THE ISF ACADEMY CURRICULUM AND STUDENT …...(Putonghua) predominates, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme® (MYP) in Grade 6 to 10 delivered bilingually,

| I N D E P E N D E N T | C H I N E S E | G L O B A L |

THE ISF ACADEMY CURRICULUM AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Overview PA G E 1

Primary School (Foundation Year to Grade 5) PA G E 2

• Introduction PA G E 3

• Curriculum PA G E 3

• Student Development PA G E 5

Secondary School (Grade 6 to 12) PA G E 8


• Curriculum PA G E 10

- IB MYP (Grade 6 to 10) PA G E 10

- IB DP (Grade 11 and 12) PA G E 11

• Student Development PA G E 13

The ISF Shuyuan PA G E 18


• Shuyuan Classics Program PA G E 19

• Shuyuan Science and Discovery Program PA G E 19

University Counseling PA G E 20

Overview

Language and Curriculum by Grade

The ISF Academy is a through-train K-12 Private Independent School (PIS) located in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. We are a bilingual Chinese-English school with a global perspective, providing a world-class curriculum based on a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese cultural values. Our vision is to graduate students who are bilingual and bicultural, and who are responsible citizens with a strong, balanced set of values ready to contribute to the global community.

The curricula at The ISF Academy strongly reflect this vision, with an immersion Chinese-English program of study offered in the Primary School (Foundation Year to Grade 5) in which Chinese (Putonghua) predominates, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme® (MYP) in Grade 6 to 10 delivered bilingually, but with a growing emphasis on English, and concluding with the IB Diploma Programme® (IB DP) in which English plays the dominant role as the principal language of instruction.

GradeLanguage Emphasis*

CurriculumPutonghua English

Primary School

Foundation Year to Grade 2 70% 30%

The ISF Academy Primary CurriculumGrade 3 60% 40%

Grade 4 and 5 50% 50%

Secondary School

Grade 6 to 8 30% 70% Authorized School for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme® (IB MYP)Grade 9 and 10 20% 80%

Grade 11 and 12 Language ratio dependent upon subject selection

Authorized School for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme® (IB DP)

*Percentages presented above are approximations.

1T H E I S F A C A D E M Y C U R R I C U L U M A N D S T U D E N T D E V E L O P M E N T

2 T H E I S F A C A D E M Y C U R R I C U L U M A N D S T U D E N T D E V E L O P M E N T

Subject Medium of Instruction Major Curriculum Source

Chinese Language Chinese*: All Grades Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan

English Language English: All Grades United Kingdom, United States, and Australia

Mathematics Chinese: All Grades Hong Kong and Taiwan

English: All Grades United States

Guided Discovery (GD) Chinese: All Grades

Hong Kong, Taiwan and United StatesEnglish: Grade 3 to 5

Information Technology

Chinese: FY to Grade 2 United States

English: Grade 3 to 5

Wushu Chinese: All Grades Mainland China

Physical Education Chinese: All Grades Hong Kong and United Kingdom

Moral Education Chinese: All Grades Hong Kong

Dance / Drama Chinese: All Grades Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan

MusicChinese: FY to Grade 3 Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan

English: Grade 4 and 5 IB Primary Years Programme® Music Scope and Sequence

Visual ArtChinese: FY to Grade 2 Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan

English: Grade 3 to 5 Canada

Primary School (Foundation Year to Grade 5)

IntroductionOur six-year Primary School program cultivates in our students a passion for learning and lays the groundwork for global citizenship. Students are motivated to observe, reflect, and formulate questions as they learn, create, and act upon personal initiatives. Students are also given opportunities to practice leadership and teamwork. We aim for our students to achieve native level fluency in Putonghua and English, to appreciate Chinese culture and values, and thereby build the foundation on which they learn to respect other cultures.

Curriculum The Primary Curriculum is rooted in four fundamental ideas:• Achieving fluency in

Putonghua and English;• Stimulating a passion for

lifelong learning;• Fostering a strong learning

collaborative community where talents and interests are respected and nurtured; and

• Learning through rich personal experiences.

The ISF Academy draws on the best educational practices from around the world to achieve our curriculum goals.

Foundation Year to Grade 5 Major Curriculum Sources in Order of Relevance

* All Chinese instruction is delivered in Putonghua.


