Welcome to the ESF West 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?

The West Island School motto “Strength from Diversity” reflects that the school caters for students from over 40 nationalities in a modern building overlooking the University of Hong Kong and the vibrant shipping lanes of the South China Sea. The school has a strong focus on the value of international mindedness and the importance of community. It has a reputation for academic excellence balanced with compassion and service beyond the classroom. The vast majority of students graduate to a range of international universities with 90% achieving their first choice. In 2019, the average score of the IB diploma was 35 with 19% achieving 40 or more.

Students are encouraged to become “responsible global citizens” as part of the mission of the school. Training for leadership roles within the school and beyond is a strength which the school believes heralds access to better choices beyond Year 13. Over 120 activities are offered termly and one week annually focuses exclusively on CAS projects within Asia. The school has a unique one to one tutoring model where students meet individually with their tutor to consider academic progress and commitment to CAS.

Facilities

The school has purpose built specialist rooms in all subjects and in particular: specialist science laboratories, a modern library, performance space for drama and dance, two gymnasiums, state of the art design technology workshops incorporating a graphics studio, textiles and food, three art studios, 7 music studios and 2 music classrooms both with raised performance platforms, outdoor courts for a range of sports, a 25 metre swimming pool and a large auditorium. The proximity to Hong Kong university playing fields provides further sport facilities. WIS is a one to one laptop school with digital literacy as part of the curriculum.

Curriculum

WIS is an authorised IB Diploma school offering DP for 300 students at Post 16. Since 2018, WIS offers the IB Careers related Programme. IGCSEs and some BTEC courses are offered for Pre 16 students. West Island School is a candidate school for the MYP. As an IB World School, we share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education – that we believe is important for our students.

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 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