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When Mount Kelly International School (MKIS) opens its doors in Hong Kong in September 2017, it will set a landmark by offering a stand-alone preparatory education modelled on the traditional British independent prep school structure. In accepting Year 1 to 4 students (boys and girls aged 5 to 8 years), it will also be the first overseas campus of the highly respected British boarding school established in Tavistock, Devon more than 140 years ago.
Speaking to parents at a recent information and recruitment day, MKIS board member Rick Johnson said the co-educational school’s ethos and core values go beyond the usual concepts of education. The aim is to inspire a wide range of interests and involve each student’s entire family. ''Students in Hong Kong will receive the same level of high-quality education and opportunities as we deliver in the UK,” Johnson said, adding that teaching will be based on England’s national curriculum and Mount Kelly’s best practice models already in use in Britain.
Johnson was more than satisfied with the enthusiastic response at the information day.
“I can’t wait to bring the English style of preparatory school education to Hong Kong, offering parents a completely new choice and serving as a pioneer in the local market,” he said.
The curriculum gives due emphasis to core subjects like mathematics, science and languages. But by also allowing time for sports, music and the arts, young students star to develop the range of skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive world. ''Strong basics coupled with creativity, flexibility and integrity put MKIS students on the path to becoming true citizens of the world,” said Johnson, who is also chief executive of EduReach Education, an international organisation which specialises in “exporting” premium British education.
With a campus on Hong Kong’s scenic Gold Coast near Tuen Mun, MKIS will initially provide places for 360 pupils. This will increase progressively to around 860 students aged 5 to 13, as new buildings are completed and classes added. From 2019, a boarding option will be available for students in Years 6 to 8. Facilities will include an auditorium with seating capacity for 500-plus, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, an indoor basketball court and an outdoor football pitch. Digital equipment and a state-of-the-art TV studio will allow pupils to create, edit and curate multimedia content.
Rachel Miu, a communications professional and former ATV anchor, was a guest speaker at the information and recruitment day where she told parents MKIS would provide the early academic strengths students need to achieve their potential. ''This is the type of education I have been longing to see become available in Hong Kong,'' said Miu, who has two daughters aged five and three.
Paul Measor, MKIS Hong Kong director, noted that particular attention would be given to class size and the structure of extra-curricular activities. ''With 18 students per class, there will be a lot of interaction and engagement with teachers and between students,'' he said. Some teachers in Hong Kong will transfer from the Mount Kelly School in the UK, while others holding recognised qualifications are being recruited both locally and internationally. All new recruits will receive specialist training at the sister school in Britain.
“Teachers will ensure that students can experience the essence of a British education,” Measor said. “Tuition fees will be more or less in line with those charged by other international schools in Hong Kong.”
As a particular feature, from Year 5 all lessons will be delivered by subject specialists. This helps to ensure consistently high academic standards and means pupils are well prepared for the transition to the secondary school of their choice, which may be the Mount Kelly School in Britain.
Another key aspect of the curriculum is to prepare students to sit the Common Entrance Exam, a prerequisite for acceptance by leading secondary schools in the UK and certain international schools in Hong Kong. The examination is still supported by many of Britain’s top prep and independent schools because of its rigorous syllabus and breadth of subjects.
MKIS will have an extended school day, allowing students to participate in a wide range of hobbies and extra-curricular activities for about an hour after regular lessons. ''We believe this will be beneficial for students and their parents,” Measor said. “It means they won’t need to enrol elsewhere or travel to other parts of Hong Kong to take part in these other activities.” He added that interaction with teachers and fellow students through extra-curricular programmes and sports helps to develop leadership skills and teamwork.
Measor said that students who choose to continue their education at the Mount Kelly School in Britain can look forward to attending a world-class boarding school where the majority of pupils go on to top universities. Famous alumni include individuals who have achieved notable success in fields ranging from business, politics and diplomacy to broadcasting, journalism and international sports.