Assessments and ReportsTeachers assess student progress against set standards. Students are not ranked against each other. In addition to teacher-designed assessments, grades in student report cards take into account classroom observations, projects, reports, homework and portfolios. Academic achievement and commitment to learning are reflected separately on the report card. Self-assessment and peer assessment are also used. There are no formal examinations in the Primary.

HomeworkThe purpose of homework is to build independence in learning, enhance understanding of curriculum content already studied, develop mastery of skills, and help students make the most of their school experience. Homework strengthens academic skills, reinforces concepts students learn in class, helps students learn responsibility and develop good study habits, and helps parents stay aware of their child’s school work.

Teachers assign homework based on the maturity and ability level of the students in a given class. While individual assignments may vary, the table below serves as a guide to the average amount of time to be spent on homework at The ISF Academy.

Grade Average Amount of Homework

Foundation YearApproximately 40 minutes every school day inclusive of reading. Minimal written homework during the first semester

Grade 1 Approximately 60 minutes every school day






Student DevelopmentStudent Development in the Primary School consists of four main components:• Student Independence and

Leadership;• Five Dimensions of Learning

(五育);• Co-Curricular Activities

(CCAs); and• Experiential Learning

Programs (ELP) and Field Trips.

Student Independence and LeadershipOur students are expected to take responsibility for their own behavior and development. From Foundation Year to Grade 5, students are progressively given more autonomy. They hold positions of leadership within their own class and their grade level. Homeroom teachers work with students to create a class and school culture that ensures that the Eight Virtues + One of The ISF Academy becomes part of our students’ daily lives.

The Primary School Student Council is the heart of student participation in leadership. It is the most representative student organization in the Primary School because it engages, serves, and is selected by all students. Members of the Council are elected from the upper grades in Primary School (Grade 4 to 5) through an annual election campaign and ballot. Each Council Member is expected to exhibit academic and leadership abilities and must also embody and practice the Eight Virtues + One. Council members model respect, support, and cooperation in all their interactions with adults and students alike. They are leaders for positive change and promote ideas, projects, and activities that form an essential part of the Primary School.

Five Dimensions of LearningThe Philosophy underlying the Five Dimensions of Learning (五育) reflects the core values of The ISF Academy and learning based on the notion of multiple intelligences and holistic child development. Embedded in the Five Dimensions of Learning are traditional Chinese values of education that focus on the students’ moral (德), intellectual (智), physical (體), social (群), and aesthetic (美) development.

All courses are offered during regular school hours and are an integral part of the Primary School curriculum. Our students are given opportunities to develop positive values and attitudes and to enrich their experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Learning is promoted through various subjects in the school curriculum as well as at designated times for specific courses such as Chinese Art, Dance, Drama / Musical Theater, Information Technology, Leadership, Music, Speech

and Communication, and Wushu. The program provides students with knowledge, skills, and experience beyond the academic program and prepares our Primary School students for the demands of learning in the Secondary School.

Co-Curricular ActivitiesOur Co-Curricular Activity Program (CCA) gives our Primary students the opportunity to develop their passions and personalities by participating and acquiring proficiency in activities that are outside the normal curriculum of the school. The range of choice in these after-school activities is extensive. Some are designed to promote students’ social skills, creativity, critical thinking and study skills along with their interest and talents, while others provide a platform for character development and leadership training. As students mature, we look for them to focus on one or two areas as they continue to develop their passion in their chosen field with the aim of achieving excellence outside the classroom.

Primary CCA

Abacus Art and Craft Athletics Badminton

Basketball Chess Choir Chinese Art

Chinese Coral Speaking Chinese Dance Chinese Drum Group Chinese Performing

Troupe

Chinese Zhuyin Drama Engineering and Robotics English Creative Writing

English Speech and Debate Football Guzheng Gymnastics

Junior Concert Band Land-based Robotics Music Netball

Orchestra Outdoor Exploration Society Science and Discovery Senior Concert Band

Squash Math Team Swimming Table Tennis

Tennis Violin Volleyball Wushu



Experiential LearningExperiential Learning is an essential cornerstone of life at The ISF Academy. All students in Grade 4 and 5 participate in this carefully sequenced program that promotes learning skills in critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, collaboration, global citizenship, service, and communication. Our students gain real-world experience that is connected to academic studies through the Eight Virtues + One. The experiential learning outcomes complement and enrich classroom learning.

