SCHOOL NEWS – Guide To Hong Kong School News And Openings In 2024

SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG: New Bilingual Program

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is launching its new bilingual program, the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway (HQP), starting with Early Years students in January 2025 and expanding to Year 1 in August. The HQP offers a unique educational experience with balanced daily instruction in both Chinese and English, led by a team of native linguists. This bespoke program aims to enrich students' linguistic and cultural experiences, enhance literacy skills, and provide full access to campus facilities, including specialist instruction in Music, Physical Education, and Aquatics.

Sophie Che, the new HQP Chinese Principal, brings extensive experience in bilingual education from renowned institutions in mainland China. Under her leadership, HQP students will achieve native or near-native proficiency in Chinese alongside international standard English, preparing them for future academic opportunities.

Register for the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway Information Session on September 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM to discover the unique benefits of their bespoke bilingual program. Children aged 2 to 4 are invited to participate in a taster session while parents engage in a Q&A with HQP Chinese Principal, Sophie Che. The event will feature a welcome from Shrewsbury Principal, Ben Keeling, insights from Sophie Che, a campus tour, and opportunities for questions. Parents can register here.

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, +852 2480 1500, enquiries@shrewsbury.edu.hk, www.shrewsbury.edu.hk

AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG: Success of Second Graduating Class

American School Hong Kong (ASHK) celebrated the success of its second graduating class, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate, with 80% of students attaining Bilingual Diplomas and an overall average score on par with the global average. This milestone reflects the students' perseverance, resilience, and academic excellence. The IB bilingual diploma requires students to demonstrate proficiency in two languages, achieving a grade of 3 or above in two Language A courses.

ASHK remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for all learners to thrive academically and personally. The achievements of the second Grade 12 class highlight the dedication and hard work of both the students and the supportive ASHK community.

American School Hong Kong, 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 3919 4111, admissions@ashk.edu.hk, www.ashk.edu.hk

HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG: Expands The Early Years Center And Appoints New Head Of Harrow Little Lions Kai Tak

Harrow International School Hong Kong is set to open a new purpose-built Early Years Centre, Harrow Little Lions Kai Tak, in August 2025, accommodating over 200 children in Nursery and Reception. With Ms. Nikki Street appointed as the Head, the center aims to provide a seamless transition and exceptional learning experiences, ensuring access to a world-class Harrow education. Families will receive priority placement in Year 1 at Harrow Hong Kong’s Gold Coast campus. Since its inception in 2012, Harrow has established itself as a leading school, with students gaining admission to prestigious universities worldwide. The new facility will feature a tailored curriculum that promotes creativity and critical thinking through play-based learning, with state-of-the-art resources to support holistic early education. Enrollment for August 2025 is now open, and interested families can learn more by attending Open Mornings at the Gold Coast Campus or contacting the admissions office here.

Harrow International School, 55 Kwun Tong Road, Kai Tak, +852 2824 9099, info@harrowschool.hk, https://www.harrowschool.hk/

YMCA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: Part Of The International Schools Association’s Worldwide School Network

YMCA Christian Academy is proud to announce its membership in the International Schools Association's global network. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of sharing and growing within a worldwide community. As part of this network, YMCA Christian Academy students will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the globe. They will gain access to a range of programs aimed at enhancing their understanding of Global Citizenship and Intercultural Understanding, preparing them to become more informed and thoughtful global citizens.

YMCA Christian Academy, 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2537 2552, admission@yca.edu.hk,  www.yca.edu.hk

CREATIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL: Open for Application on Sep 16, 2024 *Ages 11-18

Creative Secondary School (CSS) is an award-winning IB World School that balances academic excellence with a focus on creating happy memories. Recognized with the prestigious Happy Campus Award (Grand Award) and the Mission Achievement Award, CSS stands out for its commitment to fostering a positive, vibrant, and collaborative environment. The school prioritizes happiness, well-being, and a wealth of opportunities for students, parents, staff, and the entire school community. Students consistently achieve outstanding results in both the IBDP and HKDSE exams.

Applications open September 16, 2024.

Creative Secondary School, 3 Pung Loi Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, +852 2336 0233, admissions@css.edu.hk, www.css.edu.hk

THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HONG KONG: 60 Years Of Excellence In Education

Celebrating 60 years of educational excellence, The French International School of Hong Kong reflects on a remarkable journey marked by a commitment to academic achievement, cultural diversity, and global citizenship.

The school takes pride in pioneering several milestones, being the first to offer Mandarin classes in 1973 and achieving World IB School status in 1988. This significant anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of the dedicated staff, express gratitude for unwavering parental support, and applaud the exceptional accomplishments of our students. The festivities included a series of exciting events, with the Diamond Jubilee Gala as the highlight, where 300 guests enjoyed a night of fine dining and entertainment at the Aberdeen Marina Club.

