide range of classes, courses and activities catering to children from infants to teens, with expanded categories covering playgroups, sports, language classes, arts, drama, STEM learning, and more.
New Head of Hong Kong Academy
HKA will soon welcome a new Head of School, with Kasson Bratton accepting the offer to join from July 2024. Kasson is currently Deputy Head of School and Director of Learning at Nanjing International School in mainland China, where he has worked for the past nine years. His understanding of the international school ecosystem in East Asia, leadership in infusing global citizenship into the curriculum, and commitment to cultivating rigorous and inclusive learning communities strongly align with HKA’s mission and vision. The HKA Board say they’re looking forward to supporting a seamless Head of School transition over the next year.
Zoning requirements dropped!
From 1 August 2023, families looking to send their children to any of the 22 English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools in Hong Kong can apply without needing to have their residential address fall within a specific geographical area for a particular school. The ending of these zoning requirements opens up all ESF schools to applicants regardless of where they and their family live in HK. The new process will operate for any application submitted on or after 1 August. Parents who are in the midst of the application process before that date will be contacted and offered the chance to revise their choice of school.
Visit esf.edu.hk for details of ESF schools and their locations.
Need a Tutor?
UK-based education company Renewed Learning has recently expanded to Asia and launched Renewed Learning Asia. With a team of tutors from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, students can expect world-class teaching from inspiring and engaging mentors. RLA provides expert tutoring across all subjects to students aged four to 18, including exam preparation for 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-Levels and IB. Tuition can be provided in person in Hong Kong, and online across Asia.
New Curriculum Strand
ICHK Secondary is an IB World School in the New Territories that’s doing things a bit differently. While students at ICHK follow BTECs, IGCSEs and the IBDP, they’re also given the option of graduating with a Mastery Transcript. Offered as an additional qualification to the IB Diploma, the Mastery Transcript is unique in that it features no grades; rather, it aims to value and recognise students for all their capabilities, passions, achievements and interests, not just academic abilities. This is in line with the ICHK belief that a secondary school experience should deliver both character and academic achievement in the same child.
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