ESF Kennedy School
Kennedy School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) founded in 1967. ESF is Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education. Kennedy School was originally founded in 1961 before it moved to its beautiful location in Pokfulam ‘by the sea’ in 1989.
At Kennedy School we aim to encourage a love of learning where our motto to ‘Inspire, Achieve and Excel’ helps to develop confident, happy and successful learners who are curious about the world. We have 38 different nationalities represented in our school contributing to a rich and diverse learning environment. We feel that all children have talents which can be developed and that all children can succeed. Providing equality of opportunity irrespective of race, gender, religion or disability for all children, is a vital aspect of our inclusive approach at Kennedy which permeates all aspects of life in school. We encourage our students to care for each other and to develop as responsible, global citizens who can make a difference.
We offer the highest standard of teaching and learning under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as a rich and extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. Beyond the classroom Kennedy School has a multi-faceted Physical Education programme which includes swimming and sports. In addition the school has a widely recognised and celebrated Expressive Arts programme for students. Technology is an integral part of our teaching and learning, with a range of opportunities for students integrated into the curriculum. Kennedy School offers students daily Chinese learning.
Kennedy School is a community school. It prides itself on its quality relationships – students and adults work collaboratively and support each other, enabling all to reach their full potential.
Kennedy School is a vibrant and exciting learning community where staff are committed to ensuring your child meets their full potential. Our website will give parents and visitors a small insight into the life of our school and if you would like to find out more about our wonderful school and community then please do not hesitate to contact us.
At Kennedy School we aim to encourage a love of learning where our motto to ‘Inspire, Achieve and Excel’ helps to develop confident, happy and successful learners who are curious about the world. We have 38 different nationalities represented in our school contributing to a rich and diverse learning environment. We feel that all children have talents which can be developed and that all children can succeed. Providing equality of opportunity irrespective of race, gender, religion or disability for all children, is a vital aspect of our inclusive approach at Kennedy which permeates all aspects of life in school. We encourage our students to care for each other and to develop as responsible, global citizens who can make a difference.
We offer the highest standard of teaching and learning under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as a rich and extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. Beyond the classroom Kennedy School has a multi-faceted Physical Education programme which includes swimming and sports. In addition the school has a widely recognised and celebrated Expressive Arts programme for students. Technology is an integral part of our teaching and learning, with a range of opportunities for students integrated into the curriculum. Kennedy School offers students daily Chinese learning.
Kennedy School is a community school. It prides itself on its quality relationships – students and adults work collaboratively and support each other, enabling all to reach their full potential.
Kennedy School is a vibrant and exciting learning community where staff are committed to ensuring your child meets their full potential. Our website will give parents and visitors a small insight into the life of our school and if you would like to find out more about our wonderful school and community then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Address:
19 Sha Wan Drive
Pokfulam
Hong Kong Island - Southern
Pokfulam
Hong Kong Island - Southern
Principal:
Brenda Cook
School Type:
International
School Level:
Primary
Curriculum:
IBPYP
Mandarin:
At Kennedy School approximately 20% of students are native or near native Chinese speakers, whereas 80% of students are learning Chinese as their second, third, or in some cases fourth, language. Chinese language teaching occurs in varied ways to meet the diverse needs of Kennedy School students. In our approach to Chinese language teaching we ensure that we cater to all learning differences, adopt an inquiry approach and enable students to learn Chinese in cultural contexts.
At Kennedy School approximately 20% of students are native or near native Chinese speakers, whereas 80% of students are learning Chinese as their second, third, or in some cases fourth, language. Chinese language teaching occurs in varied ways to meet the diverse needs of Kennedy School students. In our approach to Chinese language teaching we ensure that we cater to all learning differences, adopt an inquiry approach and enable students to learn Chinese in cultural contexts.
