Chinese International School Review
Chinese International School is an all-through school in the Eastern District that offers a bilingual education combined with the International Baccalaureate programme. The school’s defining characteristic is its dual-language curriculum, which means that all students pursue a single programme taught in both Chinese (Mandarin) and English.
Founded in 1983, CIS has more than 1,500 students representing around 30 different nationalities in Reception through to Year 13. At primary level, teaching follows a Positive Education model of personalised and student-centred learning, as well as other US education models. Every class has an English and Chinese (Mandarin) teacher, equal time is devoted to the two languages, and much of the curriculum is delivered in both languages. At secondary level, teaching follows the IB’s Middle Years and Diploma programmes (MYP and IBDP); all students study both English and Chinese, and history is taught as a dual-language course.
The school has a strong academic record, and the 2018 IBDP cohort scored an average of 37.8; there was a 100% pass rate.
All Year 10 students must take part in a one-year academic and residential programme at CIS’ Hangzhou campus in China. The school says that students are “immersed in Chinese culture and language, while continuing their education in English within the framework of the internationally recognised IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)”.
Beyond the classroom, the school runs camps, school trips, and extra-curricular activities in English and Chinese. Also, every summer, CIS collaborates with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to run a STEAM Camp that “empowers students to solve real-world challenges in areas of need, such as energy, education or health”.
Founded in 1983, CIS located on the top of Braemar Hill, which is a popular residential neighbourhood for expats. The campus underwent redevelopment recently, and specialised school facilities include a whole-school library, science and technology hub, four gymnasiums, fitness room, 25m indoor swimming pool, outdoor climbing wall, 200-seat auditorium, and a 200-seat drama studio. The school also has the use of a sports field with hard courts and a jogging track.
Leadership of the school changed at the start of the 2018-19 academic year, with Sean Lynch succeeding Dr. Ted Faunce as the new head of school. Lynch was previously head of the Lycée Français de New York, a dual-language independent school in New York City.
CIS is a selective school. Tuition fees range from HKD 155,100 – 246,000. Students admitted to CIS after 2018-19 are required to pay an annual capital levy of HKD 28,000 per year. Also, there is a boarding fee for students attending Hangzhou CIS in Year 10.
A full review will be posted shortly.
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