The English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong is celebrating its 50th anniversary! ESF was formally established in 1967 to provide “without regard to race or religion, a modern liberal education through the medium of the English language”. It’s come a long way since then and there are now 22 schools in Hong Kong, with 17,500 students of more than 60 different nationalities. About 70 per cent of students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.
ESF chief executive officer Belinda Greer says 2017 will be a very special year, with a series of events for the community to enjoy, as well as the publication of a special anniversary book.
“Over the past five decades, ESF schools have focused on both the quality of learning and teaching and on students’ welfare. This ethos has helped our family of schools to grow from our two founding schools, Island School and Beacon Hill School, 22 today. We have 17,500 students across all school stages from the early years to upper secondary education,” she says.
Reflecting on the changes in education in the last 50 years, Belinda says the curriculum has changed significantly.
“Our teachers now make progressively more use of digital technologies, creative learning spaces and innovative learning techniques, both in and outside of traditional classroom settings. Teaching approaches have developed in response to changes in our understanding of how students learn most effectively. Most importantly, we reflect continuously on how to prepare our students for tomorrow’s world, which is exciting,” she says.
“A series of events are being organised to celebrate with our ESF community throughout the year. Some of them are open to the public. We invite all to come celebrate with us at these select events.”
Here are some highlights:
ESF 50th Anniversary Art & Music Festival: ESF Secondary Concert
Kwai Tsing Theatre – 7pm, Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Open to public. Tickets: urbtix.hk
ESF 50th Anniversary Art & Music Festival: ESF Primary Choral Concert
Queen Elizabeth Stadium – 7pm, Friday, 17 March
Open to public. Tickets: urbtix.hk
ESF 50th Anniversary Art & Music Festival: ESF Visual Arts Exhibition
Open to public. CSL 1010 Gallery Central, 24 April – 21 May
ESF Secondary Swimming Gala
Open to ESF only. Hong Kong Sports Institute – Wednesday, 21 June
ESF Innovation and STEM Exhibition
Open to public. Hong Kong Science Park – 19 – 27 August
ESF 50th Anniversary Charity Marathon
Open to public. Central HK Waterfront – Sunday, 22 October
Gala Dinner
Open to ESF only. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre – Wednesday, 6 December
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