The Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) of Hong Kong is a private, independent, non profit making, co-educational day school. It has been established since 2005, under the auspices of the Shanghai Victoria Education Foundation Limited, a registered charitable body.
We promote whole-person development through active inquiry and abundant exposure to academic and sporting cultural activities. We provide a bilingual, caring and stimulating learning environment that fosters traditional Chinese values as well as academic excellence.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we offer a complete set of IB programmes, namely the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). These form the basis of a rigorous education through a well developed curriculum.
We attract a varied community of educators that helps form a highly qualified and competent international staff which not only enhances the quality of our students’ education but also their linguistic proficiency.
We promote bilingual competence in English and Chinese. Our students are already characterized by their proficiency in both languages. We are committed to our philosophy of “bilingual learners today, world citizens tomorrow”.

Mission

VSA promotes international mindedness, guiding students in the acquisition of
knowledge and skills and the development of positive values.
Lifelong learning is encouraged in a bilingual, caring environment.

Essential Agreements of Teachers

Commitment to Students

• Creating a learning environment where students can reach their full potential.
• Strive to meet the needs of every individual’s emotional, educational and social well-being.
• Show students individual respect with high expectations.
• Develop constructive assessments that use fair and consistent standards.
• Model the Learner Profile to stimulate, inspire and motivates students.
• Discharging professional duties while keeping in mind the school’s three Broad Aims: School Pride, Academic Excellence & Discipline.

Commitment to the Community

• Prepare well-trained people for the future.

Commitment of the Profession

• We will exemplify qualities of a professional through practice and ongoing development.

Commitment to Parents/Guardians

• Build a respectful and truthful rapport with parents and children.

Message from the Head of Academy

Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) offers its students the opportunity to benefit from the best of international and local education and challenges them to reach their promise and potential and to make a positive difference in the world. Its caring and stimulating learning environment fosters inquiry, integrity, creativity, and a love of learning in the state-of-the-art facilities designed for whole person development. A world-class curriculum and dedicated teachers seek to instill in students a global perspective and mindedness along with positive values while also deepening their Chinese cultural roots through bilingualism,
rigorous literacy and high academic standards.
Born from the highest aspirations and nearly half a century of experience, VSA is a school that is unique in more ways than one. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School we take education to the highest level and set our students on a course of success in the global platform. We nurture each child unique interests and abilities not only in the classroom but also through myriad after-school activities and gentle exposure to the values of our school community. We believe that knowledge knows no limits and neither should our students’ horizons. Should you wish to gain a deeper understanding, you are most welcome to visit us and to experience school life at VSA firsthand.

To meet the test of time through excellence and innovation is our goal for today and tomorrow.

School History

1965,1984 &1996

• Victoria Kindergarten was established at Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay.
• Our first primary school, the C.S. Victoria English Primary School, was established in Tai Hang.
• Victoria English Primary School (Taikoo Shing) was established at Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing.

1996

• The Opening Ceremony and Open Day for Victoria English Primary School, Kindergarten and Pre-school (Taikoo Shing) were held in December.
• C.S. Victoria English Primary School was renamed Victoria English Primary School (Causeway Bay), and relocated to Eastern Hospital Road, Causeway Bay.
• Parent Teacher Association of Primary Section was established.

2002

• A piece of land at Shum Wan Road was allotted for the building of our “through-train” primary and secondary school, Victoria Shanghai Academy, after permission was granted by the Education and Manpower Bureau.
• Appointment of Mr. Yung Ying Cheuk as Principal of Primary and Mrs. Diane Fisk as the Deputy Principal.

2004

• A subsidy of HK$230 million was granted by the government for the construction cost of the campus at Shum Wan Road.
• Victoria Shanghai Academy started its primary programmes at the temporary campus in Wan Chai in September. The secondary programmes were also planned for September 2005, and the Academy was scheduled to the new campus at Shum Wan Road in 2007.
• The Primary Section completed the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) pre- authorization.
• Appointment of Dr. Sherrill Shiu as Head of Academy.

2005

• The Secondary Section was established and started the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in September.
• Authorization of the Primary School for the IB PYP in December to become an IB World School for PYP.

2006

• The Secondary Section completed the IB MYP pre-authorization in May.
• Parent Teacher Association of Secondary School was established.
• Authorization of the Secondary School for the IB MYP in December to become an IB World School for MYP.