Looking forward, The French International School of Hong Kong remains steadfast in providing an exceptional educational experience, preparing students to be well-rounded individuals ready to positively impact the world. Here's to 60 years of achievements, growth, and the enduring pursuit of excellence!

The French International School of Hong Kong, +852 2892 3677, admissions@lfis.edu.hk, www.fis.edu.hk

• Chai Wan Campus: 1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
• Blue Pool Road Campus: 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
• Jardine’s Lookout Campus: 34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, Hong Kong
• Tseung Kwan O Campus: 28 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, N.T.

YEW CHUNG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: YCYW Listed In Forbes China's Top 20 Innovative Brands

The Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) has been recognized as the only educational institution in the "Top 20 Innovative Brands Selection" due to its pioneering and progressive approach to education. This accolade is part of the "2024 Forbes China Brand Value Series Selection" awards, which evaluate brands on market performance, reputation, communicative impact, and innovation. Forbes China highlighted YCYW's forefront position in innovation, especially in cutting-edge technologies and digital transformation, and specifically recognized its initiatives like the EdFutures Division and the Future School Programme.

YCIS has been providing quality international education to the learners of Hong Kong for more than 80 years. Originally specializing in early childhood education, YCIS now provides education from early childhood through primary and secondary culminating in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Yew Chung International School, 3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, +852 2338 7106, www.ycis-hk.com/en/admissions, www.ycis-hk.com

GERMAN SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Stellar Exam Results

This year, German Swiss International School (GSIS), celebrates the stellar results of its 2024 graduating class in both the German International Abitur (DIA) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, showcasing the efficacy of its dual international streams. In the German International Stream, students followed the DIA curriculum. They secured an average score of 1.97, one of the highest across the global network of 135 German Schools Abroad, with standout students Julian and Lenja earning perfect scores of 1.0. Their achievements have paved the way to prestigious institutions like The University of Hong Kong School of Medicine and ETH Zürich. Similarly, in the English International Stream, the students excelled in the IB exams, with three achieving the maximum 45 points and nearly two-thirds surpassing 40 points. GSIS's commitment to academic rigor and a multicultural educational environment continues to prepare students for global success, underscoring its role in cultivating future leaders.

German Swiss International School, https://www.gsis.edu.hk/en/

ESF: Outstanding Results At The International Baccalaureate 2024

ESF proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. In May 2024, a remarkable 17 students achieved the maximum score of 45 points, 43 students scored 44 points, and 47 students earned 43 points. Overall, 821 out of 841 candidates were awarded the IB Diploma, resulting in a 97.6% success rate. The average point score for ESF students was 36.4, significantly higher than the global average of 30.3. Additionally, 83 students earned the Bilingual Diploma, and 49 students completed the IB Careers Related Programme (IB CP), receiving the IB CP award.

ESF Schools, https://www.esf.edu.hk/

KELLETT SCHOOL, THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG: Paul Tough New Principal & CEO

Paul Tough joins Kellett School following his role as Principal at The British School in Tokyo (BST), Japan, and previously serving as Principal at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) in Hong Kong, both of which follow the English curriculum. Excited about his new position, Paul expressed his eagerness to work with the strong, supportive community at Kellett School to ensure its continued success. Emphasizing a hands-on, visible, and supportive approach, Paul aims to quickly understand the school’s culture and make student-centered decisions. Click here for the Little Steps interview with Paul.

Kellett School, Kowloon Bay Prep and Senior, 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3120 0700, www.kellettschool.com

Pok Fu Lam Preparatory School: 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

HONG KONG: More Than 30 Students Receive Perfect IB Scores In 2024

This year, at least 32 students in Hong Kong achieved a perfect score in the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, an increase from the previous year but still a far cry from the 93 top scorers in 2024.  Across Hong Kong, a total of 2,406 students received their results for the IB's Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), alongside 192,867 students worldwide.

• 17 students from the English Schools Foundation
• Four students from Diocesan Boys' School
• Two students from the Singapore International School
• Two students from the Canadian International School
• Two students from the Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong
• Two students from Victoria Shanghai Academy

IB Scores, https://www.ib-schools.com/hong-kong-league-tables

STAMFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG: Appointment Of The Next Head Of School

Stamford is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrew Noakes as the new Head of School for Stamford American School Hong Kong, starting in January 2025. He will succeed Mr. Marco Longmore, who will take on the headship at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam within the Cognita network. Andrew joins from Brighton College (Singapore), where he served as Head of School/Head Master, bringing 15 years of experience in leading all-through schools for students aged 18 months to 18 years. A graduate in French and European Studies with a Master's Degree in Education and Qualified Teacher Status, Andrew has worked and lived in Singapore, the UK, UAE, France, and the USA. Sameer Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of Cognita Asia, highlighted Andrew’s stellar track record in educational leadership and his success in expanding Brighton College’s reputation in Singapore. Andrew expressed his honor and excitement to join Stamford, eager to collaborate with faculty, staff, parents, and students to further develop the school’s culture of care and achievement.

