Welcome to the ESF South Island 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?

South Island School is a dynamic, innovative and forward looking school located in a green setting on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It caters for 1,440 students from around 40 different nations. The school prides itself on a strong valuesbased philosophy, an international outlook, a personalised curriculum and very high academic standards. There is a focus on the development of students’ personal qualities, fostering a skill set which is creative and contemporary and which develops community responsibility under the banner ‘Making a Difference’.

The school is inclusive and makes excellent provision for students with a range of individual needs. The school is authorised by the IBO to offer the MYP (Years 1-3), the IBDP, and the IBCP.

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 resident

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 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/

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 7 to 11

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 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