Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
1800 |
| Max. number of students per class |
28 |
| Native English and Chinese speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Chinese |
English as Additional Language Program |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Mandarin, French, Spanish |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
VSA believes that access to technology provides the school with a great opportunity to enhance student learning and teaching effectiveness. VSA is a one-to-one Macbook school, teachers and students are continually making the best of learning technology in the classroom. Students use their computers as a means to better their organizational skills, as a tool of inquiry, and as a creative instrument. Students use iBooks Author to create ePortfolios that showcase there progress in their MYP subjects and use this ePortfolio as part of student led conferences. The school has a Learning Technologies Coordinator for the secondary section in order to maximize growth in using technology effectively in the classroom. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Interview and assessment |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Year 1: All applicants are interviewed in a group setting (in English and Putonghua). Shortlisted students and parents are invited to attend a parent interview with a member of the Senior Management Team. Year 2 – Year 5: Applicants will join a 40 minutes lesson in the appropriate year level, in which they will participate in the class activities and be interviewed by teachers in English and Putonghua. After the lesson, applicants will need to take a written assessment which consists of English, Chinese and Mathematics. Year 6 – Year 11: Written Tests (Chinese Language, English Language & Mathematics). Interviews in English and Putonghua. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Learning Support Department |
| Learning support offered |
Learning and Language Support departments work with teachers, students and parents to ensure that all students have full access to the curriculum with the opportunity to reach their full potential. |
| School start time |
8:25 am |
| School finish time |
Monday to Friday (except Wednesday): 3:30 pm
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| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Field trips, Residential camps, Project Week, Model United Nations, Swimming galas, House days, Environmental groups, Science groups and competitions, Cultural groups, Art groups, Dance and drama groups, Speech festivals, Musical groups and competitions, International Schools Theatre Association activities |
| School provided lunches |
The cafeteria is equipped with an on-site kitchen, providing freshly cooked meals. The cafeteria also serves breakfast, and snacks during recesses and after school. |
| Sports activities included |
Track and field, badminton, basketball, rugby, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, bowling, fencing, cross country, ball hockey |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gymnasium, playground, outdoor court, swimming pool. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
VSA participates in HKSSF (Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation) and ISSF (International schools sports federation of Hong Kong) competitions. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
VSA is a student-centred community of academic and personal excellence, combining international perspectives and Chinese heritage.
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| Teaching approach of the school |
A student centred inquiry approach to teaching and learning is emphasized. VSA students are seen as individuals, each with their particular strengths and unique abilities. VSA students are encouraged to translate their learning into action by putting into practice their interpretation of the school motto: Virtue, Service, Action and testing their capacity for leadership. |