Stamford American School Hong Kong, 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2500 8688, admissions@sais.hk.edu, https://www.sais.edu.hk/

ESF ISLAND SCHOOL: Island School Team Wins Company Of The Year Award

Congratulations to the Zester team—Cyrus Ng, Evan Zhang, Jonathan Wong, and Leonard Lui—on their remarkable achievement! On April 27th, they impressed judges in the semi-final and final rounds, ultimately winning the “2023/24 JA Company Programme Company of the Year” award. The team ranked first out of over 72 teams in Hong Kong and will represent the region in the Asia Pacific Round next year. Additionally, Cyrus Ng won the individual CP Achiever award out of more than 1,800 students. The team was guided by Business teachers Mr. Wilkinson, Ms. Kim, and HSBC Business advisors throughout their 7-month entrepreneurial journey. Read more here.

ESF Island School, https://island.edu.hk/

WYCOMBE ABBEY: Appointment Of New Headmaster

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Rob Fox as the new Headmaster, commencing in April 2024. With extensive experience in British Prep School education and a successful leadership track record in both the UK and Hong Kong, Mr. Fox is set to elevate the school's academic excellence and holistic development. He will also play a crucial role in integrating Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong with their other institutions—WAS Hangzhou, WAS Nanjing, and WAS Changzhou—enhancing the mission to help each child realize their full potential.

Mr. Fox brings over 25 years of experience in the education sector. He previously led Packwood Haugh Prep School in the UK to notable achievements, including an excellent ISI Inspection report. His tenure in Hong Kong as Assistant Head (Pastoral) at Harrow International School demonstrated his expertise in pastoral care and shaping school culture. His career highlights also include roles such as Head of Boarding at Repton Prep School and Head of Geography at Nottingham High School.

Wycombe Abbey, 17 Tin Wan Street, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, https://www.was.edu.hk/

RENAISSANCE COLLEGE HONG KONG: Scholarship Opportunities

Discover a world of opportunities at Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK), where education meets excellence. As an English medium international school accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), RCHK offers a comprehensive range of programs, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).

From Year 1 to Year 13, students thrive in an environment that fosters ambition and self-empowerment. Exceptional Secondary students, starting from Year 7, can seize the chance to receive a full scholarship, covering 100% of the tuition fee, if they excel in Academics, Theatre, Music, Sports, or Visual Arts. Academic scholarships reward advanced analytical thinkers, while Theatre scholarships acknowledge those passionate about acting, directing, or technical theatre work. Music scholarships celebrate the creativity of musicians, and Sports scholarships support the journey of talented athletes. Visual Arts scholarships honor artists with technical proficiency and distinctive personal aesthetics. RCHK scholars not only benefit from these opportunities but also lead social initiatives, showcase their talents at school events, and participate in international tournaments. Moreover, they have the unique chance to collaborate with esteemed artists, building a network of like-minded peers.

The 2024-25 Scholarship Programme is now open for applications. To delve deeper into this transformative experience, visit the RCHK website and mark your calendars for the Scholarship Information Evening on January 31, 2024, from 6:30 to 8pm at the PAC – Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance College Hong Kong (MTR station Heng On, Tuen Ma Line, Exit A).

Renaissance College Hong Kong, 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong +852 3556 3556, admissions@rchk.edu.hk, www.rchk.edu.hk

GUIDEPOST AND WOODLAND: Three Woodland Campuses Will Be Transformed, Reopening In August As Guidepost Montessori Schools

Guidepost Montessori celebrated the integration of Woodland Pre-Schools into its network last year, marking a significant milestone for a school group with over 40 years of history in Hong Kong. This summer, the transition will culminate as three Woodland campuses undergo a transformation, reopening in August as Guidepost Montessori schools, featuring updated learning environments and exciting play spaces. The objective is to unite the largest community of like-minded families in Hong Kong, providing them with the best educational program for their children and an unparalleled service experience for parents.

As a school that has educated generations of children in the city, Woodland Pre-Schools' legacy will persist through Guidepost Montessori, offering a modern educational program designed to prepare children for contemporary challenges. With a commitment to Montessori's child-centered principles, the transition ensures the implementation of a comprehensive Montessori curriculum tailored to meet the needs of today's students.

