[First published on 21 August, 2014] Three students have already enrolled in the firstever International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate (IBCC) programme in Hong Kong. The programme is being launched by Renaissance College (RCHK), which has partnered with the Savannah College of Art and Design (Scad) to give students interested in a career in the arts a head start. Casey Chan Li-en, 16, a Year 12 student at RCHK, chose to enrol in the programme for a taste of what a university arts course might be like. “I’ve been thinking of going to art school,” she says. “This is a way for me to get a jump start on things and explore my career options earlier.” RCHK principal Dr Harry Brown says the programme is intended as a way to connect students to the real world. The two-year course will be available to students in Years 12 and 13. The students will take at least two IB Diploma courses, along with an IBCC “core”, similar to the IB core requirements. One third of the curriculum will be made up of courses at Scad’s Hong Kong campus. These university-level courses will provide IBCC students with a foundation in various areas of the arts and the creative industries. Chris Fung Le-xing, 15, is looking forward to learning more about a career in interior design, while Paul Lee Lin, 15, is still undecided about his career and instead wants to focus on improving his art skills. Brown says a passion for art and design is important for anyone wishing to join the course. There is no quota and any student aged 16 to 19 in Hong Kong can apply. Chief executive officer of the English Schools Foundation Belinda Greer encourages students across Hong Kong to apply. “Globally, education is being challenged to nurture children’s passions and creativity,” she says. “This new programme isn’t just for Renaissance College, this is for all of Hong Kong.”