2007

• Authorization of the Secondary School for the IB Diploma Program (DP) in June to become the first ‘through-train’ IB World School In Hong Kong.
• Appointment of Mr. Yung Ying Cheuk as Senior Advisor of the school.
• Appointment of Mrs. Diane Fisk as Principal of Primary Section.
• Secondary Section moved to Shum Wan Campus in September and Primary Section in November.

2009

• Appointment of Dr. Maggie Koong as Head of Academy.
• Appointment of Dr. Katherine Yau as Senior Advisor.
• Appointment of Mrs. Susan Smith as Principal of Primary Section upon the retirement of Mrs. Diane Fisk.

Faculty

Victoria Shanghai Academy strives to engage teachers with strong academic credentials, proven experience in an international curriculum, and a heart for nurturing young people. In the School, many of the faculty and administrative staff hold advanced degrees and specialized certificates and over 50% come from such diverse English speaking countries as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
All teachers at VSA attend IB workshops and have been IB trained. Our coordinators for subject areas are experienced teachers. In the Secondary Section, we have IBDP examiners with a deep understanding of assessment criteria and expectations for learners in the IBDP course.

Curriculum

All three of the IB Programme that our school is authorized to offer develop young people holistically and their abilities to think and to inquire on their own through inspiring learning experiences. At the end of their secondary studies, VSA graduates complete the IBDP, which is accepted by universities in Hong Kong and around the world for entrance, credit recognition and special scholarships. Main features of the IB programmes at VSA include:

• A unique programme integrating the best of international and local bilingual education in developing active learners and well-rounded individuals
• English and Chinese (Putonghua) as languages of instruction
• Incorporation of the local Chinese Language and Mathematics curricula to maintain students’ high standards in these disciplines
• Embracing an international perspective and roots in the Chinese culture

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The school offers a bilingual Chinese (in Putonghua) and English education to students, fostering the development of the whole child.
The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child, in the classroom and also in the world outside. In implementing this programme at Victoria, we offer a framework that meets children’s several needs: academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural. We provide a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning with an international curriculum model that we link with the Hong Kong Education Syllabus. At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning.

• Six organizing themes help teachers and children explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word.
• Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry.
• Students acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts.

The development of explicit attitudes and the expectation of socially responsible behaviour are also essential elements of the programme.
Six organizing themes provide the framework for the exploration of knowledge. Students explore subject disciplines, often in ways that transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries. In the process they develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop positive knowledge, develop positive attitudes and learn to act responsibly.

Assessment:


Formative and Summative Assessments are used to evaluate teaching and learning. We believe that:

• Assessment is a tool that drives learning and teaching.
• Through the use of various methods of assessment we can strengthen our teaching and guide our instruction and ensure learning is happening.
• Assessment should be an ongoing process that involves both the teacher and the student to track progress and improve practice.
• Assessment allows us to identify what students understand, know, can do, and where they are in the learning process and helps both parties to set goals for learning and growth. By understanding our learners, teachers can adapt and change their strategies and instruction to help students reach their learning goals.

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The IBMYP at VSA is a rigorous 4-year curriculum that consists of a comprehensive and thorough study of various disciplines for students aged 11-16 (Secondary 1-4). The programme is based upon three fundamental concepts - to develop holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communication.
The learning objectives focus on the student’s learning process, conceptual understanding, and acquisition of skills, all of which will enhance the application of learning to life.
VSA strives to achieve the essence of the principles and goals of the IBMYP through subject groups and areas of interaction as explained below:


8 IB approved key learning areas

• English : Language A & Language B
• Chinese (Putonghua) : Language A
• Humanities: Integration of Geography, History and social sciences
• Mathematics
• Sciences : combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Technology: Computer Technology, Textile Technology and Design Technology
• Arts: Visual Arts, Music and Drama
• Physical Education

2 school-based subjects

• Personal Life and Education - to assist students in their personal development and growth throughout the secondary school years.
• Service and Project - with aims to develop students’ inquiry skills and to raise awareness to understand the community and the interest to serve it. In the final year, students undertake a Personal Project, which is an independent project that demonstrates the student’s cumulative learning and understanding of the five areas of interaction.

5 areas of interaction
The areas are instrumental in guiding the delivery of the MYP as the themes are consistently taught and shown at every grade level through the academic subjects, special projects, and interdisciplinary teaching.

