Best IB Schools In Hong Kong And Understanding The IB Curriculum

WHAT IS THE IB CURRICULUM?

So, let's get factual. The International Baccalaureate (IB) consists of 4 programmes of international education covering learners aged 3-19. All levels are built on IB's core values of holism and sustainability, a winning combination when you are on a mission to change the world at large in the best way possible. Through cherishing children's inherent curiosity and openness and turning it into the knowledge of how to navigate and embrace the life-long process of learning, appreciate and understand the beauty of the world's diversity and complexity, be proactively kind to others and our planet, form communities and grow as individuals. The organization develops its educational programs and assessment systems in partnership with schools, obviously, but also governments and international organizations. Programs are flexible regarding catering to local differences and recognizing different contexts and circumstances into which their curriculum is employed, yet at the same time serve as the ultimate springboard for catapulting their learners into the possibilities of studying at prestigious universities abroad.

Across the world and its 4 programs, IB never puts kids in boxes, but shows them all the different kinds of boxes there are and lets them play, explore, think for themselves and maybe create their own, unique boxes too. They are informative, not definitive, and this is why they bring out the best in their learners of all ages—because authenticity is a necessary condition of true, sustainable, beneficial excellence and advocacy.

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM (PYP): IB In Hong Kong

The IB Primary Years Program is designed for kids 3-12. It views learners, teachers, and parents as a community which between them share unique sets of knowledge and strengthens each others' motivation, enthusiasm for education and love for the world we live in. The curriculum is challenging and rigorous, but also singularly engaging and relative. Kids take responsibility for their own learning process, discover their personal values and learn ways to approach and navigate the unpredictability of the global world.

Primary Years IB Curriculum (PYP), Read more detailed info about the curriculum, teaching techniques and principles & practices of assessment of the IB PYP program here.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM (MYP): IB In Hong Kong

The Middle Years Program is meant for students aged 11-16 and builds upon the skills and attitudes gained through the IB PYP while preparing students for the rigorousness of the following stages of IB education. It transcends the classroom's 4 walls by pairing the students' informed knowledge with a chance to try it out in practice. You don't have to be an education expert to know that the conditions of the real world are the most challenging of teachers. As they learn by doing, they intensify their hunger for intellectual expansion and exploration, but also learn humbleness, responsibility, to reflect and to learn from their mistakes!

Middle Years IB Curriculum (MYP), Read more detailed info about the curriculum, teaching techniques and principles & practices of assessment of the IB PYP programme here.

DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP): IB In Hong Kong

The Diploma Program enables young, exceptional humans aged 16-19 to dig deeper and deeper into the knowledge the world has to offer, develop their being on all levels—physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically, study at least two languages and participate in the unique theory of knowledge course, which goes all meta on them and prepares them for further ventures into academic excellence by teaching them, implicitly and through practice, how to organize that slippery time and those bulky workloads. They also expand their capacity for awesomeness by completing independent research and undertaking a (community) project!

Diploma Program (DP), Read more detailed info about the curriculum, teaching techniques and principles & practices of assessment of the IB PYP program here.

CAREER-RELATED PROGRAM (CP): IB In Hong Kong

IB decided to be even more specific and offered a separate program for those focusing on career-related education. The CP is a bit less meta, even more, practical and prepares students perfectly for apprenticeships, employment, and higher education too. The program offers chances for meaningful, practical achievements, invaluable collaborations, self-direction and infinitely more. It combines courses from the Diploma Programme with a CP core, which provides them with a special entrepreneurial twist!

Career-Related Programme (CP), Read more detailed info about the curriculum, teaching techniques and principles & practices of assessment of the IB PYP program here.

HONG KONG ACADEMY: IB School In Sai Kung, Hong Kong Offering PYP, MYP, DP

Offering PYP, MYP, and DP, the school prides itself as a leader in inclusive education. The school provides a learning environment that celebrates and integrates children with diverse learning needs into the mainstream classroom. This is done via their learner support philosophy and inclusive teaching. They are a member of the WIDA International School Consortium, which aids their English language learners through individual assessment and understanding what it is that they can do as opposed to what they can't. And although English is the medium in school, they offer a co-curricular program called Mother Tongue. This provides the students to receive formal instruction in their mother tongue as a supplement.

Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2655 1111, https://hkacademy.edu.hk/

ESF RENAISSANCE COLLEGE: IB School In Hong Kong Offering PYP, MYP, DP, CP

Another member of the ESF, Renaissance College is the second school in Hong Kong with all the IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP, and CP). A recent feat for seven students of Renaissance College is that they scored perfectly in the IB Diploma (45 points). Year 11 students undergo an internship with the WOW Program, and they also have a Red Door Center. Unique to the school, the center focuses on the use of technology in different aspects of learning. For example, building websites and communication networks, filmmaking, or robotics. But, it's not all about academics. One of the great things about Renaissance College is that its students' well-being is a huge part of school life. With positive psychology, Renaissance students learn through five constructs: character strengths, mindfulness, positive emotions, resilience, and growth mindset.

