Ever wondered what it means for a school to be “accredited”? This measure of education quality involves a lengthier process than you might imagine! For some insights into how a school in the education system in Hong Kong gains certification, we chatted with CARLY BUNTIN, Assistant Primary Principal at the internationally accredited school, Hong Kong Academy.
How has HKA become an internationally accredited school?
At Hong Kong Academy, we are accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and are typically re-evaluated every four or five years. Our most recent review cycle began with a preliminary review of our programmes, structures and processes in the 2022-23 academic year, followed by visits from evaluation teams during the 2023-24 academic year.
Why is becoming and internationally accredited school important?
International schools around the world engage in accreditation processes to ensure they meet high standards of education quality and effectiveness, and that they are providing students with a world-class education. Accreditation provides an external validation of a schools strengths, and identifies areas for further development ensuring that the school is engaged in a continuous process of growth. Students from internationally accredited schools exhibit strong knowledge, skills and attributes, and are sought after by universities as they are likely to do well academically.
Is it challenging to achieve accreditation within the education system in Hong Kong?
The process of accreditation is cyclical. The accrediting body has a robust set of standards, principles and practices that cover all aspects of school life, including governance, leadership, curriculum, assessment, wellbeing, staffing, home/school partnerships, and more. These standards are used as a guide by the school; we write a rather lengthy report to state which standards have or have not been met and provide evidence to support this. The accrediting body then sends an evaluating team to visit the school for a preliminary or preparatory assessment. After this, they write a preliminary report to share their findings and identify goals for the school to work towards prior to the official evaluation visit. (This typically takes place within the year.)
Once it has this report in hand, the school engages in a self-study process to further develop and improve based on the initial feedback – in some cases, based on aspirational goals if they have already met all of the original standards. Another evaluating team then completes the final evaluation visit, and shares their feedback with the accrediting body who then issue an overall evaluation report to share back with the school. This report outlines whether or not all standards have been met, in addition to sharing commendations and recommendations for growth.
It’s a thorough process that is for the most part incredibly valuable. As long as you use the accrediting standards as a guide, it’s not ‘challenging’ per se, but it is rigorous, as well as a huge time commitment. And it does involve intentional and thoughtful planning.
What does it mean to be an internationally accredited school in terms of education quality?
Being an internationally accredited school provides an education quality assurance. It holds schools accountable for meeting certain criteria so that we can ensure we are upholding high standards globally. It provides assurance for parents and educators that the school consistently sustains these standards and is engaged in a continual process of growth and development.
Give us an insight into your role as Assistant Primary Principal at HKA.
When I think about the thing that’s most important to me, I think of human connection. In my role as Assistant Principal, I love that I get to connect with so many humans every day – children and adults alike – through my interactions in classrooms, meetings and school events. Making time to get to know people is so important and brings an element of joy to my work every day. Being Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator means that I get to spend time with all children, colleagues and parents at different points throughout the year and really nurture relationships that contribute to our culture of belonging at HKA.
This year, I also took on the role of through-school Accreditation Coordinator and facilitated our re-accreditation with the IB, CIS and WASC for both our primary and secondary sections. While it has been a busy year, it also provided me with more opportunities to connect with students and adults in our secondary school as well, and I feel privileged to have experienced this process and fostered even more connections beyond the primary school. I love my job!
What are you looking forward to at the school for the rest of 2024?
Something that I love about HKA is that we ground everything we do in our mission. The opening of this mission speaks to our Culture of Belonging, and this is something that we’ve held onto since its inception in 2000. We truly are an inclusive community school where everyone belongs, and this is reflected in our admissions policy, our hiring practices, our curriculum – you name it. I love that we honour diversity through the people that bring our campus to life; students, parents, faculty and staff. We are a safe haven that replicates the real world, where diversity is celebrated in all its forms and we are all able to learn from, and uplift, one another. A key focus for us in the next year is developing our next set of strategic priorities.
I’m looking forward to continuing our good work in relation to global citizenship, with a specific focus on developing our culture of belonging through deep dives into how our structures and systems promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. As an inclusive international school, we’re continually exploring new ways to further develop the equity-literacy of our community.
Where are you from originally, if not Hong Kong, and when and why did you move here?
I was born in England but moved to Hong Kong as a two-year-old; I brought my parents with me. Hong Kong has always felt like home and I embrace my identity as a Hong Kong expat and see myself as a Hongkonger above anything else.
While I grew up on Hong Kong island, I followed Hong Kong Academy out to Sai Kung in 2014 and haven’t looked back. As a parent of young children, it’s an ideal place to live and work, and I feel fortunate to work at, and have my children attend, a school that aligns so well with my personal and professional values.
Favourite things about living here and working within the education system in Hong Kong?
The people, the food, the language and culture, the convenience, the variety of things to do and places to see… The list goes on and on! Oh, and the ability to access an amazing education (like the one that all children receive at Hong Kong Academy *shameless sales pitch*).
Hong Kong Academy is at 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories.
2655 1111 | hkacademy.edu.hk
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