• Approaches to learning
• Community and service
• Health and social education
• Environments
• Human Ingenuity

Assessment


Students are assessed internally with external moderation, using a criterion-referenced grading system, but there is no external graduation examination for MYP. Each subject measures aspects of a student’s performance in a number of areas against a set of learning objectives. Students are awarded a MYP Certificate upon successful completion of the Portfolio of Achievement containing:

• The personal project
• School academic reports
• Community service records
• Extracurricular achievements
• Achievements outside the MYP
• The student’s self-evaluation

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

The IBDP is a 2-year curriculum that provides a balance of academic breadth and depth, and is assessed by rigorous internal coursework and external examination. The basis of the IB is to promote the holistic development of the student - physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
Thus, in conjunction with a challenging and comprehensive education in the classroom, the IBDP also encourages individual responsibility to the community and self and supports international awareness that will help prepare the student for University studies and beyond.
The following outlines the six IB subject groups and the respective courses offered at VSA. All students will select three of the six subjects at Higher Level (240 teaching hours) and the remaining courses are taken at Standard Level (150 teaching hours).

IB Subjects

1. Language A
2. Language B
3. Individuals and Societies (e.g. Business Management Studies, Economics, Geography and Environmental Systems & Society)
4. Experimental Sciences (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems & Society)
5. Mathematics (of different levels)
6. Arts or Elective (e.g. Visual Arts or a subject from Group 3 or 4)

The IBDP also requires that students satisfactorily complete the following requirements:

• Extended Essay – an independent, 4,000-word paper guided by a thorough investigation and research of a topic/question related to an academic subject of study. Rigor and excellence are required.
• Theory of Knowledge – a course that provides the student an opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge and inquire about various types of knowledge.
• CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) – experiential education through active participation and collaboration with others. Students will become involved in various activities among the three components as a way to broaden their understanding of themselves and others.

Assessment


Assessment is criterion based, and thus, students’ performance is measured against pre-specified criteria based on the learning objectives of each subject. Internal examinations occur in DP1 (May) and DP2 (February), culminating in IBO public examinations held in May of the second year. The results are available from the IBO in early July.

University Recognition of IBDP and Credit Provision


Universities in Hong Kong and overseas, including the most prestigious ones, recognize the IB Diploma for entrance. Some universities have specified conditions for credit provision for IB Diploma graduates. 130 institutions around the world offer special scholarships to IB graduates.

University Counseling

The University Counseling office supports VSA students in their post-secondary education studies by offering them information, tools, and guidance in their preparation. The programme is aligned with VSA’s mission to provide an international education, as help our students pursue future studies and careers in the local and global context.
Universities from around the world recognize the IBDP curriculum; thus, successful achievement of the IBDP will provide students opportunities to attend some distinguished universities.
Diligence, organization, and focus are crucial and expected for completion of the IBDP and to reach post-secondary goals. In the two years of the DP, students will spend a great amount of time thinking about and deciding what they wish to do after their secondary education. University Counseling support that VSA students can expect include:

• Tools and guidance on planning for the University application process such as a timeline, instructions on how to plan and organize, how to research and develop a list of options, what to expect in the college application package, admission interviews, and writing the personal statement.
• Access to University Counseling resources in the library that include different University leaflets and books on colleges, majors, financial aid/scholarships, how to navigate the college application process, college entrance examination preparation, and how to write their personal statement.
• Information on the application process and admission requirements for Universities around the world.
• Career and/or major counseling through exploration of interests and strengths.
• Reminders of University visits, college entrance examination registration deadlines (SAT Reasoning Test, TOEFL), and general college application deadlines.
• One-on-one meetings with University Counselor to discuss future goals, application processes, and career exploration.

Co-curricular Activities

Year camps, educational excursions, field trips, project weeks and a wide range of after-school activities for sports, arts, service and academic interests are held for:

• Application and extension of learning from formal studies
• Development of personal, social and leadership skills and abilities
• Enjoyment and preparation for life

VSA students participate in competitive sports and contests of different kinds and are very proud of the excellent progress and results they have achieved. Among the after-school activities are the following:

• Academic interest (e.g. Mathematics Teams, Putonghua, Humanities Help, Chinese Speech and Homework)
• Arts (e.g. Orchestra and Chinese Painting)
• Sports (e.g. Ball Games, Track and Field and Sailing)
• Services (e.g. St John Ambulance Brigade, Cub Scouts and Grasshoppers)
• Other interests (e.g. Christian Fellowship, Creative Animation, Explorer’s Club and Video Production)

Guidance & Care

The guidance and care system at VSA aims at assisting students to reach their potential in all aspects of the whole person according to their developmental stages. To achieve this goal, we adopt the following strategies:

• Education: Life skills, socio-emotional development, character, interpersonal relationships and self-identity delivered through the curriculum, assemblies, after-school activities, House activities, camps, and sports programme.
• Intervention: Direct care, counseling, and discipline delivered by class teachers and the Student Guidance and Care Team including the Deputy Principals, Grade Coordinators and teachers.

