HKA Primary School Overview 2021

HONG KONG ACADEMY
PRIMARY SCHOOL OVERVIEW
KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 5
Inclusive Education
Three Programme
IB World School
Exceptional Location
Global Alumni Network
Low Student : Teacher Ratio
Commitment to
Internationalism
State of the Art Facility
Strong Home-School
Partnership
From an early age, HKA Primary School students ask
questions and explore ideas to help them understand the
world. We see the potential in every child, and teachers
design learning experiences that inspire creativity and
confidence in our learners. Classrooms, specialist spaces
and playscapes offer stimulating environments in which
students discover, collaborate and grow.
Founded in 2000, Hong Kong Academy is an international, non-profit school located in Sai Kung, New Territories. Our
award-winning, sustainable campus and unique educational programmes provide a happy and healthy learning
environment for students in Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 12. HKA’s exceptional faculty and support staff, low
student:teacher ratio and strong home-school partnerships are central to nurturing our diverse and inclusive community.
HKA’s holistic approach to education means that we focus on how students learn as well as what they learn. A fully
authorised, three programme International Baccalaureate World School, we use the Primary Years, Middle Years and
Diploma Programmes along with HKA-developed frameworks to engage students in authentic learning experiences at
every grade level. All HKA students graduate with an HKA Diploma and the Global Citizen Diploma Certificate.
Beyond the classroom, we offer a wide range of activities that inspire students to find their passions and grow as
individuals. Whether on the stage or the sportsground, in the laboratory or the library, behind the camera or the
computer, HKA students are encouraged to pursue their interests and contribute to their communities.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF LITERACY,
NUMERACY AND INQUIRY
Tailor-made programmes utilise the most current
materials, texts and practices that support our
multicultural community of learners. From year
to year, students build reading, writing, speaking
and listening skills in text-rich environments. They
have multiple opportunities to communicate their
ideas and publish their work for authentic audiences.
Mathematical skills spiral up in sophistication
each year, with students applying the foundational
understandings of numeracy and operations to
algebraic thinking, measurement and data
interpretation, fractions and geometry.
Through the International Baccalaureate Primary
Years Programme (IB PYP) teachers develop
rich and robust units of inquiry that are
taught alongside standards-based literacy and
mathematics investigations. Culminating with the
Grade 5 IB PYP Exhibition, students connect their
classroom learning to the wider world and take
action on issues of personal and global importance.
SPECIALIST INSTRUCTION
Specialist teachers provide further opportunities for
students to connect, transfer and apply their knowledge
and skills across a range of learning contexts. In visual
arts, music, physical education and literacy information
technology (library), children grow and express themselves
by engaging with the world in different and compelling ways.
Our Primary School Counsellor works with both teachers
and students to integrate wellbeing education into the
curriculum. Students learn the science of how the brain
works, how it impacts their learning and interactions and
how they can manage their emotions and behaviours both in
and outside of the classroom.
MANDARIN AS A LIVING LANGUAGE
Communication is a central component of building
student and community identity. At HKA, English is the
language of instruction, and Primary School students
learn Mandarin as an additional language. Mandarin
specialist teachers deliver an engaging written and
spoken curriculum, with Mandarin co-teachers offering
additional support during homeroom activities such as
circle time and unit of inquiry. Students have further
opportunities to apply their Mandarin skills in fun and
meaningful ways during the parent-run Panda Club and
through cultural events such as Mid-Autumn Festival
and Lunar New Year.
Where We Are In
Place and Time
Who We Are
IB PYP
Themes that
Organise
Learning
How We Express
Ourselves
How the
World Works
TECHNOLOGY & MAKER SPACE
The purposeful integration of age-appropriate technologies
and platforms help students build their skills as positive
digital citizens. In the early years, students learn digital
communication and collaboration skills with support from
parents and teachers. Our 1-1 in-house device programme
provides older students with structured and supervised
technology experiences. In our maker space, students
innovate and experiment to design solutions for practical
problems they have identified. Working in partnership with
parents, we support the development of healthy digital
habits both in school and at home.
How We Organise
Ourselves
Sharing the Planet
LEARNER ENHANCEMENTS
We believe that every child has gifts to be nurtured and
celebrated. We challenge, motivate and support each student
to achieve their greatest potential, and our inclusive learning
environment mirrors the real world in its diversity and
complexity. This commitment to inclusivity begins with our
youngest learners and extends through to graduation. For
students at every age, counselling and wellbeing are
fundamental aspects of our programme. Additional
interventions, extensions and language instruction are also
available through personalised learner enhancements.
Learner Support
English Language
Learners
Counselling &
Wellbeing
Child Safeguarding

SERVICE LEARNING
Through the programme of inquiry, students learn about,
through and from service. At each grade level, students
explore relevant and real world issues that impact their
world and consider how they might take responsible
action. In collaboration with a number of local partners,
students connect with and contribute to the Sai Kung and
Hong Kong communities.
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME
Every semester, we offer over 100 after school
activities for our Primary School students. Performing
arts, sports, STEAM, language and community activities
extend the learning that happens in the classroom
and fuel the passions of our youngest learners. Led by
faculty and specialist external partners, students
explore their interests and expand their knowledge
and skills.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Each unit of inquiry includes a range of field trips and
off-campus excursions that supplement the learning that
takes place in the classroom. Guest speakers regularly
feature in learning experiences both on and off campus,
offering expertise that helps students deepen their
investigations. Students in Grades 3-5 also attend
overnight camps in Hong Kong, engaging in outdoor
learning experiences and developing leadership and
collaboration skills.
ACCREDITATIONS & AUTHORISATIONS
33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung,
New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
+852 2655 1111
MEMBERSHIPS
The wood-based raw material used to produce the paper for this publication originates from sustainably managed forests, and soy inks were used for printing.