ESF Renaissance College, 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 3556 3556, https://www.rchk.edu.hk/

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HONG KONG: IB School In Hong Kong Offering PYP, MYP, DP

An IB school since 2007, the Canadian International School of Hong Kong uses the three pillars of future-ready learning through Project Innovate. The world is entering its fourth industrial revolution, according to the World Economic Forum, which in turn should also change the way knowledge is delivered to the children of the future. Though foundation skills are necessary, so are 21st-century competencies and character building. To further enhance this, they have a 1:1 robotics program and the digital aspect of the student's daily life is also covered (eg. 1:1 student iPads from first grade, etc.). Another highlight of this school is their Leo Lee Arts Centre, which emphasizes their performing and visual arts. And though this school offers PYP, MYP, and DP - students also have the option to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 2525 7088, https://cdnis.edu.hk/

VICTORIA SHANGHAI ACADEMY: IB School In Hong Kong Offering PYP, MYP, DP

With a 1:10 teacher to student ratio, Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) offers PYP, MYP, and DP. In the PYP program, students are encouraged to initiate the action. The MYP students are guided by service as action and the DP students participate in the CAS (Creativity, Activity & Service) program. The school promotes international-mindedness and cultural awareness through bilingualism. All of their students will graduate as bi-literate learners of Putonghua and English. In addition to that, students entering the DP will have another additional language, which can be French or Spanish - taking into consideration the student's university applications. They also have a 1-to-1 MacBook program in MYP and DP.

Victoria Shanghai Academy, 19 Shum Wan Road Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 3402 1000, https://www.vsa.edu.hk/

ESF SHA TIN COLLEGE: IB School In Hong Kong Offering MYP, DP, CP

In a school where students are not ranked, ESF's Sha Tin College did exceptionally well in the latest IB Diploma results, with 43 students achieving a perfect score of 45 points. The school offers MYP, DP, and CP and believes that holistic learning involves spending time with the community. For that, the school is also renting out its facilities (when not in use) for any community gathering or special events - be it the bouldering area in the sports hall or the rooftop artificial Astroturf pitch. The school implements the STC Laptop Program which provides the same laptops for all students from Years 7 to 9.

ESF Sha Tin College, No. 3 Lai Wo Lane Fo Tan, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, +852 26991811, https://shatincollege.edu.hk/

ESF ISLAND SCHOOL: IB School In Hong Kong Offering PYP, DP, CP

Offering MYP, DP, and CP, the Island School is also a part of the ESF. Aside from academic excellence, the school's outlook stresses humanitarian and environmental ideals. This is why they have nine programs that can be supported via donations under Island Giving. The Thrive Program, which is all about the well-being of young people, is overseen by the pastoral team. This program includes well-being initiatives and teaching of the new Relationship and Comprehensive (Sexual) Education curriculum. The school is also an active member of sports associations such as HKSSF and ISSFHK. An exciting program that they have is Quest Week. The students stop their usual class routine for one week and learn beyond the classroom.

• ESF Island School, +852 2524 7135, school@online.island.edu.hk, https://island.edu.hk/
• Sha Tin Wai (Years 7, 8, 12 & 13), Pok Hong Estate, Area 5A, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
• Tai Wan Sun Chui Estate (Years 9, 10 & 11), Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong

ELCHK LUTHERAN ACADEMY: IB School In Hong Kong Offering PYP, MYP

Founded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, the Lutheran Academy first offered DP in 2014, PYP in 2018, and MYP in 2019. Though offering the IB curriculum, the school also introduced a 'Glocalized' Curriculum to their students. Simply put, they want to combine the best of both international and local curricula. One of the salient points to consider when choosing this school is its focus on providing a Christian education. Their 3R policy, Respect, Responsibility, and Relevance is used to nurture the students' development, spiritually. The school also has a career and planning team that assists their graduating students with their life after high school.

ELCHK Lutheran Academy, 25 Lam Hau Tsuen Road, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 82082092, https://www.luac.edu.hk/

FULL LIST OF IB SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG OFFERING IB CURRICULUM:

• Australian International School Hong Kong - DP
• Beacon Hill (ESF Hong Kong) - PYP
• Bradbury (ESF Hong Kong) - PYP
• Canadian International School of Hong Kong - PYP, MYP, DP
• Carmel School - MYP, DP
• Causeway Bay Victoria Kindergarten And Nursery - PYP
• Chinese International School - MYP, DP
• Christian Alliance International School - DP
• Clearwater Bay (ESF School) - PYP
• Creative School Hong Kong - PYP, MYP, DP
• Delia Memorial School - DP
• Diocesan Boys' School - DP
• Discovery College - PYP, MYP, DP, CP
• ELCHK Lutheran Academy - DP
• ESF Abacus (ESF School) - PYP
• ESF International Kindergarten (Tuen Mun) - PYP
• ESF International Kindergarten Tung Chung - PYP
• French International School - DP
• G. T. (Ellen Yeung) College - DP
• Galilee International School - PYP
• German Swiss International School - DP
• Glenealy School (ESF School) - PYP
• Han Academy - DP
• HKCA Po Leung Kuk School - PYP
• Hong Kong Academy - PYP, MYP, DP
• International College Hong Kong - DP
• International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen - PYP
• Island School - MYP, DP, CP
• Japanese International School Hong Kong - PYP
• Kennedy School (ESF School) - PYP
• Kiangsu-Chekiang College, International Section - DP
• King George V School - MYP, DP
• Kingston International Kindergarten - PYP
• Kornhill Victoria Kindergarten - PYP
• Kowloon Junior School - PYP
• Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong - DP
• Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong - DP
• Parkview International School - PYP
• Parkview International Pre-School (Kowloon) - PYP
• Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School - DP
• Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College - DP
• Quarry Bay School (ESF School) - PYP
• Renaissance College - PYP, MYP, DP, CP
• Sha Tin College - MYP, DP, CP
• Singapore International School (Hong Kong) - DP
• South Island School (ESF School) - MYP, DP, CP
• St Paul's Co-educational College - DP
• St. Stephen's College - DP
• The Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union Logos Academy - DP
• The Independent Schools Foundation Academy - MYP, DP
• Think International School - PYP
• Victoria Shanghai Academy - PYP, MYP, DP
• West Island School - DP, CP
• Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten (ESF School) - PYP
• Yew Chung International School - Hong Kong - DP