Two Experiential Learning Programs are held each year.

Experiential Learning Program 1 (ELP1): Outdoor AdventureELP1 allows our students to develop leadership skills, resilience, courage, cooperation, tolerance, problem solving abilities, and physical endurance.

The activities focus on a range of characteristics and attributes drawn from our vision, mission, and values statements, as well as the IB Learner Profile. Our students are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity, learn more about themselves, and discover how to help protect the environment. One of the most positive outcomes of experiential learning is the strengthening of the bonds between the different members of our learning community. Participants enjoy memorable shared experiences that cannot be created in the classroom.

Experiential Learning Program 2 (ELP2): Chinese HumanitiesActivities in ELP2 are closely linked to our school-based Chinese Guided Discovery curriculum. The trips provide enhanced learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom.

Grade ELP1 Destination ELP2 Destination

4 Hong Kong Guangzhou

5 Hong Kong Taiwan

2015-16 ELP Destinations



IntroductionThe philosophy and vision of our Secondary School parallel those of the Primary School, and are realized within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme® and Diploma Programme®. We build upon the core community values introduced in the Primary School – The Eight Virtues + One – by integrating the ten individual IB Learner Profile attributes into all learning programs. In doing so, we strive to blend the best practices of the East and the West to develop confident, independent, and bilingual students with a true sense of global awareness and citizenship, as well as an enduring commitment to be excellent in all endeavors.

Grade School Curriculum

Grade 6

Middle SchoolInternational Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme®

(IB MYP)

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Senior SchoolGrade 10

Grade 11 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme® (IB DP)Grade 12

Secondary School (Grade 6 to 12)

Knowledgeable

Risk-takers

Principled

Balanced

Thinkers

Open-minded

Inquirers

Caring

Reflective

Communicators

We aspire for all ISF Academy students to be independent, creative thinkers who are also compassionate and responsible citizens, with positive self-esteem, effective communication and literacy skills, and a true love of learning.

To reflect the different developmental needs of younger adolescent (ages 11 to 14) and older adolescent (ages 14 to 18) learners, the Secondary is divided into a Middle School and a Senior School. The Middle School and Senior School learning continuum promotes the education of the whole person by emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth through all domains of knowledge.

IB MISSION STATEMENT

The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.


Interdisciplinary LearningInterdisciplinary learning in the MYP involves combining perspectives from different disciplines in a purposeful and integrative way to create interdisciplinary understanding. In interdisciplinary units, students are required to demonstrate a grounding in factual, conceptual, and procedural knowledge from two or more disciplines and to synthesize this knowledge in such a way as to create new meaning and understanding. Students are further required to communicate this in an effective and well-structured way and to reflect upon the limits and benefits of using interdisciplinary knowledge in specific situations. Assessment in interdisciplinary units involves students tackling problems, creating solutions, and demonstrating understanding of phenomena that cannot be understood from one discipline alone.

Curriculum The IB Middle Years Programme® (Grade 6 to 10)The IB Middle Years Programme® (IB MYP) aims to develop independent, creative, and internationally-minded learners ready to meet life’s challenges.

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, students need a sophisticated combination of knowledge, skills, and personal attributes to prepare for success, achieve personal growth, and lead lives with meaning. The IB MYP emphasizes concepts, ideas, and issues that cross disciplinary, cultural, national, and geographical boundaries. Within a coherent, comprehensive curriculum framework, our MYP offering provides academic challenge and encourages development of life skills on which students rely throughout the course of independent, purpose-driven lives.

The Secondary School curriculum for Grade 6 to 10 includes subjects in: • English Language and

Literature, English Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Sciences, Design, Physical and Health Education, Information Technology, and The Arts (Drama, Music, and Visual Arts) with English as the medium of instruction; and

• Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese Language Acquisition, and Chinese Humanities with Chinese (Putonghua) as the medium of instruction.

In addition to our academic courses, the following school-based courses also form part of our curriculum: • Personal Development

Learning (PDL) is delivered in Putonghua or English through the homeroom and tutor program;

• University Guidance lessons for students in Grade 9 to 12;

• Service in Grade 6 to 10 is embedded within the taught curriculum, with additional opportunities possible through Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), student leadership, and individual initiatives; and

• Optional school-based electives which include Shuyuan (書院): Science and Discovery, Shuyuan: Underwater Robotics, Shuyuan: Classics, Shuyuan: Latin, Mathematics Competition Team, Musical Ensembles, Academy Band, and Choir.

