IB and British
Ages 11 to 18

West Island School

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CityHong Kong
CurriculumsIB and British
Leaving qualificationsIGCSE and IB Diploma
Language of instructionEnglish
Age RangeAges 11 to 18
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Quick summary of key school information

Leaving qualifications IGCSE and IB Diploma
Language of instruction English
Native English teachers
Extra languages (other than English)
Class sizes Average
Maximum 30 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus
School's webpage:
Yearly fees: from: HK$173,900
to: HK$160,100
Address: 250 Nam Fung Road Ap Lei Chau Hong Kong
Is this school a perfect match for you?

Tell us your preferences and we’ll calculate your compatibility.

  • Based on 10 different criteria including price and location
  • Fees personalised to your childrens’ ages

All the details about this school in their own words

We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 39 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.

Nationalities

Number of students

1203

Number of nationalities represented in the school

West Island School is a community of multilingual learners who have various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. We have more than 40 nationalities of students, 47 languages spoken, and over 47 per cent of the students are bilingual or multilingual.

Most common nationality

British

Languages

Native English speaking teachers

Yes.

Language support for students not fluent in English

Yes. English for academic purposes (EAP) is offered to students requiring additional support to develop their academic English.

Additional language classes offered by the school

Chinese, French and Spanish.
This approach fulfills the necessary requirements and yields positive outcomes. Although there is a relatively small number of students pursuing bilingual diplomas, our language program remains comprehensive and effective.

Furthermore, we actively support students who wish to continue developing their mother tongue through self-study. Some of these provisions are made available with the assistance of the ESF Centre.
The school has successfully supported students in various mother tongues, including Dutch, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. Several of these students have completed self-study courses to obtain the IB bilingual diplomas, showcasing their proficiency and dedication.

Classroom

Max. number of students per class

It depends on the subject.

Average number of students per class

It depends on the subject.

Does the school employ teaching assistants?

Yes.

Use of technology in the classroom

WIS is a 1:1 laptop school with digital literacy as part of the curriculum.

Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)

We are ready to revert to online learning as and when necessary.

Academics

External examinations or assessments available

At Pre 16 (Year 10 & 11), students will undertake the GCSE/(I)GCSE course. At Post 16 (Year 12 & 13), students have a choice of IBDP, IBCP, BTEC and the WIS Engineering Pathway.

Results in these examinations

In 2023, results are in line with 2019 - IB average score 36, five students achieved 44; six bilingual diplomas.

Eleven students were awarded IB career-related programme (IBCP). Over 80 per cent of students who pursued the BTEC international diploma achieved the highest award, Distinction* Amongh them, three students completed BTEC Engineering Extended Diploma pathway, which is equivalent to 3 A-levels in the UK, all awarded a triple distinction. 100% Post-16 students passed their Post-16 courses, with 64% overall achieving 9/8/A*-A

Similarly good results at IGCSE, 42 per cent achieved 8/9.

Do teachers assign homework to their students?

Yes.

Approximate hours of homework given

Decided by Subject Teacher.

Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation

In 2023, approximately 95% of our students went on to attend a higher educational institution and approximately 5% took a gap year.

Student support

Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs

Yes.

Learning support offered

The school steps away from pigeonholing students, focusing instead on a range of individual needs from moderate learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, Global Delay and Dyscalculia) to extensions for gifted students.
For students who require additional support or have more individual needs that requires higher level of adjustments, we have a timetabled support program called Strategies for School (S4S). This program is offered as an alternative to studying one of their languages or as an option during years 10 and 11 when students choose their GCSE subjects.

In cases where students have more complex needs that cannot be fully addressed within the school's framework, students can apply ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School. Admissions to this specialized school are guided by ESF admissions team to ensure that students receive the appropriate support and resources tailored to their specific needs.

The school strive to provide comprehensive support and accommodations to ensure that every student can be the best they can be, thrive academically and reach their full potential. There is also a learning centre for approximately 25 students requiring more intensive support either individually or in smaller groups.

The school supports gifted, able and talented students

The school has a programme of approaches for students with strong ability through links to gifted education as well as a mentoring programme designed to develop students further who have a particular strength within subject domains or disciplines. Courses have also been developed in the school curriculum to extend these students further. Opportunities to work with other students of a similar ability are part of our programme for this group who are identified through a range of data.

Student access to education psychologist

Yes.

Admissions

Entry evaluation for students

Yes.

Brief description of entry evaluation required

Students will meet with the relevant Vice Principal or a Faculty Head followed by a written assessment (English and Math).

Waiting list

Depends on the year group.

Deadline for registration (new academic year)

We have a rolling application policy.

Students can join after academic year begins

Yes.

School day

School start time

8.15am

School finish time

3.15pm

Supervised care before/after school

No

School bus service available

Yes

School provided lunches

Yes we have 3 food outlets available for students.

Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)

Yes

Uniform required

Pre 16 students (Years 7-11) are required to wear a school uniform. Post 16 students (Years 12-13) do not wear a uniform.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities or clubs offered

Over 100 extracurricular activities are offered termly, which include Model United Nations, Hackathon Club, Fitness Club, Cricket, Yearbook Club, Chess Club, Cooking, and many more.

Sports activities included

Swimming, football, netball, hockey, badminton, athletics, water polo, volleyball, tag rugby, basketball, cricket, rounders, dance and ultimate frisbee.

Sports teams or sport competitions available for students

Yes. Many of our students actively represent Hong Kong at national level (rugby, athletics and swimming).

Facilities

Facilities at the school

Library, Black box theatres, Food and Technology classrooms, Science labs, Design and Technology classrooms, Visual arts classrooms, Music rooms, Film classrooms, Dance room, Gym, Auditorium

Sports facilities at the school

The school has two gymnasiums, outdoor courts for a range of sports and a 25 metre swimming pool . The proximity to Hong Kong University playing fields provides further sport facilities.

About the school

Qualities and characteristics best defining the school

We are non-selective, accepting students of all capabilities.
We have also been accredited as an IB World School. Students are encouraged to become responsible global citizens, and develop IB Learner Profile attributes. Training for leadership roles within the school and beyond is a strength which the school believes heralds. The school has a strong focus on the value of international mindedness and the importance of community and . We have a reputation for academic excellence balanced with compassion and service beyond the classroom, as well as a strong sports program that has produced many stellar individual and team wins.

Teaching approach of the school

We pride ourselves on the standards we set for teaching and learning, and our people make all the difference. Our teachers and school leaders are highly qualified and experienced in international education.

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