Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) opened its doors in August 2018 and will ultimately provide around 1,200 places for both primary and secondary pupils.
When did MCHK open?
27 August 2018
What is the school’s full capacity?
Around 1,200 primary and secondary pupils
What is your class size?
Maximum of 24 pupils per class
Teacher to pupil ratio: approx. 1:10
What are the school hours?
8:00 am to 3:00 pm with co-curricular activities running from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
What makes you unique among other international schools?
Small class sizes, strong pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular activity programme as key differentiators of Malvern College Hong Kong.
Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) draws upon the rich heritage and ethos of Malvern College UK, a co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1865. Thanks to its academic rigour, scientific heritage and the pursuit of holistic education, Malvern College UK has acquired an enviable reputation for being one of the most highly regarded independent schools in the United Kingdom, comfortably surpassing the world average International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results in all subject areas.
Malvern College Hong Kong is a member of the Malvern Family of schools, an international network of schools across the globe. The Malvern College Family of Schools cooperate and collaborate with each other, sharing knowledge and best practices in setting high academic standards. All share the common goal of educating young people “the Malvern way”.
What is your school management structure?
The school’s senior management team includes the Founding Headmaster, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of Primary, Head of Secondary, PYP Coordinator and MYP Coordinator.
The senior management team is supported by other academic and non-academic managers as well as teachers.
What is the relationship between Malvern College UK and Malvern College Hong Kong?
Malvern College Hong Kong operates in strong and genuine partnership with its parent school Malvern College UK. Continuous support and educational oversight are provided through the long-term appointment of Malvern College UK members to the College Council.
We recognize the importance of alignment with the latest educational developments and practices while upholding the quality of teaching to the highest of standard. Malvern College UK conducts regular quality assurance inspections at Malvern College Hong Kong to ensure that these expectations are met at all times.
Marn College Hong Kong pupils may opt to continue their educational journey at The Downs Malvern from Year 7 (age 11-12) or at Malvern College UK from Year 9 (age13-14), subject to fulfilling relevant entry requirements.
Are Qingdao College and Chengdu College in China also managed in the same way as Malvern College Hong Kong?
All Malvern schools share a common ethos defining our philosophy of education. The schools generally mirror our parent school in the UK by fostering a vibrant, nurturing learning environment and personalized teaching approach. However, there are adaptations for each country to meet national education requirements. Pupil intake is also adapted to different levels of English language capabilities.
Do you have an application deadline or time window?
No. Malvern College Hong Kong accepts rolling applications throughout the school year and up to two years in advance.
Are all applicants assessed?
Yes. All applicants are invited for an assessment and/or observation session.
Do you accept children without any prior knowledge of English?
All applicants have to demonstrate that they can follow an English-medium curriculum.
We accept children with limited English language skills if they have strong school reports and their English learning can be supported at home.
What are your admissions priority criteria?
Malvern College Hong Kong seeks to build a diverse, multi-cultural pupil population. We take into consideration how our school values align with those of our prospective pupils’ families. A meeting with parents and the child is a mandatory part of the admissions process.
Priority for assessment is based on the following criteria:
Corporate Nomination Right (CNR) nominees;
Individual Nomination Right (INR) nominees;
Siblings of pupils already attending Malvern College Hong Kong;
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong pupils (min. one academic year attendance prior to admission);
Children of Old Malvernians (alumni);
Pupils transferring from another school in the Malvern College Family of Schools (min two academic years attendance prior admissions);
Children who bring diversity in terms of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, gender;
Children who show a genuine interest in learning and an aptitude for independent study.
What curriculum do yo teach?
Malvern College Hong Kong is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School.
What are the key features and benefits of the IB curriculum?
The IB curriculum is:
recognized and admired by top universities around the world, thus opening many doors for our graduates as they pursue higher education;
inquiry-based where children are able to explore ideas and concepts and consequently develop a body of knowledge at their own pace;
rigorous and challenging, applying high standards and expectations to ensure the very best education;
conceptual, interdisciplinary and holistic, offering opportunities for deeper and broader knowledge in a wide range of subject areas;
designed to encourage a global perspective and ultimately global citizenship;
collaborative in nature, involving schools and teachers in a cyclical process.
Which subjects do you teach in primary?
In the primary years (Prep 1-6), Malvern College Hong Kong offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum that encourages pupils to make connections between local and global issues in a real-world context. Learning takes place by integrating subject areas through a holistic approach that builds both a strong academic foundation and a love of learning.
Our primary subject areas encompass:
Language (English and daily Chinese)
Social Studies (people, societies and their place in relation to each other and the environment)
Mathematics (data handling, measurement, shape and space, patterns and functions, numbers) Arts: Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Drama and Dance)
Science (using an experimental and integrated approach)
Physical Health and Social Education (character and social development, physical education and healthy living)
Which subjects do you teach in secondary?