All of the subjects above are MYP courses with the exception of Information Technology and Chinese Humanities, which are School-based courses.

Students in Grade 6 to 8 study eight subjects and for their Grade 9 and 10 years are required to study at least six subjects. Students are also required to submit a Personal Project in their Grade 10 year and participate in Community and Service activities to fulfill the requirements for obtaining the MYP Certificate.


The IB Diploma Programme® (Grade 11 and 12)The IB Diploma Programme® (IB DP) is an academically challenging and balanced course of education that prepares students for success in university and life beyond. A widely recognized certification and welcomed by leading universities in numerous countries, the IB DP started in 1968 with the first examinations in 1970. It is now offered by more than 2,700 IB World Schools.

IB DP students study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Students must choose one subject from each of Groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the sciences, and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from Group 6, or the student may choose another subject from Groups 1 to 5. In their Grade 10 year, our students have multiple counseling sessions with the Tutor team, the DP Coordinator, as well as the Assistant Principal, Secondary (Higher Education) to ensure proper course selection for their DP subjects. We recognize that parental support is a very important factor in student success and parents are encouraged to help students consider their options.

Three core requirements are also included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:• The Extended Essay requires

students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying. The 4,000 word essay is based upon independent research and written under the advice and guidance of an Extended Essay mentor;

• Theory of Knowledge is a 100-hour course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language, reason, imagination, faith, intuition, and memory) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical, historical, religious, and indigenous); and

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages active learning from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students commit to participation in CAS Programme® experiences over the course of eighteen months with a special emphasis on cooperative and community-based projects.

Gro

up 2

Group 1

Group 3

Group 4

Group 6

Gro

up 5

The IB Diploma Programme®

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

• Chinese A: Language and Literature• Chinese A: Literature• English A: Language and Literature• English A: Literature

Group 2: Language Acquisition

• Chinese B (Higher Level)• English B (Higher Level)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

• Business Management• Economics• Geography• History• Psychology

Group 4: Sciences

• Biology• Chemistry• Design Technology• Physics

Group 5: Mathematics

• Mathematics (Higher Level)• Mathematics (Standard Level)• Mathematical Studies (Standard Level)

Group 6: The Arts

• Music• Theatre• Visual Arts

All subjects, unless otherwise stated, are offered at both Higher Level and Standard Level.


Key Features of The ISF Academy IB DPOur bilingual immersion approach to education and small class sizes are widely recognized as being unique in Hong Kong. Our approach to the IB DP is similarly distinctive as outlined below.

1. Language Provision Students have the

opportunity to study two languages to a very high level in both Chinese and English. Many schools only offer one language for study in Group 1. Our students can opt for Chinese and English, which are available at Language A level. This is a key part of our bilingual mission where students are encouraged to aim for the prestigious Bilingual Diploma.

2. Well Trained and Experienced Faculty

As an IB World School we are committed towards continuous professional development. A number of our existing teachers are also Senior Examiners and workshop leaders for the IB DP.

3. Small Class Size Students for the IB Diploma

benefit from small class sizes. The overall student teacher ratio for all grades at The ISF Academy is 7:1. This ratio is considerably lower for our DP students, where class sizes can range from 5 to 16 students per class. A high level of individual attention is vital in the development of student learning. Pastoral support is provided to each student through their IB Diploma / CAS advisor who guides them over the two-year course of study.

4. Bilingual Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Students receive instruction on the TOK in both Chinese and English and have the option to select either language when submitting their assessment. This is possible as our students are not only bilingual, but also bicultural and this innovation has been praised by the IB. Our unique TOK course seeks to develop students’ critical thinking skills in both languages, thus enhancing their overall Diploma work.

5. Learning! Learning! Learning!

We are privileged to have Prof. Charles Kao, the winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics, as the Founding Chairman of our School Board. His spirit of innovation and enterprise serves as powerful inspiration for educational discovery. It is his vision of lifelong learning, his commitment to excellence, and his altruistic spirit that The ISF Academy seeks to instill in each graduate.

Obtaining the Bilingual IB Diploma at The ISF Academy

The award of a Bilingual Diploma will be for either:

1. Completion of two languages selected from Group 1 with the award of a “3” or higher in both OR

2. Completion of one of the subjects from Group 3 or Group 4 in a language that is not the same as the student’s nominated Group 1 language. The student must attain a “3” or higher in both the Group 1 language and the subject from Group 3 or 4.


