Playtimes HK Magazine The School Book 2019-2020 | Page 88

Island Waldorf School Japanese International School G/F, 71-77 Smithfield, Kennedy Town District: Central and Western Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] http://iwshk.org 4663 Tai Po Road, Tai Po, New Territories District: Tai Po Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.jis.edu.hk Principal: Dr. Julie Peterson Principal: Simon Walton Description: A non-profit, bilingual Waldorf school for ages 5 and up. Since September 2017. Description: Japanese International School has developed a very special niche in the provision of a top quality International School education within Hong Kong. On a large, purpose built campus we provide a unique, multi- cultural context for our students. We are proud to be known as a friendly school that offers all our families a strong commitment to education. The school was nominated in December 2018 as “one of the top ten international schools in Hong Kong”. We set ourselves high standards in all that we do, through academic study and the provision of a broad curriculum, offering a wide range of creative activities, outdoor education, language study and community involvement. Number of Teachers: 4 Hours: 8:30am-3pm Curriculum: Waldorf Curriculum: Rudolf Steiner gave a series of “indications” on pedagogical topics in lectures and writings during his lifetime. These insights inform the unique and distinctive Waldorf curriculum framework in the following ways: the curriculum unfolds over time, is wide and richly experiential; the curriculum takes its cue from the development of the child. It is midwife to the emerging individuality, rather than suits of clothes into which the child must be made to fit; the curriculum relies upon and encourages the creativity of teachers. The innate flexibility and resilience enables it to be adapted for a variety of settings, languages, and cultures. Number of Teachers: 17 Teachers, 10 Assistants (International Section) Number of Classrooms: 50 in total (International Section uses 15 rooms) Teacher/student ratio: 1:10 plus classroom assistants for all classes Hours: 8:15am-2:45pm Number of Mandarin Teachers: 1 Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Fees: Foundation Year Years 1-6 HKD$11,500 x 10 months HKD$12,500 x 10 months Transport: School bus will be available. Parents: Waldorf schools thrive with the active support of the parents in different capacities depending on parents’ interests, skills, and availability. We are firmly committed to fostering a strong partnership between school and home. There are many ways to be involved, whether that means being an active participant in school activities, assisting as a classroom volunteer, acting as chaperones on field trips, planning educational lectures, or making handcrafts for various events. Number of Mandarin Teachers: 1 Teacher, 1 Assistant Frequency and Duration of Mandarin Classes: 45 minutes, 4 times per week Age students begin to learn Mandarin as Second Language: 4 years old Other Languages Available: Japanese is also offered as a choice for students. They must make a language preference as both languages cannot be studied due to timetable restrictions. Features: Multi-cultural environment. Excellent facilities in a large, well- equipped campus that retains the positive elements of a small school and community atmosphere. Excellent experience in utilising the PYP curriculum to its fullest extent. Student Support teachers for individual needs students, specialist staff for music and P.E. as well as a librarian in the school library are provided. Facilities: Two large libraries, two music rooms, two science labs, home economics room, multi-purpose music drama room, roof garden and play areas, indoor heated swimming pool(s) and large gymnasium. Outdoor facilities include four playgrounds, extensive sports facilities and an artificial grass sports field on site. SEN Support: Full time and part-time fully qualified staff run an active student support services department for a range of needs for students. Uniform: Yes School Lunch Available: Yes, ordering option for all students if required (delivered into school). Most students bring their own preferred lunch — no canteen on site. Scholarships: No Accreditations: IB World School. Inspection: International Baccalaureate Organisation as an authorised Primary Years Programme school—in May 2007, re-evaluated to high acclaim in 2010 and in 2015. 86 www.playtimes.com.hk