Pupils in Foundation Years 1-3 (Years 7-9), the Remove (Year 10) and the Hundred (Year 11) study eight individual academic subjects:
Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Mathematics
Science
Individuals & Societies
Design
Arts(Music, Drama and Visual Arts)
Physical and Health Education
Secondary pupils also engage in units of interdisciplinary learning and complete large scale group and individual projects which require meaningful action.
When will the Sixth Form start?
The Sixth Form (Year 12 and 13) will commence in 2021. Following Malvern College UK’s example, we will offer the IB Diploma Programme*, a rigorous, academically challenging and balanced programme designed to prepare pupils for success at university and in life.
What will be the Sixth Form subjects?
In the initial year, and subject to minimum uptake ,we plan to offer the following Sixth Form subjects, spanning the six subject groups required to achieve the Diploma:
Languages (English Language and Literature, English Language Acquisition
Chinese Language and Literature
Chinese Language Acquisition and Spanish ab initio)
Humanities subjects (History, Geography and Economics)
Mathematics
Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Design Technology)
Arts (Music, Theatre and Visual Arts)
Pupils also look forward to the challenges and interests of the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay components.
Service to others is deeply rooted in the Malvern tradition, and all Sixth Form pupils will be able to enjoy and embrace a commitment to leadership, sports, and creativity and community service.
Does your curriculum have a focus on a specific subject group?
No. The aim of Malvern College Hong Kong is to further not only pupils’ academic, but also their social, emotional, and physical development. To this effect, the school emphasises a balanced learning experience across the core subject groups, thus fostering a well-rounded education including language, mathematics, science, humanities, design, arts, and physical education.
What is the language of instruction at MCHK?
All classes are taught in English, except language classes other than English.
Do Malvern pupils learn Chinese?
Pupils have mandatory daily Chinese classes. In alignment with IB requirements, we teach Mandarin and simplified characters.
What languages other than English and Chinese are taught?
We will offer Spanish ab initio in the Sixth Form starting from 2021-22.
We are currently considering introducing another foreign language in secondary, starting from 2021-22.
Some secondary pupils joined us from abroad attend different language classes instead of the Chinese programme. This subjects to individual assessment with solutions implemented on a case-by-case basis.
French, Spanish and Japanese for beginners are offered in the co-curricular activities (CCA) programme.
What is the Forest-Beach School programme?
Forest-Beach School is an outdoor learning programme. It is based on the philosophy of child-led learning with the aim to develop the following characteristics: self-awareness, self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, creativity, resilience, empathy, social and communication sills, independence, a positive mental attitude, self-esteem,
and confidence.
What can pupils learn from the Forest-Beach School?
Nature, the outdoors, and open spaces become the children’s temporary classroom, with educational sessions designed around a theme typically linked to the curriculum. Teamwork, intra-and inter-personal skills are developed through games and group activates such as hide-and-seek or scavenger hunts. Self-esteem, individual practical and intellectual skills are enhanced through supervised activities like shelter building, tool handling or lighting fires.
Do all pupils attend the Forest-Beach School programme?
Currently, all Prep 1 and Prep 2 pupils participate in Forest-Beach School sessions.
How often do pupils go to Forest-Beach School?
Forest-Beach School lessons take place every two weeks.
Does Forest Beach School take place when it is raining?
Yes. The programme runs in all safe weather conditions.
Where do pupils go to attend Forest-Beach School?
Forest-Beach School takes place at the Victoria Recreational Centre in Sai Kung. The learning site provides access to both woodland and beach.
How do pupils get to the Forest-Beach School learning site?
Bus transportation from campus to the Forest-Beach School and back is arranged through the school.
To what extend do you use digital technology at school?
Malvern College Hong Kong fully embraces technology to support and enhance learning. We place great emphasis on educating young people to become responsible and informed users of digital technology. The school’s Digital Intelligence (DQ) education implements high tech learning units by covering topics including digital identity, online safety and security as well as digital creativity and entrepreneurship.
Malvern College Hong Kong uses a variety of age-appropriate and competency-based online learning platforms to foster and support each pupil’s learning both at school and at home.
Which devices are being used at school? Do we have to buy anything in advance?
Prep 1 – Prep 4 use school-owned iPads. They are provided on a ration of 1:2 and kept in school.
Prep 5 – Prep 6 use pupil-owned iPads which are introduced at the end of Term 1 following a pupil-parent digital citizenship programme in Prep 5.
Secondary pupils use their own laptop. A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is shared with the parents prior to the start of the academic year.
Do you offer a co-curricular activities programme?
Yes. Malvern College Hong Kong values co-curricular activities as integral to a holistic education. By participating in activities that run along and beyond the core curriculum, Malvernians further their personal development, build confidence, and develop new interests and skills.
Which co-curricular activities do you offer?