Student DevelopmentStudent development in the Secondary School is divided into seven main components: • Student Leadership and the

Ling Xiu (領袖) Team;• House; • Middle School Homeroom

and Personal Development Learning;

• Senior School Tutoring Program;

• Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Program;

• The IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Programme®; and

• Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) and Field Trips.

Student Leadership and the Ling Xiu (領袖) TeamOur Secondary School student leaders are known as Ling Xiu (領袖) and they organize the many student events that take place during the academic year. They also extend their sphere of influence as role models to other ISF Academy students, seeking to inspire, instruct, and guide in their final years of study.

All students in Secondary School are eligible to run for a Ling Xiu position and election campaigns are held annually.

The Secondary School Ling Xiu Team comprises of twelve elected student representatives from Grade 7 to 12. Led by two Zong Ling Xiu (總領袖) and two Fu Ling Xiu (副領袖), the team is the link between students and faculty. They represent Secondary School student voices within the school community.

There are also other leadership opportunities within the Secondary School. As students mature, they are increasingly given opportunities to run their own clubs with guidance from their teachers and to take an active leadership role in the school. They are therefore expected to take on more responsibility and challenge themselves. In addition, the House structure provides students with another focus for vertical leadership through the positions of Vice-Captain and House Officers.

Students at all grade levels may also act as School Ambassadors at public events.

HouseAll students are assigned to a House (社) upon enrollment in the Secondary School. Students remain in one of these five Houses, named after the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, until they graduate from the school. As a small group within the larger school community, the House provides each student with a secure base and a focus of loyalty within the larger school. It also fosters pride, responsibility, and respect for the contributions of others through Inter-House activities which promote healthy competition, and are based on the philosophy of inclusion and team work. House points accumulated throughout the year from the various activities determine the winner of the House Cup each year.

Each House has its own House leadership team led by a House Captain (part of the Ling Xiu Team) and Vice-Captain from the more senior grades, and supported by House Officers from each grade level. These House leaders are responsible for coordinating and organizing a wide range of House activities that build House spirit and unity.


Middle School Homeroom and Personal Development LearningThe Middle School (Grade 6 to 8) works in partnership with families to promote and enhance student’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development.

Guided by our vision, mission, and core values of Eight Virtues + One, homeroom teachers are the most important link in the Middle School Homeroom Program, as they are the key point of contact between the school and each student and the students’ parents. They guide and support student academic learning and wholistic development by providing support and guidance for student achievements, monitoring student progress across the curriculum, and providing colleagues with information to adapt their teaching. They also contribute to the other student well-being goals by encouraging a caring and orderly environment as well as by promoting a school which meets students’ personal, social, and academic needs. They engage other teachers and counselors as appropriate to ensure that the students’ personal, social, and academic needs are met.

Personal Development Learning (PDL) encompasses a variety of programs and learning opportunities on personal, social, emotional, health, and values clarification. Our Eight Virtues + One guides our PDL programs to incorporate character development and critical thinking training with the aim to develop our students into happy and engaged learners, healthy and balanced individuals, and responsible and contributing citizens with good moral judgment and positive living attitudes.

In PDL, teachers engage students in reflective thinking through interactive activities and discussions. Real-life examples and personal experiences are infused into the lessons to create more meaningful and stimulating learning for the students. In the process, students learn more about themselves and become more aware of different perspectives. They learn to work with others, appreciate different opinions, and make rational and fair judgments. They are encouraged to adopt more effective learning habits and to take long-term goals. Through this process students are expected to become more responsible, considerate, and well-rounded i.e. the embodiment of Zhi (智).

Senior School Tutoring Program (Grade 9 to 12)The Senior School Tutoring Program provides opportunities for students to develop as independent, resilient, and responsible individuals as part of their four-year journey to higher education. Upon entry into the Senior School, each student is assigned a House Tutor, who is also a subject teacher, for the duration of Senior School life. The Senior School Tutor Program groups students across the four grades and this vertical structure allows the tutor to develop a close rapport with the student providing strong and consistent support for academic excellence and better preparation for college or university admission. An intrinsic part of this support network is the expertise offered by the student counselors, educational and clinical psychologist from the Learning Support Team, health care nurse, specialist faculty who support students’ learning diversity and social emotional development, as well as the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) team.

