Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
1210 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
West Island School is a community of multilingual learners who have various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. We have more than 40 first languages/mother tongues in the school and this contributes a diversity and dynamism to our international school |
Most common nationality |
British |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes. |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes, we offer English for Academic Purposes to support students. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Chinese, French and Spanish. |
Max. number of students per class |
It depends on the subject. |
Average number of students per class |
It depends on the subject. |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes. |
Use of technology in the classroom |
WIS is a 1:1 laptop school with digital literacy as part of the curriculum. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We are ready to revert to online learning as and when necessary. |
External examinations or assessments available |
At Pre 16 (Year 10 & 11), students will undertake the GCSE/(I)GCSE course. At Post 16 (Year 12 & 13), students have a choice of IBDP, IBCP, BTEC and the WIS Engineering Pathway. |
Results in these examinations |
Please view our website for the latest results: https://www.wis.edu.hk/results/ |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Decided by Subject Teacher. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
In 2020, 90.5% of our students went on to attend a higher educational institution and 9.5% took a gap year. |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
The school has a Learning Centre offering specialised learning support for up to 25 young people from Years 7-13. |
Learning support offered |
The school’s Individual Needs (IN) faculty supports students with a range of needs. Mainstream students who require additional assistance may be given support tailored to their individual needs in lessons or provided with discrete sessions in a range of disciplines. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The school has a programme of approaches for students with strong ability through links to gifted education as well as a mentoring programme designed to develop students further who have a particular strength within subject domains or disciplines. Courses have also been developed in the school curriculum to extend these students further. Opportunities to work with other students of a similar ability are part of our programme for this group who are identified through a range of data. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students will meet with the relevant Vice Principal for an interview followed by a written assessment. |
Waiting list |
Depends on the year group |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We have a rolling application policy |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School start time |
8.15am |
School finish time |
3.15pm |
Supervised care before/after school |
No |
School bus service available |
Yes. |
School provided lunches |
Yes we have 3 food outlets available for students |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
Uniform required |
Pre 16 students (Years 7-11) are required to wear a school uniform. Post 16 students (Years 12-13) do not wear a uniform. |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Over 100 activities are offered termly which include Model United Nations, Hackathon Club, Fitness Club, Ethos Magazine, Cricket, Yearbook Club and many more. |
Sports activities included |
Swimming, football, netball, hockey, badminton, athletics, trampolining, water polo, volleyball, tag rugby, basketball, cricket, rounders, dance and ultimate frisbee. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Sports facilities at the school |
The school has two gymnasiums, outdoor courts for a range of sports and a 25 metre swimming pool . The proximity to Hong Kong University playing fields provides further sport facilities. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Students are encouraged to become “responsible global citizens” as part of the mission of the school. Training for leadership roles within the school and beyond is a strength which the school believes heralds. The school has a strong focus on the value of international mindedness and the importance of community. It has a reputation for academic excellence balanced with compassion and service beyond the classroom. |
Teaching approach of the school |
We pride ourselves on the standards we set for teaching and learning, and our people make all the difference. Our teachers and school leaders are highly qualified and experienced in international education. Each of our schools is led by skilled and experienced leadership teams, who work with teachers to plan and customise the curriculum. |