Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy
Logo of the school, 2000-2013
Location	33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Type	Private international
Established	2000
Head of School	Stephen Dare
Primary School Principal	Virginia Hunt
Secondary School Principal	Douglas Musco
Grades	PK1 to G12
Curriculum framework	International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
Gender	Co-educational
Current enrollment/number of students	600
Accreditation and affiliations	Association of China and Mongolia International Schools Council of International Schools East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools European Council of International Schools The Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Website	www.hkacademy.edu.hk

Hong Kong Academy is a co-educational International Baccalaureate day school enrolling students from PK1 (3 year olds) through Grade 12. The school is centrally located in Sai Kung and the primary, middle and high schools are all housed on one campus. In August 2013 the school moved from Kennedy Town to its new permanent site in Sai Kung.

Two co-founders, Teresa Richman and Ben Frankel, realised 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 programme that began in 2008/9 academic year. HKA graduated its first IB Diploma cohort in May 2012.

Curriculum

Early childhood

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.

Primary School

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 organising themes which are broad ideas that are loosely aligned with subject disciplines.

Secondary School

The MYP/DP curriculum model is designed to continue the process of learning through guided inquiry in each area of the programme. The curriculum prepares students for assessment tasks within each course and for the diploma options offered in Grades 11 and 12.

Each student in Middle School takes an 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.

Diploma Options

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.

Option 1: HKA Diploma

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.

Option 2: HKA Diploma and the IB DP

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.

Option 3: HKA Diploma and IB Certificates

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.

Learner support

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 learning support includes children who are performing beyond grade level expectations, those with physical disabilities, or intellectual challenges, etc.

Campus

The campus was located in Kennedy Town. In August 2013 the school moved to its new permanent site in Sai Kung.

References

External links

Coordinates: 22°23′09″N 114°16′30″E / 22.38585°N 114.27508°E / 22.38585; 114.27508