User:Vivianchuicy/Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy is a co-educational English-language day school enrolling students from PK1 (3 year olds) through Grade 12. The school is presently centrally located in Kennedy Town and the primary, middle and high schools are all housed on one campus. In August 2013 the school will move to its new permanent site in Sai Kung. Two co-founders, Teresa Richman and Ben Frankel, realized 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 program that began in 2008/9 academic year. HKA will graduate its first IB Diploma cohort in June 2012.

Early Childhood
The Hong Kong Academy Early Childhood programme consists of grades PK1-G1. Students study four IB PYP units of inquiry, integrating Art, Music, Physical Education and Mandarin. Each class has two full time teachers, one English-speaking and one Mandarin-speaking, and parent involvement is encouraged.

Primary School
The HKA Primary School programme includes students in Grades 2-5. PS students follow six Units of Inquiry. At each grade level, units of inquiry fall under one of the PYP's organizing themes, broad ideas that are loosely aligned with subject disciplines.

Middle/High School
The MS/HS curriculum model is designed to continue the process of learning through guided inquiry in each area of the programme. Students develop new understandings through learning experiences that build upon one another from year to year and work to prepare students for assessment tasks within each course and for the diploma options offered in Grades 11 and 12.

Each student in Middle School takes a 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.

Each class has a qualified teacher and co-teacher. In addition to the home classroom, students attend classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, and Mandarin-all staffed by specialists.

Diploma Options
All 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.

Admission requirements
Students must be age appropriate for their grade. The birthday cut-off date for Primary and Middle/High School is 31 August. For example:
 * PK1 class - 3 years old by 31 August of enrolling year
 * PK2 class - 4 years old by 31 August of enrolling year
 * K class – 5 years old by 31 August of enrolling year
 * G1 class – 6 years old by 31 August of enrolling year

In exceptional cases, students may be granted a placement outside this age requirement if warranted by the student’s past school experience and maturity. The following may also be taken into consideration:
 * Students are able to function in the mainstream classroom using English language
 * Assessment results are appropriate for the space available

Priorities

 * Priority is not based upon the date of application
 * HKA has a rolling admissions policy and will accept candidates on the basis of the given criteria
 * HKA seeks diversity of nationality, ethnicity, religion, ability and gender
 * The prospective family embraces the school’s philosophy and core values
 * Siblings are given priority over ‘new’ applicants

Learning Support
Children needing learner support are admitted upon the same criteria as other students. They must be able to succeed in the mainstream classroom with support services. HKA seeks diversity in learning support as well, including children who are performing beyond grade level expectations, those with physical disabilities, or intellectual challenges, etc. An effort is made to maintain a balance of diversity ranging from needs, abilities, and genders within each of the grades/classes.

Campus
The campus is currently located in Kennedy Town. The school is currently in the process of building a permanent home and will move to Sai Kung in August, 2013.