Victoria Shanghai Academy
| Victoria Shanghai Academy |
| Location |
Shum Wan Road and Aberdeen, Hong Kong
|
| Information |
| Established |
1965 |
| Head of Academy |
Dr. Maggie Koong |
| Primary Principal: |
Ms. Susan Smith |
| Secondary Principal |
Mr. Richard Parker |
| Website |
http://www.vsa.edu.hk/ |
The Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) of Hong Kong is a private, independent, non profit making, co-educational day school. It has been established since 2005, under the auspices of the Shanghai Victoria Education Foundation Limited, a registered charitable body.
School History
1965,1984 &1996
- Victoria Kindergarten was established at Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay.
- Our first primary school, the C.S. Victoria English Primary School, was established in Tai Hang.
- Victoria English Primary School (Taikoo Shing) was established at Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing.
1996
- The Opening Ceremony and Open Day for Victoria English Primary School, Kindergarten and Pre-school (Taikoo Shing) were held in December.
- C.S. Victoria English Primary School was renamed Victoria English Primary School (Causeway Bay), and relocated to Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay.
- Parent Teacher Association of Primary Section was established.
2002
- A piece of land at Shum Wan Road was allotted for the building of our “through-train” primary and secondary school, Victoria Shanghai Academy, after permission was granted by the Education and Manpower Bureau.
- Appointment of Mr. Yung Ying Cheuk as Principal of Primary and Mrs. Diane Fisk as the Deputy Principal.
2004
- A subsidy of HK$230 million was granted by the government for the construction cost of the campus at Shum Wan Road.
- Victoria Shanghai Academy started its primary programmes at the temporary campus in Wan Chai in September. The secondary programmes were also planned for September 2005, and the Academy was scheduled to the new campus at Shum Wan Road in 2007.
- The Primary Section completed the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) pre- authorization.
- Appointment of Dr. Sherrill Shiu as Head of Academy.
2005
- The Secondary Section was established and started the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in September.
- Authorization of the Primary School for the IB PYP in December to become an IB World School for PYP.
2006
- The Secondary Section completed the IB MYP pre-authorization in May.
- Parent Teacher Association of Secondary School was established.
- Authorization of the Secondary School for the IB MYP in December to become an IB World School for MYP.
2007
- Authorization of the Secondary School for the IB Diploma Program (DP) in June to become the first ‘through-train’ IB World School In Hong Kong.
- Appointment of Mr. Yung Ying Cheuk as Senior Advisor of the school.
- Appointment of Mrs. Diane Fisk as Principal of Primary Section.
- Secondary Section moved to Shum Wan Campus in September and Primary Section in November.
2009
- Appointment of Dr. Maggie Koong as Head of Academy.
- Appointment of Dr. Katherine Yau as Senior Advisor.
- Appointment of Mrs. Susan Smith as Principal of Primary Section upon the retirement of Mrs. Diane Fisk.
Curriculum
VSA graduates complete the IBDP, which is accepted by universities in Hong Kong and around the world for entrance, credit recognition and special scholarships. Main features of the IB programmes at VSA include:
- English and Chinese (Putonghua) as languages of instruction
- Incorporation of the local Chinese Language and Mathematics curricula to maintain students’ high standards in these disciplines
- Embracing an international perspective and roots in the Chinese culture
IB Diploma Programme (DP)
The IBDP is a 2-year curriculum that provides a balance of academic breadth and depth, and is assessed by rigorous internal coursework and external examination. The basis of the IB is to promote the holistic development of the student - physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. Thus, in conjunction with a challenging and comprehensive education in the classroom, the IBDP also encourages individual responsibility to the community and self and supports international awareness that will help prepare the student for University studies and beyond. The following outlines the six IB subject groups and the respective courses offered at VSA. All students will select three of the six subjects at Higher Level (240 teaching hours) and the remaining courses are taken at Standard Level (150 teaching hours).
IB Subjects
- Language A
- Language B
- Individuals and Societies (e.g. Business Management Studies, Economics, Geography and Environmental Systems & Society)
- Experimental Sciences (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems & Society)
- Mathematics (of different levels)
- Arts or Elective (e.g. Visual Arts or a subject from Group 3 or 4)
The IBDP also requires that students satisfactorily complete the following requirements:
- Extended Essay – an independent, 4,000-word paper guided by a thorough investigation and research of a topic/question related to an academic subject of study. Rigor and excellence are required.
