| Hong Kong Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | 12 Ka Wai Man Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong |
| Type | Private International |
| Established | 2000 |
| Head of School | Stephen Dare |
| Primary School Principal | Virginia Hunt |
| Middle/High School Principal | Douglas Musco |
| Grades | PK1 to G12 |
| Curriculum framework | International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Current Enrollment/Number of students | 470 |
| Accreditation and Affiliations |
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| Website | www.hkacademy.edu.hk |
Hong Kong Academy is a co-educational English-language day school enrolling students from PK1 (3 year olds) through Grade 12. The school is presently centrally located in Kennedy Town and the primary, middle and high schools are all housed on one campus. In August 2013 the school will move to its new permanent site in Sai Kung.
Two co-founders, Teresa Richman and Ben Frankel, realized the need for a more child-centred and community-minded school and established HKA in 2000. The middle school was added in September 2006, and in 2007 the board approved the inclusion of a high school program that began in 2008/9 academic year. HKA will graduate its first IB Diploma cohort in June 2012.
Hong Kong Academy is a community school, and encourages active parent involvement in all aspects of campus life. The school views itself as a “learning community” and looks for ways to include not only students, but faculty, staff, and parents to create a dynamic educational environment for all.
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Hong Kong Academy is a dynamic learning community that provides a rigorous international education characterized by mutual benefit and support.
As an educational leader, HKA empowers learners to pursue pathways to individual excellence by fostering creativity, communication and problem solving skills.
HKA learners develop an evolving understanding of our changing world, leading them to engage in responsible action motivated by their interests, strengths and ongoing reflection.
HKA is committed to maintaining a diverse, collaborative and captivating learning environment in which students become adaptable, confident and tolerant, equipping them for the future.
The Hong Kong Academy Early Childhood programme consists of grades PK1-G1. Students study four International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) units of inquiry, integrating Art, Music, Physical Education and Mandarin. Each class has two full time teachers. In PK1 and PK2, one is English-speaking and one is Mandarin-speaking.
The HKA Primary School (PS) programme includes students in Grades 2-5. PS students follow six Units of Inquiry under the IB programme. At each grade level, Units of Inquiry fall under one of the PYP's organizing themes which are broad ideas that are loosely aligned with subject disciplines.
The MS/HS curriculum model is designed to continue the process of learning through guided inquiry in each area of the programme. Students develop new understandings through learning experiences that build upon one another from year to year and work to prepare students for assessment tasks within each course and for the diploma options offered in Grades 11 and 12.
Each student in Middle School takes a offering of courses including English, mathematics, science, humanities, physical education, general music, visual arts, theatre arts, technology, and has the choice of three world language offerings. As they transition into High School, students maintain their range of mandatory courses and their world language course as well as narrow their focus on two Fine and Performing Arts courses. By the time they enter Grade 9, instruction focuses on preparing students for success in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, International Baccalaureate Diploma certificates or the HKA diploma.
In addition to each classroom teacher, co-teachers support the programme throughout each grade. Students also attend classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, and Mandarin-all staffed by specialists.
All students at HKA are given the opportunity to qualify for the HKA Diploma and/or a mix of Diploma Certificates or the full IB Diploma. Qualification for the HKA High School Diploma is determined by credits awarded in the final four years of school.
Students must earn 26 credits over four years (Grades 9-12) in order to obtain their HKA Diploma. A credit is earned by earning a year-end mark of 3 (out of a possible 7) or higher.
Students that choose to pursue the IB DP must complete all of the requirements of the IB DP during Grades 11 and 12. This includes scoring a minimum of 24 points on their 6 IB exams, and successful completion of the extended essay, CAS, and the Theory of Knowledge. Students successful in this option will have earned BOTH the HKA and IB DP.
Students that do NOT choose the IB DP will sit for external IB examinations in May of their grade 12 year in SOME IB classes and SOME HKA classes. They will earn IB certificates for subjects in which they sit for the IB examination.
Students must be age appropriate for their grade. The birthday cut-off date for Primary and Middle/High School is 31 August. For example:
In exceptional cases, students may be granted a placement outside this age requirement if warranted by the student’s past school experience and maturity. The following may also be taken into consideration:
Children needing learning support are admitted upon the same criteria as other students. They must be able to succeed in the mainstream classroom with support services. HKA seeks diversity in learning support as well, including children who are performing beyond grade level expectations, those with physical disabilities, or intellectual challenges, etc. An effort is made to maintain a balance of diversity ranging from needs, abilities, and genders within each of the grades/classes.
The campus is currently located in Kennedy Town. The school is currently in the process of building a permanent home and will move to Sai Kung in August, 2013.