[SCMP Archive] Quality over quantity: New HKIS expansion plans focused on providing world-class student service

[First published on Oct 29, 1975] Over the years, International School, the only American-type school in Hong Kong has been trying very hard to study and determine the essential needs of its students.

The school strives to develop an educational programme assisting the students in finding their place and role in society. This programme has to be adjustable to an ever-changing world; therefore the needs of the students apply not only to the academic field but also an overall study of the responsibilities undertaken by each individual.

International School ureges its students to convert their knowledge into practical use since, going through learning processes by rote is never recommended. Hence, the curriculum includes selective courses encouraging students to learn not only for the sake of gaining knowledge but for them to adapt themselves with confidence, to an increasingly complex environment.

Mr Christian, headmaster of HKIS, claims: “Our role in the school is not to make people more alike but to actually emphasis their differences.” This indicates the school’s concern for the students to recognize their different individual interests and abilities that have to be applied to the well-being of the society.

Most people get the impression that International School is a purely American school. This is a false concept; it is an institute run along the lines of an American school and is geared towards an American education.

Non-American students who are admitted are not forced to give up their cultural roots, attitudes or values. On the contrary these boys and girls are well aware of their own racial values and differences.