Harrow International School Hong Kong
Hong Kong
About Harrow International School Hong Kong
About Harrow International School Hong Kong
Harrow International School Hong Kong occupies a spectacular site on the Gold Coast in the New Territories near Tuen Mun.
Its Lower School is for pupils aged 3-10, which comprises Early Years (K1 and K2) and the Pre-Prep (Years 1 to 5); the Upper School is for pupils aged 10-18 and consists of the Prep School (Years 6 to 8), the Senior School (Years 9 to 11) and the Sixth Form (Years 12 to 13). Weekly Boarding is available to Upper School pupils. There are four Prep School Houses for boys and three for girls, four Senior School Houses for boys and four Senior School Houses for girls, two of which are ‘Day’ Houses.
Our facilities
The School is fortunate to have a wonderful campus with extensive facilities, including a state-of-the-art STEAM Centre.
Light, wide corridors, very well-equipped classrooms and large departmental office areas, which are purpose-built for collaborative preparation, are characteristic of the Lower School and Upper School teaching areas. There are also a number of large multipurpose rooms. Specialist teaching areas include high quality Science laboratories, a Library and Learning Lounge closely linked to the ICT Department and located at the heart of the School, studios for Art, Music, Drama and Dance. We have a range of excellent sporting facilities including: a swimming pool, sports hall, well-equipped fitness room, 4G astro and tennis courts.
Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership
The School’s vision statement, Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership, underpins what happens in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities and in our pupil development programme.
Collectively, we aim to develop in our pupils the desire and skills to make a positive difference in the world. In doing so, the School essentially combines elements of educational philosophy, practice and traditions from Harrow School in London with the international mindset of a diverse pupil body in Hong Kong.
Many aspects of the School are characteristic of Harrow School London: high expectations of pupils and teachers; excellence in academic work; an emphasis on extra-curricular pursuits; high quality pastoral care; a genuine focus on the individual; the importance of service and the development of leadership skills. The School has also quickly taken on some of the traditions of Harrow that have survived continual scrutiny and review over many years: it has composed its own songs; taken on elements of the School uniform; incorporated some of the academic reward; and some of the distinctive Harrow ‘terminology’; and Speeches & Prizes on Speech Day, a traditional Harrow ceremony.
Pastoral care
At all ages in the School, there is a strong emphasis on the quality of relationships and community life, and the personal formation of character of each of its pupils.
In the Lower School, the focus of pastoral care is the Class Teacher. However, from Y6 when pupils enter the Upper School, pastoral care is centred on the House system: all boarders and day pupils are members of a House.
We work hard at establishing strong bonds within the communities of our Houses and the School. Above all, we aim to ensure our pupils are happy, secure and valued. The result is that there is an evident sense of pride among pupils of all ages in the School, and what it means to be a part of it and the family of Harrow schools.
The present pupil body is a diverse international one with 36 different nationalities. The focus of the pupil admissions process is to identify those with the aptitude, ability and personality to make the most of the opportunities at Harrow International School Hong Kong. Through our scholarships and bursaries scheme, we are looking to attract outstanding pupils with the potential to act as significant leaders in academic work, cultural activity, the arts and sport in the School, irrespective of their parents’ financial circumstances.
For further information about the School, visit the website at www.harrowschool.hk
Location
It is such a privilege to be part of such a wonderful school community. Our pupils and staff are the most incredible people to work alongside on a daily basis and the things we strive for and achieve are quite formidable. The opportunities we get working at Harrow and living in Hong Kong are, in my opinion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I feel very lucky to be part of this fantastic organisation.
- Laura Yandell, Principal Deputy Head (Curricular) and Teacher of DramaI joined Harrow 5 years ago from another international school and, when I arrived, the first thing that stood out to me was how friendly and welcoming staff were at supporting me with finding a home and feeling part of a community. Since I have been here, I have had multiple opportunities to develop as a professional and as a leader, learning from the wealth of expertise that we have across our staff body. Travel opportunities have also enabled me to experience different cultures. Harrow Hong Kong has widened my professional and social horizons and I look forward to what the future continues to hold here.
- Abi Hiley, Assistant Head of Lower School (Digital Strategy and Continuing Professional Development) and Year 2 Class TeacherIt is a great privilege to be part of the staff community at Harrow. From application, to interview, to arrival at Harrow Hong Kong, the existing members of staff were incredibly helpful, answering queries rapidly and offering assistance at all stages as I prepared to relocate to Hong Kong. Harrow Hong Kong is welcoming and committed to supporting each individual, so that they can reach their full potential and realise their professional goals. It places pupils at the heart of all it does and offers excellent professional development in an exciting and diverse environment. Working at Harrow means being part of a community of outstanding people, staff and pupils alike.
- Naina Nightingale, House Mistress of Gellhorn and Teacher of EnglishWorking at Harrow Hong Kong has given me many opportunities to develop as a professional and to add to my skills. There is a strong focus on supporting pupils’ wellbeing and the school has provided training to help pastoral leaders and others who have expressed an interest in this area. There is a great atmosphere of sharing good practice and learning from each other. Working with the pupils here is also a real pleasure; they are highly motivated and show interest and enthusiasm in lessons.
- Oliver Paulin, House Master of Sun and Teacher of FrenchThe School is an impressive site, built up on a hill and I have been lucky enough to work in and help grow a thriving Science department. The students here are amazing and I have gone from a well established disciplinarian back in a state school in the UK to a true teacher, working with engaged and enthused students, who are willing to try new things and they encourage me to do the same.
- Zara Holliday, Director of ScienceThe students here at Harrow Hong Kong are amazing. As learners they are creative, passionate, thoughtful and fun. I definitely have had more ‘transformative’ moments in the classroom here than in any other place that I have worked and I regularly feel inspired by the commitment and energy of the pupils that we teach. There is not a day that passes where I don’t feel privileged to be part of this vibrant school and to be living in this mesmerizing city.
- Lee Collins, Senior School Day House Mistress and Teacher of English and Drama