Welcome to the ESF Clearwater Bay School official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

What qualities and characteristics would you say define your school?

Clearwater Bay School is an IB World School serving the Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay and Tseung Kwan O communities in the Eastern New Territories of Hong Kong. We are accredited by both the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization and offer a world class international primary education to students in years 1-6. There is strong demand for admissions and the school is currently at capacity with 720 students enrolled.

Our school values create a safe, welcoming learning environment that fosters care, respect and intercultural understanding. We value and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of students and families who come from more than 35 different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Through the IB Primary Years Programme, we offer an engaging, challenging inquiry programme that develops students’ creativity, confidence and willingness to achieve their personal best. High standards of academic achievement combined with a strong emphasis on the arts, physical education and sport provides students with a comprehensive, well rounded curriculum. Specialist Chinese, physical education, music and library programs are also taught. An extensive co-curricular programme provides opportunities for students to participate in a range of arts, sport and special interest activities.

We cater to the individual learning needs of students through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is differentiated to extend students needing further challenge and to support students who experience difficulties. Specialist learning support, English as an additional language and counseling services are available.

We have skilled and passionate staff and an active parent community who work collaboratively to create a learning community that strives to provide every student with the best possible education.

For parents wishing their children to enter Year 1, Central Application is open from 1 to 30 September of the year before they want their children to enter the school. Application for all years are open throughout the year. Applicants will be invited to an admissions interview when places become available. Please check this website for immediate or expected student places: www.esf.edu.hk/applyesf-school/

How many nationalities are represented in your school?

ESF serves 17,770 students who represent a range of ethnicities and over 75 nationalities.

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

HKSAR permanent residents

Does your school have a waiting list?

Yes

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

What is your medium of instruction?

English

Which other languages are taught?

Chinese and others

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

IB PYP

What percentage of your sixth form that take exams at 18 go to university, and where, in general, do they go?

In 2019, 23 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide. The average score worldwide was 29.8 points compared to an average score of 35.6 for ESF students. For more information, please visit this website: www.esf.edu.hk/university-destinations/

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

Learning Support Classes are available to cater for students with individual needs.

Please provide comprehensive details of how well your school did in external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

Please visit this website for public exam results of ESF students: www.esf.edu.hk/public-exam-results/

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

Yes

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

Yes

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Yes

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

Yes

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Yes

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

Yes