Guidepost Montessori actively strives to deliver exceptional customer service, recognizing and honoring the trust parents place in them. The successful transition of the Woodland Pok Fu Lam and Woodland Happy Valley campuses in 2023, retaining a significant percentage of children and staff, reflects their dedication and commitment. By joining Guidepost Montessori, families not only enroll their children in a school but also become part of a broader community with numerous opportunities for family engagement and connections.

• Guidepost Montessori Kennedy Town, 1-2 Floor, 554 Queen’s Road West, Sai Wan +852 3619 1136, kennedytown@guidepostmontessori.com,  www.guidepostmontessori.com
• Causeway Bay Family Club: https://calendly.com/guidepost-family-club-causeway-bay/private-tour
• Guidepost Montessori Chai Wan: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-chai-wan/
• Guidepost Montessori Clearwater Bay: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-clearwater-bay/
• Guidepost Montessori Discovery Bay: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-discovery-bay/private-campus-tour
• Guidepost Montessori Happy Valley Hawthorn Road: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-happy-valley/private-tour-hawthorn-road
• Guidepost Montessori Happy Valley Sing Woo Road: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-happy-valley/private-tour-singwooroad
• Guidepost Montessori Kennedy Town: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-kennedy-town/
• Guidepost Montessori Pok Fu Lam: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-pok-fu-lam/
• Academy of Innovation Primary School: https://calendly.com/academy-of-innovation-primary-school/

SMALL WORLD CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN: First Kindergarten To Join TASS Hong Kong

In February 2023, Small World had a signing ceremony with The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), officially declaring the school's commitment to continue to practice sustainable habits. Small World became one of the founding members and the first kindergarten to join TASS' network of schools! The school is committed to leading our learners to a more sustainable future and aims to develop a sense of awareness about the environment in a meaningful way for young children. As part of their international learning, they embed sustainable habits and practices in the classroom, whilst emphasizing the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing. The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) used at Small World has thematic units that offer many ways for the children to learn and explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability practices in the classroom are also intentionally linked to IEYC’s personal goals such as “respect” and “international mindedness.” In addition, their campus has a beautiful outdoor garden which provides many opportunities for the children to appreciate nature through their play and learning.

Small World Christian Kindergarten, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, +852 2525 0922,  admissions@smallworld.edu.hk, www.smallworld.edu.hk

HONG KONG ACADEMY (HKA): Reduced Fees For Pre-K Programme In Hong Kong For 2024

Hong Kong Academy (HKA) has recently revised the fees for its Pre-Kindergarten program, making it more accessible to families. The updated fee structure now includes a one-time, non-refundable application fee of HK$1500, along with annual tuition fees of HK$109,000, which are billed on a semester basis.

Applications are currently being accepted for the August 2024 intake, and there are limited spaces available for mid-year entry in the 2023/2024 academic year. HKA's Pre-Kindergarten program is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5, offering engaging and enriching 4.5-hour daily programs. Additionally, students have the option to enroll in an after-school program for extended learning opportunities.

To ensure personalized attention and effective learning, class sizes are limited to 18 students, with two qualified teachers present throughout the day. This allows for individualized instruction tailored to each student's specific needs and learning style. HKA is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners, fostering their holistic growth and development.

Hong Kong Academy, https://hkacademy.edu.hk/

ESF: ESF Sports & Language Is Now Rebranded As ESF Explore

ESF Sports & Language is now rebranded as ESF Explore to celebrate and reflect its expanding educational offerings. The new brand positioning is “Inspire and Explore: Learn. Create. Grow.”

With a curriculum developed to nurture the whole child, ESF Explore’s wide range of classes, courses, and activities furthers this aim and caters to children from infants to teens. Their categories have expanded to include playgroups, sports, language classes, arts, drama, STEM learning, and more.

ESF Explore, 2/F The Jockey Club Sarah Roe Centre, 2A Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2711 1280, info@esf.org.hk, www.esfexplore.org.hk

YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE: Pioneers in ChatGPT Teaching In Hong Kong

Did you know that Yu Chun Keung Memorial College in Hong Kong was one of the pioneers in integrating AI tools like ChatGPT in their classrooms? They took a bold step by introducing AI chatbots for non-science subjects like language and history back in January 2023, shortly after the unveiling of ChatGPT by Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Principal Yeung Hok-hoi acknowledges the risks and limitations of artificial intelligence but believes that it's crucial for schools to prepare students for the future in the age of AI. By embracing these technologies, they aim to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their future careers.

YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE, 1 Chi Fu Close, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, office@yck2.edu.hk, https://www.yck2.edu.hk/

ISSIA HK: Student-Led Platform To Discuss Social Issues

To find out more about this great initiative, visit issiahk.org or Instagram @issia.hk.