The student development and well-being programs in the Senior School Tutoring Program aim to ensure students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes essential to actively participate in the global community. Our Eight Virtues + One is embedded into the culture of the community along with the IB Leaner Profile and the

Approaches to Learning skills. This is evaluated regularly to ensure that developmentally appropriate and sequential learning occurs which promotes students’ physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The development of the curriculum takes into consideration the students’ cognitive understanding of concepts and social and personal needs.


Secondary CCA

A Cappella Groups

Academy Band, Orchestra, Chinese Ensemble, Choir, Production, Cast, and Senior Production

Amnesty International Art and Craft

Athletics Badminton

Basketball Battle of the Books

Chess Chinese Art

Computer Coding Dance (Chinese and Modern)

Drama English Creative Writing

English Speech and Debate Football

German Gifted and Talented Lecture Series

Guzheng Gymnastics

HK Animals Asia Living Seas HK

Mathematics Competition Team Media and Communication

Model United Nations Music

Netball Outdoor Exploration Society

Qilin Sport Teams Read-Cycling

Robotics Land-Based Robotics Underwater

Room to Read Sailing

Science Club Shuyuan

Squash S.T.E.M.

Swimming Strength and Fitness

Table Tennis Tennis

The Right to Act Volleyball

Wushu Yearbook

Young Ambassador Program Young Business Minds

Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) ProgramOur CCA Program strives to bring together students, teachers and the community to undertake activities that encourage a lifelong love of learning. CCA is an umbrella term for all ISF Academy after-school activities in creative, academic, sporting, and service fields. It also connects directly with the

Global Contexts element of the IB MYP and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) element of the IB DP.

All Secondary School students are expected to participate in at least one CAS/CCA activity per academic year. In addition, Grade 9 and 10 students must participate in at least one service activity, in addition to any other CCA activities.


Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Programme®

As an IB World School, the Secondary School organizes its CCA Program under the umbrella of Creativity, Activity, and Service. Students are able to choose from the arts groups (Creativity), competitive sports (Activity), and volunteer organizations (Service), as well as clubs and much more.

Grade 11 and 12 students may participate in the CCA Program to meet the learning outcomes of the IB CAS Programme® or start their own student-led clubs and activities, such as The ISF Academy student-led Green Guardians.


Experiential LearningExperiential Learning is an essential cornerstone of learning at The ISF Academy. All students in Grade 6 to 10 participate in this carefully sequenced experiential program that promotes learning skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, global citizenship, service, and communication. Our students gain real-world experience that is connected to and directly supports academic studies and is also an essential component of the IB Learner Profile, the Eight Virtues + One, and the IB’s Approaches to Learning.

Experiential learning relies on immersion in unfamiliar settings and participation in novel activities that support personal development. Each year, students undertake two Experiential Learning Programs as a part of their core studies at The ISF Academy. The experiential learning curriculum offers a progressive pathway for students to enhance their life skills outside the classroom.

Experiential Learning Program 1 (ELP1)Grade 6 to 9: Outdoor AdventureELP1 is designed to develop and test skills in teamwork, communication, decision-making, initiative, motivation, and reliability. ELP1 activities promote student self-awareness and motivation to undertake new challenges beyond the range of previous experience. Students are introduced to a wide variety of adventure-based activities, such as map reading, orienteering, hiking, gorge walking, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, rafting, and camping.

Grade 10 to 11: Service LearningThe Grade 10 ELP1 Service Learning trip is organized by House in a vertical structure that also involves Grade 11 students. It is designed to encourage a greater commitment to service learning while developing a deeper self-awareness and empathy for others. Students are guided and mentored by House Tutors

and facilitators in how to take action as socially responsible global citizens. The Grade 11 students, having participated in the Service Learning program in the previous year, act as peer mentors. Their previous experience provides support and encouragement for the Grade 10 students. This experience lays the foundation for our students to become caring and experienced volunteers and global citizens with a view to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.

Grade 12: Self Actualization TripThe Grade 12 ELP1 trip is the culminating trip of The ISF Academy Experiential Learning Program. To provide students with a springboard to university, college and career, they are given the opportunity to put into practice the skills developed from previous ELP experiences. Students exercise leadership and problem solving skills as they decide their destination and, under the guidance of the ELP team, plan all aspects of their final ELP trip.