Malvern’s extensive co-curricular programme offers a myriad of classes across all year groups:
Sports, including football, rugby, cricket, field hockey, basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, swimming, gymnastics, yoga, capoeira, multi-sport, fencing, water polo and sailing
Arts, including dance (ballet, jazz dance, K-pop and Hip Hop), visual arts, music and drama
Language and Culture, including English for Academia, Chinese Enrichment, Spanish, French and Japanese
Coding and Robotics
Various clubs like Gardening Club, Chess Club, Environmental Club, Science Club, Games Club, Cookery Club, Chinese Reading Club
Other CCAs include Debating, Model United Nations, Battle of the Books, Storytime Art, Maker Space, Board Games and Creative Writing, Textile Weaving and Pottery
Are co-curricular activities subject to additional fees?
It depends. Activities that are run by internal staff are free of charge or subject to a nominal fee. Co-curricular activities run by external providers are charged at cost.
Is it mandatory to participate in co-curricular activities?
We expect all pupils to make use of the co-curricular activities provided by the school in line with the following guidelines:
Prep 1: one CCA class per week
Prep 2: minimum one and maximum two CCA classes per week
Prep 3 and above: minimum one and maximum four CCA classes per week
Where can I get more information on the school uniform?
All pupils must wear the appropriate summer or winter MCHK school uniform. More information can be found here here
How will my child be allocated a house?
Children and their parents will be informed of their house allocation shortly before the start of term. House ties will be presented to pupils during the first week. Therefore, parents do not have to purchase a house tie together with the uniform.
Pupils are allocated to houses by the school in order to ensure each house features a balance in gender mix, , age, background and talents. Siblings are always allocated to the same house.
What play areas will be allocated for younger children?
The primary sports hall, outdoor area on the ground floor and sky-pitch are used by younger children during breaks and lunch time. The terraces may also be used by designated year groups.
What are your school fees?
Our annual tuition fee is HK$169,600 per year for primary, and HK$ 192,920 for secondary, charged in ten monthly installments.
The Annual Capital Levy is HK$ 42,000 for the academic year 2020-21. Pupils who are covered by an Individual Nomination Right (INR) or a Corporate Nomination Right (CNR) are exempted from paying the Annual Capital Levy.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we offer various scholarships – academic, sports, visual arts/design, drama and music. The maximum level of award covers up to 100% tuition fee remission.
Diversity scholarships are available for pupils who can enhance Malvern’s international dimension. The level of award ranges from 25% – 50% tuition fee remission.
Malvern College Hong Kong offers a merit-based leadership scholarship scheme specifically designed for the upcoming Sixth Form starting in 2021/22. The purpose of this prestigious and highly exclusive scholarship is to recognize and further pupils who have been demonstrating innovative and initiative-driven leadership that has a meaningful impact on their academic work and/or community environments. The leadership scholarship covers a 100% tuition fee and annual capital waiver.
More information on our scholarship scheme can be found here here.
Do you offer bursaries?
Yes. Bursaries are available to families in need of additional financial support, including non-local (international/expatriate) families who are not receiving any educational allowance from their employer. Our intention is to support families that align themselves with the ethos and philosophy of a Malvern education.
What are your main school facilities?
Malvern College Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art-campus features excellent facilities for pupils across all year groups, most notably the open-plan library, roof-top sky pitch, indoor multi-purpose sports hall, primary sports hall, 25m six-lane indoor heated swimming pool, science-labs, music rooms, 450-seat auditorium (“Big School”) and the dining hall (“The Grub”)
Do you have a school bus service in place?
Yes. We operate two school school bus services: the main school bus, departing at 3 pm; and the co-curricular activities (CCA) bus, departing at 4:10 pm.
The school bus routes cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Discovery Bay.
The school bus routes for MCHK will provide coverage of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.
Private car or taxi drop-off and pick-up are not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the school.
Pupils who live close-by can walk to school
What is the nearest MTR station?
The nearest MTR station is University station, however, the distance to our campus is not walkable. Pupils can make use of the shuttle bus: http://www.schoolbusservice.net/malvern/.
What is the school bus arrangement for co-curricular activities (CCAs)?
CCA buses depart from school at 4:10 pm, covering a skeleton of drop-off points including Hong Kong MTR station, Kowloon Tong MTR station and University MTR station.
I have two children in Prep 1 and Prep 6. Can my younger child wait for my older child to finish a CCA, and then take the CCA bus together?
The school always tries to accommodate the needs of individual families. Younger pupils can wait for their older siblings in the library or other appropriate areas with suitable adult supervision.
Can my child come to school by public transport in the morning but take the school bus home in the afternoon?
Parents need to subscribe to the return school bus service on a termly basis. There is no discount for only travelling one way on some or all days.
Where do your teachers come from?
Our teachers mainly come from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They usually have experience teaching in international school across the world.
What are your recruitment criteria?
Qualified teachers will be recruited internationally and locally
All staff is selected based on qualifications and experience, particularly in the IB Malvern College UK also plays a significant role in the recruitment of teaching staff and will also instigate a quality assurance programme with frequent visits to the school.
If parents are interested in our Corporate or Individual Nomination Rights Scheme, please email us at nr@malverncollege.org.hk