1. Cater for Learning Differences
In order to differentiate effectively and meet the differing needs of each learner, we have created a model using different pathways. In addition to the Pathways we provide additional support groups for children that need more support. These groups are often seen working with an experienced Chinese Educational Assistant to help them bridge any gaps in their language learning. We also provide extension groups for children who are gifted in the use of Chinese language and who need to be extended and challenged. Such students are openly encouraged to participate in storytelling, drama, writing competitions and performances at the annual national Chinese Speech Festival.2. PYP Inquiry Learning
The school’s Programme of Inquiry comprises relevant and significant Central Ideas under each of the six transdiciplinary themes. These provide the basis for opportunities for teaching and learning to occur across the different subject disciplines. All language forms a fundamental part of each Unit of Inquiry as the children need language as a tool to inquire and communicate. The Chinese Language department has enriched the school’s Programme of Inquiry in the following ways: Firstly, where the focus is on teaching specific Chinese Language skills the themes are carefully selected to complement the current unit of inquiry. This is referred to as making meaningful links. Wherever possible the Chinese language teaching and learning is adapted to meaningfully link to other learning. Often this is done through the Chinese language being explored through common UOI themes. Secondly, the Chinese Language department has selected one specific Unit of Inquiry from each year group to directly support inquiry through the skill and knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. This is referred to as a supporting unit of inquiry through transdisciplinary learning. Supporting units of inquiry directly link to what the children are learning, only they explore conceptual understandings of the Central idea through the perspective of the Chinese language or culture. Thirdly, the Chinese Language department is developing units of inquiry which addresses the specific development of language. A standalone unit of inquiry is used for the sole purpose of inquiring into the Chinese language in order to learn about language.3. Learning in cultural contexts
By blending in cultural elements, the broadened Chinese curriculum can provide students with a good opportunity to learn the target language in an authentic way. Popular Chinese festivals are explored and incorporated into units of inquiries and celebrated together as a whole school. Such a curriculum can also effectively motivate those students to use Chinese in a culturally-rich context.
Languages Taught:
Mandarin
Admissions Process:
Click here for admissions information
Student Ratio:
Hours:
Fees:
Facilities:
SEN Support:
No
Other Information:
Kennedy School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) founded in 1967. ESF is Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education. Kennedy School was originally founded in 1961 before it moved to its beautiful location in Pokfulam ‘by the sea’ in 1989.
At Kennedy School we aim to encourage a love of learning where our motto to ‘Inspire, Achieve and Excel’ helps to develop confident, happy and successful learners who are curious about the world. We have 38 different nationalities represented in our school contributing to a rich and diverse learning environment. We feel that all children have talents which can be developed and that all children can succeed. Providing equality of opportunity irrespective of race, gender, religion or disability for all children, is a vital aspect of our inclusive approach at Kennedy which permeates all aspects of life in school. We encourage our students to care for each other and to develop as responsible, global citizens who can make a difference.
We offer the highest standard of teaching and learning under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as a rich and extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. Beyond the classroom Kennedy School has a multi-faceted Physical Education programme which includes swimming and sports. In addition the school has a widely recognised and celebrated Expressive Arts programme for students. Technology is an integral part of our teaching and learning, with a range of opportunities for students integrated into the curriculum. Kennedy School offers students daily Chinese learning.
Kennedy School is a community school. It prides itself on its quality relationships – students and adults work collaboratively and support each other, enabling all to reach their full potential.
Kennedy School is a vibrant and exciting learning community where staff are committed to ensuring your child meets their full potential. Our website will give parents and visitors a small insight into the life of our school and if you would like to find out more about our wonderful school and community then please do not hesitate to contact us.
At Kennedy School we aim to encourage a love of learning where our motto to ‘Inspire, Achieve and Excel’ helps to develop confident, happy and successful learners who are curious about the world. We have 38 different nationalities represented in our school contributing to a rich and diverse learning environment. We feel that all children have talents which can be developed and that all children can succeed. Providing equality of opportunity irrespective of race, gender, religion or disability for all children, is a vital aspect of our inclusive approach at Kennedy which permeates all aspects of life in school. We encourage our students to care for each other and to develop as responsible, global citizens who can make a difference.
