Welcome to the ESF King George V 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.

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

Yes

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

At King George V School, our purpose is based on our belief that every student can ‘be their own remarkable…’ as they achieve, improve and learn. Our vision is to create a ‘school for one’. A place where each and every person engages in remarkable learning to achieve at high levels and be the best they can be.

Our school is also about continual improvement. As an agile school, we collaborate and innovate to make a difference in the communities we serve and lead. KGV School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong.

KGV School reflects the goals of ESF where the comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities brings out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds. Our strategic intent is to be the key driver of best practice in teaching and learning. Our model of education is on the cutting-edge of global innovation producing excellent outcomes for our students.

King George V School originated as the Kowloon British School in 1902, moving to its present site in 1936. The present name dates from 1948. Today it serves students from Kowloon and the New Territories. It occupies a large site of over ten acres and has its own AstroTurf sports field and outdoor swimming pool. There are two new buildings completed in 2013 (Performing Arts and a Science Block) on the school site and an extensive Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

The school is well known for its commitment to developing all aspects of student life and it has a fine tradition in sport, music, drama, dance, community service, charity work and environmental sustainability. Our school has a very strong House system, which is run and inspired by our students and provides a wide range of learning opportunities and activities.

Our school is implementing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7 to 9, after which the school delivers the IGCSE in Years 10 and 11. Students then progress to study either the IB Diploma Programme or the more vocationally oriented BTEC applied learning programme.

The school motto is Honestas Ante Honores: Honesty before Glory. Our alumni are passionate and connected to our school. We have a proud history and even more excited about our future as we strive to provide opportunities for each and every student to ‘be their own remarkable…’

For parents wishing their children to enter Year 7, Central Application is open from 1 to 23 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? 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?

IGCSE/GCSEs, BTEC, IB Diploma

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/

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

We develop open-minded, well balanced learners through exploring values, using a range of styles to develop caring, principled learners in an inclusive environment.

Our interactive and collaborative approach to teaching allows our students to become intellectually curious and fulfil the IBO Learner Profile in an academically rigorous context.

We believe in a coherent learning experience where students can identify and appreciate the links between academic subjects and develop a range of skills that will facilitate lifelong learning. This is supported by our movement towards a skills-based curriculum, based on the IBO’s Approaches to Learning (ATLs), where the emphasis is on ensuring that students develop in the 5 key areas of:

Thinking

Communication

Social Skills

Self-management

Research

Student learning is structured to ensure an ease of transition and includes two phases:

Middle School (Years 7-10) is where students study a broad and balanced curriculum that aims to develop our students into skilled, passionate and internationally-minded lifelong learners.

In Year 10, students begin studying (I)GCSEs that include the Core Curriculum of Mathematics, English, Science and ICT as well as students opting for subjects that create a balance between Languages, Individuals and Societies, Creativity and Technology.

Senior School (Years 11-13) is where students complete their (I)GCSEs and subsequently move towards studying the IB Diploma or taking a more vocational approach to learning through BTECs.

Subjects are organised into learning areas that reflect the structure of the IB Diploma and are also supported by the Access team.

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

Yes

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, for all years

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

Chinese and others

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

Yes

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.

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 Students 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