Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy is an independent, nonprofit, co-educational day school for students ages 3 – 18. Founded in 2000, HKA offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. The school’s globally-sourced curriculum is inquiry-based and concept-driven, providing a well-rounded, student-centred programme. Small class sizes and a low student:teacher ratio allow for individualised attention and the ability to meet the needs of accelerated learners as well as students requiring learner support.

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

HKA was one of the first schools in Hong Kong to adopt the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The school chose the PYP intentionally because of its curriculum and its focus on personal development. The PYP’s transdisciplinary approach to learning promotes creative questioning and meaningful exploration of themes. Using “Units of Inquiry”, students develop core competencies in mathematics and language arts within and across themes in a context that promotes learning for understanding.

A typical day in the Primary School includes learning related to the current Unit of Inquiry, instruction in Mandarin, and recess for kinetic learning. Over the course of the week, students also enjoy special classes in music, art, library, and technology. In the Early Childhood classes, co-teachers are Mandarin speakers and Mandarin is incorporated into daily routines. In Kindergarten through Grade 5, students receive Mandarin instruction four times a week for a total 200 minutes per week. HKA’s Mandarin curriculum uses simplified characters.

The Primary School is led by a Principal, an Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator, and a Counsellor. For students receiving learner support, the Learner Support Team works closely with teachers and with the Primary School leadership to meet the needs of the whole child.

Secondary School

Secondary School at Hong Kong Academy encompasses Grades 6-12. Students in Grades 6-10 follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. In Grades 11 and 12, many students pursue the full IB Diploma Programme, and other options are available for students who prefer a different pathway to graduation.

While the curriculum is geared to Grades 6-10 and 11-12, HKA is mindful of the social-emotional development of adolescents and often defines student activities for Grades 6-8 separately from Grades 9-12. In addition to a Secondary School Principal, two Assistant Secondary School Principals, one for Grades 6-8 and one for Grades 9-12 work directly with those groups of students. The Secondary School Leadership Team also includes curriculum coordinators and socio-emotional and university counsellors. Secondary School leadership also work closely with the Learner Support Team to ensure inclusive education.

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

• Official website
• South China Morning Post coverage on Sai Kung Campus

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