Welcome to the HKCA Po Leung Kuk (PLK) 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?

Not at the moment

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

Warm, friendly environment where children love coming to school.

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

24

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

The highest proportion are HK passport holders

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:12

Does your school measure Value Added data? Please provide details of how you measure, and current Value Added benchmark scores.

No

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

International Schools Assessments (ISA)

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?

N/a

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

N/a

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

We are an authorised IB-PYP school, following their inquiry, concept-driven transdisciplinary curriculum framework.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

Children need to read at home every day, in English as well as in Chinese. Maths, some vocabulary and research homework is also assigned. Children should not take more than 30~50 minutes a day (depending on the Grade level0

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

Children have PE classes, taught by a specialist PE teacher, twice a week and a selection of After School Activities in the area of physical activity. In addition, children go out to play (on the playground, climbing wall, terrace or in the hall) before school, during morning break and during lunch break every day. We also take all student to a local park for a few hours every other month.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

Personal, Social and Physical Education is the curriculum area of the PYP that promotes healthy lifestyle. This includes PE as well as mindfulness and making healthy choices.

How do you promote healthy eating?

We don't allow children to bring sodas (canned drinks), candies (sweets) or other snacks wrapped in single-use plastic. Families are reminded to provide healthy snacks, such as fruits and grains.

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

No

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

About 30 minutes

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

Gates open at 07:45 and the bell rings for children to go to their homerooms at 08:10. Classes start at 08:15 and end at 15:15.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

We don't have a discipline policy, but a well-being policy that is built on restorative practices using reflection and behaviour management plans.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

We use Seesaw (a digital platform) to facilitate communication between students, teachers and parents on a daily basis in addition to a School Diary, WhatsApp and email.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Detailed report cards are sent home twice a year and student-led-conferences are held each year. Formal parent-student-teacher conferences are organised three times a year.

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

Mandarin Chinese using traditional characters

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

Not as a separate programme, but through inclusion and differentiation within regular classes.

Do you offer a dedicated prayer room/s for students? For which faiths?

No

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Not as a separate programme, but through inclusion and differentiation within regular classes.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Not as a separate team, but through inclusion and differentiation within regular classes.

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?

Only through inclusion and differentiation within regular classes.

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

No

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

No

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

We have a Parent Teacher 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?

Many

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Yes, through the PTA

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

Yes, through the PTA