VSA principles in the development of good behaviour

• Positive reinforcement for desirable behaviour
• Negative consequences for inappropriate behaviour
• Behaviour expectations are developmentally appropriate

Scholarship

VSA is a unique school in Hong Kong that aims at integrating the best of local and international bilingual education. We promote academic distinction, international mindedness, all-round personal development and service for the community by offering scholarships to show recognition of students’ commendable efforts and achievements. Particular reference is also made to sports, performing arts, leadership, service, visual arts and summer experience. These scholarships are open to applications from Victoria Shanghai Academy students. Applications from potential students in other schools are also welcome.


PYP scholarships


Duration: 1 year


Value: Half scholarships


MYP Scholarships


Duration: 4 years


Value: Full and half scholarships


DP Scholarships


Duration: 2 years


Value: Full and half scholarships

Students & Parents

The VSA student body is drawn from families in local communities. Bilingual abilities in English and Chinese are admission requirements. VSA students are immersed in a learning experience of academic rigor, holistic development, cultural and language diversity, and worldwide innovations.


Parents’ Involvement


There are numerous opportunities for parents to understand the school and student progress on the following occasions:

• Parents’ Orientation Meeting
• Curriculum Information Days
• Briefing sessions on VSA systems such as Assessment and Reporting and Student Guidance and on Project Weeks and Service Weeks
• Continuous/Formative and Summative Assessment reports each term
• Teacher-parent-student conferencing
• Use of the eClassroom on VSA intranet

The Parent-Teacher Associations of the Primary and Secondary Sections were established to further strengthen the liaison between parents and the teachers. The PTAs have also played an important role in supporting parents who are new to the school and to the learning programme.

Campus

In September 2007, VSA move d into the new, state-of-the-art campus on a site 400,000 square feet in area, which was built with the delivery of IB programmes in mind. It is conveniently located near the Shum Wan bus terminus. For campus construction VSA received HK$ 230 million government funding, to which, the sponsoring body added a not her HK $100 million for further enhancement.
The following facilities were designed for the greatest development of student potential through varied learning experiences:

• Science laboratories, Humanities Room s and Language Rooms
• A library equipped with computers and with access to information to be a self-learning center
• An arts floor housing the auditorium, orchestra and choir practice rooms, art, dance and dram a studios, cam pus TV room and Design and Technology Room
• Sports facilities such as indoor swimming pool, ball courts, a running track, and 5-a–side soccer pitch
• Assembly area s such as a multi-purpose school hall for over 1,000 people, and an outdoor amphitheatre

Student Service

School Bus


The school buses serve students who live in different parts of Hong Kong. Besides buses for regular school dismissal, there are buses that leave the school after extra-curricular activities.


Lunch at School


The cafeteria can seat 440 students serving hot fresh-cooked meals as well as breakfast and snacks.

News

HK Economic Times 18-10-2011

Local press reporting on VSA IB MYP Parent Workshop

In the workshop, Secondary Principal Mr. Richard Parker and Deputy Principal Mr. Mark Harrison put parents in groups and led them to experience with the aid of some photos and teaching materials how the IB Middle Years Programmed (MYP) units are designed, delivered and assessed.

Visit to Sichuan for Wu Zhi Qiao 2011-10-15

During the term break on 15-18 October, the PTSs and VSA Primary together with Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation had organized a meaningful 4-day trip for 40 parents and students of our kindergartens and primary school to visit We Xhi Qiao in Sichan China.

Interview by local press – 30/8/2011

Inspired by our excellent 2011 IB results, two local newspapers Mingpao and Singtao Daily came to interview Amy Keung, Amy’s mother and Mr Richard Parker when our new term just started. They covered her success story, VSA philosophy and IB Curriculum.