Experiential Learning Program 2 (ELP2)Grade 6 to 8: Chinese HumanitiesELP2 trips are designed to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom. The destinations for each grade are closely linked to The ISF Academy’s school-based Chinese Humanities curriculum.

Grade 9 to 10: Service LearningThe Grade 9 ELP2 Service Learning trip is organized by House in a vertical structure and also involves Grade 10 students. It is run along the same lines as the Grade 10 and 11 ELP1 Service Learning Trip.

Grade ELP1 Destination ELP2 Destination

6 Hong Kong Shandong / Shaolin / Xi’an

7 Hong Kong Beijing / Hangzhou / Nanjing / Fujian

8 Hong Kong Dunhuang / Huangshan

9 Hong Kong Cambodia / Thailand / Yangshuo

10 Cambodia / Thailand Cambodia / Thailand / Yangshuo

11 Cambodia / Thailand

12 New Zealand

2015-16 ELP Destinations


The ISF Shuyuan

IntroductionOpportunities for learning enrichment extend beyond the regular curriculum. With parent permission and school approval, academically strong and motivated students can access a range of electives including those available through The ISF Shuyuan.

The ISF Shuyuan is based on the classical Chinese learning sanctuary and the Platonic Academy, the goal of which is independent study and enquiry under the guidance of a master. Set in the 21st century, the courses offered by The ISF Shuyuan aim to promote deep and thoughtful

scholarship in a multi-disciplinary environment, allowing selected students to pursue challenging branches of knowledge beyond the regular taught curriculum. These courses require long-term dedication, as the skills being developed are cumulative, building the foundation for rigorous, life-long learning. Our ultimate goals are the development of sound scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and practical wisdom.


Shuyuan Classics ProgramThe Shuyuan Classics Program offers a wide range of opportunities for our students to connect with the foundations of Chinese and Western culture through the comparative study of classical artifacts, texts, and languages. The ultimate aim of the program is to give students the opportunity to create intellectual, moral, and cultural frameworks within which to function effectively as bilingual and bicultural citizens in a globalizing world. Apart from the curricular links to the various language and humanities subjects offered by the regular curriculum, the content and methodology of the program encourages deep, thoughtful, and rigorous scholarship. As the program continues to develop and becomes part of the rich and rewarding curriculum offered by The ISF Academy, students will bring additional knowledge and skills concerning classical languages, literature, and culture to their other subjects.

Courses offered include:- Chinese Classics: This course

introduces a collection of highly sophisticated classical texts in a step-by-step and systemic way, based on the age and language ability of the students. The course has four different levels from the most basic level which introduces students to texts such as Classics of Mountains and Seas and the Confucian Analects to the most advanced where students discuss poems of Du Fu and Wang Wei,

the lyrics of Li Yu and Su Shi, and the prose of Tao Yuanming and Zhang Dai to name a few. All works are studied using the original ancient text.

- Western Classics: The Greco-Roman literary tradition forms the heart of western civilization. It is through the study of these classics that English-speaking students can connect with the very fountainhead from which so much thought and creativity has sprung. Western Classics students have the opportunity to explore and study a wide range of texts across the Greco-Roman canon. Topics studied include Classical Epics, Classical Mythology, Classical Historiography, Classical Oratory, Classical Poetry, Classical Philosophy, and Greek Drama. All Greek and Latin works are studied in translation.

- Latin: Latin is not “dead” but lives all around us, not just in the languages we speak today but also in a variety of professions and disciplines. Learning Latin enables students to understand the roots of Western civilization and to understand language structure including the grammar and vocabulary of English. Students wishing to study Latin for the IB DP are advised to start their Latin studies in Grade 8 at the latest. In additional to the IB DP, the school also prepares Latin students to sit for the Latin IGCSE and the American National Latin Examination Level I, II, and III.

- German- Spanish

- Land-based Robotics: We offer a Pre-robotics Course for Primary School students and a Robotics Challenge Course for Secondary School students. The Pre-robotics Course teaches students the fundamentals of all mechanical systems and basic machines used to build larger-scale and more complex robots. The Robotics Challenge Course teaches programming and sensor control functions to allow for a variety of complex operations. Students can choose to enter the World Robotic Olympiad Competition.

