Playtimes HK Magazine The School Book 2019-2020 | Page 103

ESF West Island School 250 Victoria Road, Pokfulam District: Southern Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.wis.edu.hk Principal: Mr. Chris Sammons Description: West Island School has been established in the best traditions of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) which has served Hong Kong for 50 years. Located in an exciting and modern building from where we can see the University, Cyberport and busy shipping lanes, we welcome students of all nationalities to join us on a learning superhighway connected to the world. Teachers focus on knowing learners as individuals and nurture their unique talents and interests to build a secure foundation for experiencing success from a young age. Throughout their time at West Island School, learners become responsible global citizens. With strong links to both the local and international community, student led projects engage learners in global action. Number of Teachers: 102 Number of Classrooms: 97 Teacher/student ratio: Years 7-9 1:25-30 depending on subject Years 10-11 1:18-27 depending on subject Years 12-13 1:8-20 depending on subject Facilities: The school has purpose built specialist rooms in all subjects and in particular: specialist science laboratories, a modern library, performance space for drama and dance, two gymnasiums, state of the art design technology workshops incorporating a graphics studio, central machining bay, textiles and food, three art studios, 7 music studios and 2 music classrooms both with raised performance platforms, outdoor courts for a range of sports, a 25 metre swimming pool and a large auditorium. The proximity to Hong Kong University playing fields provides further sport facilities. SEN Support: Yes Uniform: Yes School Lunch Available: Yes Scholarships: Yes Accreditations: IB World School, BTEC Accredited, Council of International Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Secondary Geography Quality Mark, Outstanding School Award from the Hong Kong Government (2001), World Academy of Sport. Fees: (2018-19) Years 7 to 11 Years 12 to 13 HKD$128,400 per annum HKD$135,000 per annum Debenture Info: Non-refundable Capital Levy (NCL): For new students, the NCL will be HKD$26,000 for Year 7 students, and then reduced on a sliding scale for those who are joining Years 8 to 13. Hours: 8:15am-3:15pm Transport: School bus service available. Curriculum: Years 7-9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme framework. The MYP will be implemented fully by the academic year 20-21; Years 10-11 offers a suite of ‘Future Proofing’ courses that teach skills needed for the 21st century workplace and a broad range of GCSE and IGCSE subjects; Years 12-13 IB Diploma Pathway or Applied Learning Pathway with IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) as an option; Life Skills Pathway for students with special learning needs. Mandarin Curriculum: Chinese is available as a foreign, second and first language. Parents: Active PTA, School Council, School Fair, cultural evenings, regular parent forums among many other productions and events occurring during the school year. University Information: Students graduated from ESF schools in 2018 are attending are attending higher education institutions in 21 different countries around the world; the most popular being the UK (42%), Hong Kong (22%), USA (15%) and Canada (10%). Social economic sciences, science and technology, and medical sciences are the top three most popular areas of studies. Other Languages Available: French and Spanish Features: The school is housed in the heart of the Pokfulam community. Extensive investments have been made into classrooms with writable student desks in many faculties and collapsible walls in many classrooms to aid interdisciplinary learning. The school has a Learning Centre offering specialised learning support for up to 25 young people from Years 7-13. The School Book 2019-2020 101