Welcome to the ESF Discovery College 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.

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

Yes

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

Grow. Discover. Dream. This vision statement, created by the College community when the school was founded in 2007, recognizes Discovery College’s belief that students are to be independent, critical and creative thinkers, equipped with the skills, attitudes and values to contribute positively in this complex world in which we live. At Discovery College we believe that powerful learning and teaching occurs under a shared spirit of respect, which dignifies and prizes our diversity of experiences and perspectives, reaches into our traditions as well as into the future, excites a passion for ongoing inquiry and strives to help all learners reach for enduring excellence.

Discovery College was established by the English Schools Foundation to serve the needs of the local and expatriate communities in Hong Kong. It is a full Years 1 to 13 school offering the PYP, MYP, Diploma and Career-related programmes. Partial and full scholarships are available for exceptional secondary students.

The College strongly supports all subject areas with a robust academic curriculum, including the performing and creative arts, design and ICT. Technology is embedded across the curriculum, supported by a number of digital literacy staff and a 1:1 laptop programme from Year 6 onwards. Apple Asia provides a dedicated Mac Service Centre and technician on site.

The teaching staff represent more than 20 nationalities and are chosen from amongst the world’s best. The student population comprises more than 45 nationalities and almost as many mother tongues.

The College uses English as the medium for teaching and learning. There is also a strong emphasis on the acquisition of Chinese (Putonghua) as a second language. The College focuses on international-mindedness throughout the community.

The College’s facilities are second to none, with an award winning design that incorporates an exceptional performing arts centre, gymnasium spaces, 25m rooftop heated swimming pool, library, science labs and design technology rooms.

For parents wishing their children to enter Year 1 and Year 7, Central Application is open from 1 to 30 September of the year before they want their children to enter the school.

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

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

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

IB PYP, IB MYP, IB DP, IB CP

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous 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/

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

In 2017, 15 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 30.1 points compared to an average score of 35.8 for ESF students. For more information, please visit this website: www.esf.edu.hk/university-destinations/

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

Yes

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, for Years 1 to 11.

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

Chinese and others

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, the Parents Teachers Association.

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