After a topsy-turvy ride for students, teachers and school communities in 2020, we’re obviously all hoping for 2021 to tell a much smoother story! Still, whatever happens (and do be sure to keep an eye on all the latest updates from the Education Bureau), the way everyone adapted to change last year under very trying circumstances was super impressive. And there’s always plenty to look forward to on the educational journey. From new schools to new facilities and curriculums, here are just a few of the latest developments in schools in Hong Kong and abroad!
A New Page
The ISSIA HK (Inter-school Social Issues Association) is an international, student led organisation in Hong Kong that aims to provide a collaborative platform and network for discourse on social issues. It recently launched a 95-page social issues magazine (ISSIA Magazine), featuring articles, artwork and photography submissions from across HK, on topics covering mental health, refugees, gentrification, LGBTQ+ issues and more. Contributors come from a range of international schools across Hong Kong.
To find out more about this great initiative, visit issiahk.org or Instagram @issia.hk.
Opening Soon
Oxbridge British School is a private British school that’s set to open for primary students in Hong Kong August 2021. Offering the National Curriculum of England and Wales, Oxbridge School will provide a traditional British-style primary education, with a focus on strong academics and deliberately small classes (maximum of 15 students). The school site – just an eight-minute walk from Ho Man Tin MTR – is easily accessible to families living in Kowloon and beyond, and has capacity for 259 primary students aged five to 11. School fees will be HK$128,000 a year, with no capital levy and no debenture.
Visit the Oxbridge School website; or to express your interest in anticipation of the provisional licence being granted, go here.
Open House Opportunities
Fresh from celebrating its 20th year in 2020, Hong Kong Academy is kick-starting 2021 with a series of Virtual Open Houses and on-campus personalised tours in alignment with government guidelines on group gatherings. You’ll get the opportunity to learn about HKA’s programmes, meet the Principals and more. HKA is a non-profit IB World School that provides a highly personalised and holistic education for students aged three to 18 years.
Go to hkacademy.edu.hk/admissions to find out upcoming dates and much more.
Join the ESF Family
For over 50 years, ESF has been nurturing talent and preparing young men and women to be tomorrow’s global leaders. Former students of the group’s 22 schools can be found worldwide; in the words of the ESF team, “alumni from those schools have been helping to shape our world for decades”. Join one of ESF’s upcoming Parent Information Sessions throughout February and March 2021 to learn more.
See esf.edu.hk/parent-seminars for more info.
Admissions Advice
Hong Kong-based education consultancy Top Schools is extending its reach, launching in both Singapore and the UK. That’s good news for parents based in Asia who are considering a school either in Hong Kong or these two additional sought-after locations. Top Schools has been working with HK families since 2012, making a name for itself through a thorough and personalised approach. Contact the team for a no-obligation chat.
See topschools.asia for more.
Fabulous Virtual Tour
For a great insight into the campus of St Peters Lutheran College, a co-educational day and boarding school in Brisbane, Queensland, visit the school website for a virtual tour. St Peters has a proud boarding tradition that goes back to 1945; it’s currently home to over 150 boarding students from Years 7 to 12. The school provides a wide range of educational, social, sporting, cultural and co-curricular opportunities, many of which can be glimpsed as you take the online tour.
Try the tour at stpeters.youtour.com.au.
Singapore Schooling
Travel restrictions are making overseas school visits a difficult proposition right now. So, St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School in Singapore is welcoming prospective families to explore its offering through virtual Open House events in 2021. There are different events for both the Elementary and High School, where staff will explain the SJII ethos and the holistic educational programmes it offers children.
Find out more at sji-international.com.sg/admissions/open-events.
Boarding by the Beach
St Hilda’s School is an Anglican day school and boarding school for girls from Pre-Preparatory to Year 12. It’s located on Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast. Studies here go hand in hand with access to stunning Aussie beaches, rainforests, a vibrant CBD and major sporting events. For over a century, St Hilda’s has been providing an outstanding environment for girls’ education, and a caring, community life for more than 170 boarders from Years 6 to 12, representing families from rural Australia, interstate and overseas.
For more information, email enrolments@sthildas.qld.edu.au or visit sthildas.qld.edu.au.
A Campus Revamp
When students return to the Canadian International School of Hong Kong campus, some areas will look unrecognisable, following extensive renovations in the middle of 2020. For example, the school’s main cafeteria underwent a full revamp; it includes a new seating area, serving stations and a fully renovated back kitchen, which allows cafeteria staff to serve food that’s freshly made and locally sourced when possible. Meanwhile, the classrooms serving Grade 5 and 6 students have a completely different architectural layout; an open-plan design and breakout spaces contribute to the updated, modern feel. These renovations are all part of the school’s strategic plan.
For other news from the school, see cdnis.edu.hk.
New at Woodlands
Gazel Razavi is the newest face at Woodland PreSchools, having been appointed as the group’s General Manager. With extensive experience in education in Hong Kong, Gazel will be leading the school community on the new “Woodland Journey”. For ages six months to six years, the Woodland Journey carefully builds upon earlier stages to support each child’s natural dispositions and curiosities. The aim is to enable them to move on to primary education equipped with the tools and skills that they need to succeed: a love of learning, independence and self-confidence.
Find out what else is happening at Woodland at woodlandschools.com.
For Little Learners
Hong Kong’s largest French and International preschool Les Petits Lascars offers preschool education for ages nine months to six years, either in French, in line with the French National Education system, or in bilingual (French/English) or trilingual (French/English/Mandarin) options. The school also provides an international stream, with progression to the International Baccalaureate. Classes operate on the model of the French school year, from September to June.
For more information, visit lespetitelascars.com.
Keen to read more about education in Hong Kong? See our Schools section online, or subscribe to our quarterly magazine so you never miss an issue.