- Project Wet: Students are encouraged to create action items to solve issues related to water sustainability. By teaching students the importance of water as a resource and outlining potential methods of sustainable water use, students can feel empowered to provide sustainable water solutions in their various communities. Included in the course are teachings on water chemistry, water usage, and global water scarcity.

Shuyuan Science and Discovery ProgramThe Shuyuan Science and Discovery Program addresses the fundamental connection between humans and their environment and offers a variety of opportunities and extension activities within the STEM framework (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Students are given opportunities for additional scientific research, exploration beyond the classroom, and knowledge exchange with leading researchers in Hong Kong and abroad. Ongoing programs include: the Needham Research Institute’s summer program in Cambridge, England; student research posters at international scientific conferences; and internships at companies and universities. A fundamental goal of the Shuyuan Science and Discovery Program is to promote scientific literacy and leadership skills within the student body.

Courses offered include:- Underwater Robotics:

Working in teams, students build the basic frame of the robot and test it for a variety of simple commands. Our goal is to learn how to design, build, and control a robot in an underwater environment and to learn the basic controls and sensor functions to perform the required tasks under water. Each year we enter teams in the Hong Kong Underwater Robotic Challenge, an international competition sponsored by IET/MATE.


University Counseling

University Guidance and Careers Program (Senior School)The ISF Academy’s IB DP course of study and activities provide an excellent foundation for our students to meet the admissions requirements of the most selective colleges and universities around the world. We are proud that each year our graduates receive offers from top universities in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Japan, Mainland China, and Australia.

To complement our IB DP offering, The ISF Academy has developed a systematic program of university counseling coordinated by the Assistant Principal, Secondary (Higher Education). Our four-year University Guidance and Careers Program starts in the Senior School from Grade 9 through 12 and encompasses personality tests, university research, and application preparation. We focus on self-discovery from identifying academic subject strengths and interests to possible university majors and careers in addition to offering pre-university standardized testing opportunities (EXPLORE®, PLAN® and PSAT®). By beginning such a program in Grade 9, the students are able to make informed decisions in their Grade 10 year for their DP courses.

The ethos behind our University Guidance is to ensure that students find the right match for their post-secondary studies and beyond. We understand that the university application process is part of a larger

journey of self-discovery and we are committed to helping students seek the path that best fits their individual needs, interests, and passions. We recognize that students look to study in higher education institutions all over the world and our program equips them with the necessary experience and knowledge to make informed decisions on their university choices and beyond.

The ISF Academy is a private SAT test center in Hong Kong (SAT is a standardized admissions test for college admissions in the United States). Senior School students are given opportunities to participate in summer work placement programs to better link their academic studies with future career goals.

Some of the highlights of our University Guidance Program include:

• University Guidance Lessons / Individual Counseling Sessions

Students in Grade 11 and 12 have two timetabled lessons per two week cycle for University Guidance.

Each student in the second trimester of Grade 11 works on an individual basis with the University Guidance team and together they develop, with parental consultation, a list of prospective universities. Meetings continue and peak in the first trimester of Grade 12 as the university

application process gets into full swing. During this time, the University Guidance team assists students in narrowing their university choices and in making the most effective presentation of their applications to the universities. These discussions allow the student to better understand his/her academic strengths and weaknesses. While ours is a student-centered approach, as we believe that the likelihood of satisfaction with their college choices is enhanced when students are empowered to “own” the process, we also believe that it is essential for the family to be involved in helping the student make this very important decision.

• Naviance® University Counseling Software

The school utilizes the Naviance Software to assist each student in university counseling. Naviance is the leading provider of K-12 success planning systems for schools in the United States and it is available to all members of The ISF Academy community for university counseling. The software enables students to track their university applications, take personality and career tests for better understanding of majors and future careers, update their resumes, as well as analyze and monitor university lists while linking to college websites and scholarship programs.

• University Admissions Talks and Information Seminars

The University Guidance team invites and coordinates visits from university admissions representatives from all around the world to introduce their universities and to meet with our students. The team also organizes a series of workshops and seminars on topics central to the university discovery process.

• Regular University News Updates to the School Community

We provide regular updates to the entire school community about events, information sessions and other new developments regarding universities and university admissions requirements in different countries.


Documents

THE ISF ACADEMY CURRICULUM AND STUDENT …...(Putonghua) predominates, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme® (MYP) in Grade 6 to 10 delivered bilingually,