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.

What qualities and characteristics would you say define your school?

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong. ESF’s 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

The education offered by ESF is underpinned by a broad and coherent curriculum aligned to ESF’s core values and to those of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). ESF’s vision is for every student to be the best that they can be, and its mission is to inspire creativity and nurture the global citizens and leaders of the future. ESF aims to enable students to grow as inquiring, thoughtful and caring citizens who show intercultural understanding and respect.

Four of the five ESF kindergartens, all ESF primary, secondary and all-through schools are authorised IB World Schools. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, and international education – that we believe is important for our students.

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at ESF primary schools is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in and outside the classroom. It is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

At secondary level for students aged 11-16, the two ESF all-through schools, Renaissance College (RCHK) and Discovery College, offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Other ESF schools operate a school-designed curriculum with an approach that is broad and balanced leading to a suite of IGCSE and GCSE qualifications. Since 2016, these schools have started to align their curriculum for Years 7 to 9 according to the MYP framework.

At post-16, the main pathways offered to students are the IB Diploma, the Applied Learning and the Work and Life Skills Pathways. Students are counselled on an individual basis to follow the pathway most appropriate for them. This involves encouraging students to consider their personal interests, preferred learning styles and career aspirations before making their decisions. This leads to internationally recognised qualifications that enable students to access higher education worldwide.

In recent years, ESF is developing the IB Career-related Programme as part of a personalised learning approach, enabling students to focus on creative projects and practical inquiries. The programme is now available in a few ESF schools. In 2018, ESF is the largest provider of the IBCP in Asia.

There are 17,770 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF schools, PIS and kindergartens. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.
ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. 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.

For parents wishing their children to enter K1, 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?

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

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?

Yes

If yes, does it serve hot food?

Yes

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, for Years 1 to 11.

What is your medium of instruction?

English

Is Arabic taught as both a first language and second language in your school?

No

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, IB MYP, IB DP, IB CP

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/

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, 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