Want to learn more about school admissions? We chat with SARAH BOWLER, Director of Admissions at Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, and ask her some key questions.
Do you interview children as part of the school admissions process? If so, how can I prepare my child for the interview?
At Shrewsbury, we do not interview per se, but we do personally meet all prospective students. There is no preparation required and engagements are deliberately designed to be developmentally appropriate. Student meetings are intended to be a positive and pleasant experience for all involved but especially for the child.
Parents also enjoy the opportunity to meet with a member of the admissions team to ensure any questions or concerns are addressed in full prior to accepting a place. If anyone is being interviewed… it’s us!
What are the benefits of joining in Nursery or Reception?
Our youngest students enjoy learning in large, beautiful, bright and purpose-built spaces. They are taught by and engage with an exceptional academic team who provide a range of experiences unique to the region. As a result, our youngest learners develop inner confidence and independence to physically and socially navigate and enjoy a broad range of spaces and engagements across the campus.
Tell us more about Chinese language learning at the school.
Chinese is a core subject – lessons run every day for every student as part of a three-tiered programme. Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced classes run simultaneously to ensure that we engage and challenge all learners at an appropriate level. Lessons are taught in Mandarin with primary reference to simplified characters and last for approximately an hour. Further extension can be enjoyed through our co-curricular programme.
Who makes up the student body at Shrewsbury in Hong Kong?
Over 30 nationalities are represented and our most prominent group of students are of mixed nationality with a majority able to draw upon some form of Chinese heritage.
If i accept a place in Primary, will I need to go through the entire school search journey again for Secondary?
No – there is a significant advantage to be gained by delaying the considered selection of a secondary school and we provide a three-year bespoke guidance programme to ensure that families are extremely well informed as they weigh their options. Shrewsbury students are personally guided through exploration, selection and application.
What if I prefer my child to attend a UK boarding school?
What’s the relationship between Shrewsbury HK and Shrewsbury UK? Shrewsbury schools share a genuine and sincere relationship – we operate as a family. Should the transition to Packwood Haugh (essentially Shrewsbury Preparatory) be the right fit for the student and their family, the journey is a relatively easy one for us to facilitate and support.
How have you supported the enrolment of families relocating to HK during the pandemic?
Shrewsbury is a school firmly committed to renewal and innovation. While the last few years have presented a few unusual challenges, we have always found positive and productive solutions. Our live, remote campus tours always receive rave reviews and we are able to conduct all of our meetings digitally. While a digital device may separate us from prospective families physically, it doesn’t limit our ability to develop secure and trusting relationships.
We’re always happy to chat, and we encourage families interested to learn more about the distinct advantages that stand at the heart of a Shrewsbury education to reach out to us directly.
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is at 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O.
shrewsbury.edu.hk
This article first appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