- Theory of Knowledge – a course that provides the student an opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge and inquire about various types of knowledge.
- CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) – experiential education through active participation and collaboration with others. Students will become involved in various activities among the three components as a way to broaden their understanding of themselves and others.
Assessment
Assessment is criterion based, and thus, students’ performance is measured against pre-specified criteria based on the learning objectives of each subject. Internal examinations occur in DP1 (May) and DP2 (February), culminating in IBO public examinations held in May of the second year. The results are available from the IBO in early July.
University Recognition of IBDP and Credit Provision
Universities in Hong Kong and overseas, including the most prestigious ones, recognize the IB Diploma for entrance. Some universities have specified conditions for credit provision for IB Diploma graduates. 130 institutions around the world offer special scholarships to IB graduates.
University Counseling
The University Counseling office supports VSA students in their post-secondary education studies by offering them information, tools, and guidance in their preparation. The programme is aligned with VSA’s mission to provide an international education, as help our students pursue future studies and careers in the local and global context. Universities from around the world recognize the IBDP curriculum; thus, successful achievement of the IBDP will provide students opportunities to attend some distinguished universities. Diligence, organization, and focus are crucial and expected for completion of the IBDP and to reach post-secondary goals. In the two years of the DP, students will spend a great amount of time thinking about and deciding what they wish to do after their secondary education. University Counseling support that VSA students can expect include:
- Tools and guidance on planning for the University application process such as a timeline, instructions on how to plan and organize, how to research and develop a list of options, what to expect in the college application package, admission interviews, and writing the personal statement.
- Access to University Counseling resources in the library that include different University leaflets and books on colleges, majors, financial aid/scholarships, how to navigate the college application process, college entrance examination preparation, and how to write their personal statement.
- Information on the application process and admission requirements for Universities around the world.
- Career and/or major counseling through exploration of interests and strengths.
- Reminders of University visits, college entrance examination registration deadlines (SAT Reasoning Test, TOEFL), and general college application deadlines.
- One-on-one meetings with University Counselor to discuss future goals, application processes, and career exploration.
Co-curricular Activities
Year camps, educational excursions, field trips, project weeks and a wide range of after-school activities for sports, arts, service and academic interests are held for:
- Application and extension of learning from formal studies
- Development of personal, social and leadership skills and abilities
- Enjoyment and preparation for life
VSA students participate in competitive sports and contests of different kinds and are very proud of the excellent progress and results they have achieved. Among the after-school activities are the following:
- Academic interest (e.g. Mathematics Teams, Putonghua, Humanities Help, Chinese Speech and Homework)
- Arts (e.g. Orchestra and Chinese Painting)
- Sports (e.g. Ball Games, Track and Field and Sailing)
- Services (e.g. St John Ambulance Brigade, Cub Scouts and Grasshoppers)
- Other interests (e.g. Christian Fellowship, Creative Animation, Explorer’s Club and Video Production)
Campus
In September 2007, VSA moved into the new campus on a site 400,000 square feet in area, which was built with the delivery of IB programmes in mind. It is located near the Shum Wan bus terminus. For campus construction VSA received HK$ 230 million government funding, to which, the sponsoring body added a not her HK $100 million for further enhancement. The following facilities were designed for the greatest development of student potential through varied learning experiences:
- Science laboratories, Humanities Room s and Language Rooms
- A library equipped with computers and with access to information to be a self-learning center
- An arts floor housing the auditorium, orchestra and choir practice rooms, art, dance and dram a studios, cam pus TV room and Design and Technology Room
- Sports facilities such as indoor swimming pool, ball courts, a running track, and 5-a–side soccer pitch
- Assembly area s such as a multi-purpose school hall for over 1,000 people, and an outdoor amphitheatre
Student Service
School Bus
The school buses serve students who live in different parts of Hong Kong. Besides buses for regular school dismissal, there are buses that leave the school after extra-curricular activities.
Lunch at School
The cafeteria can seat 440 students serving hot fresh-cooked meals as well as breakfast and snacks.
References
External links
Victoria Shanghai Academy[1]
IB Result [2]
News Report on Amy Keung [3][4]
News Report on MYP [5][6]
News Report on WZQ
[7][8]