We offer the highest standard of teaching and learning under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as a rich and extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. Beyond the classroom Kennedy School has a multi-faceted Physical Education programme which includes swimming and sports. In addition the school has a widely recognised and celebrated Expressive Arts programme for students. Technology is an integral part of our teaching and learning, with a range of opportunities for students integrated into the curriculum. Kennedy School offers students daily Chinese learning.
Kennedy School is a community school. It prides itself on its quality relationships – students and adults work collaboratively and support each other, enabling all to reach their full potential.
Kennedy School is a vibrant and exciting learning community where staff are committed to ensuring your child meets their full potential. Our website will give parents and visitors a small insight into the life of our school and if you would like to find out more about our wonderful school and community then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Address:
19 Sha Wan Drive
Pokfulam
Hong Kong Island - Southern
Pokfulam
Hong Kong Island - Southern
Principle:Brenda Cook
School Type:
International
School Level:
Primary
Curriculum:
IBPYP
Mandarin:
At Kennedy School approximately 20% of students are native or near native Chinese speakers, whereas 80% of students are learning Chinese as their second, third, or in some cases fourth, language. Chinese language teaching occurs in varied ways to meet the diverse needs of Kennedy School students. In our approach to Chinese language teaching we ensure that we cater to all learning differences, adopt an inquiry approach and enable students to learn Chinese in cultural contexts.
At Kennedy School approximately 20% of students are native or near native Chinese speakers, whereas 80% of students are learning Chinese as their second, third, or in some cases fourth, language. Chinese language teaching occurs in varied ways to meet the diverse needs of Kennedy School students. In our approach to Chinese language teaching we ensure that we cater to all learning differences, adopt an inquiry approach and enable students to learn Chinese in cultural contexts.
1. Cater for Learning Differences
In order to differentiate effectively and meet the differing needs of each learner, we have created a model using different pathways. In addition to the Pathways we provide additional support groups for children that need more support. These groups are often seen working with an experienced Chinese Educational Assistant to help them bridge any gaps in their language learning. We also provide extension groups for children who are gifted in the use of Chinese language and who need to be extended and challenged. Such students are openly encouraged to participate in storytelling, drama, writing competitions and performances at the annual national Chinese Speech Festival.2. PYP Inquiry Learning
The school’s Programme of Inquiry comprises relevant and significant Central Ideas under each of the six transdiciplinary themes. These provide the basis for opportunities for teaching and learning to occur across the different subject disciplines. All language forms a fundamental part of each Unit of Inquiry as the children need language as a tool to inquire and communicate. The Chinese Language department has enriched the school’s Programme of Inquiry in the following ways: Firstly, where the focus is on teaching specific Chinese Language skills the themes are carefully selected to complement the current unit of inquiry. This is referred to as making meaningful links. Wherever possible the Chinese language teaching and learning is adapted to meaningfully link to other learning. Often this is done through the Chinese language being explored through common UOI themes. Secondly, the Chinese Language department has selected one specific Unit of Inquiry from each year group to directly support inquiry through the skill and knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. This is referred to as a supporting unit of inquiry through transdisciplinary learning. Supporting units of inquiry directly link to what the children are learning, only they explore conceptual understandings of the Central idea through the perspective of the Chinese language or culture. Thirdly, the Chinese Language department is developing units of inquiry which addresses the specific development of language. A standalone unit of inquiry is used for the sole purpose of inquiring into the Chinese language in order to learn about language.3. Learning in cultural contexts
By blending in cultural elements, the broadened Chinese curriculum can provide students with a good opportunity to learn the target language in an authentic way. Popular Chinese festivals are explored and incorporated into units of inquiries and celebrated together as a whole school. Such a curriculum can also effectively motivate those students to use Chinese in a culturally-rich context.
Languages Taught:
Mandarin
Admissions Process:
Click here for admissions information
Student Ratio:
Hours:
Fees:
Facilities:
SEN Support:
No
Other Information:
