Welcome from the Principal

Mr. Brian Driver

The first thing to say is that I am extremely proud of being associated with West Island School. We are a happy and successful school established in the best traditions of the English Schools Foundation. The ESF exists to provide excellence in education of students from eleven to eighteen years of age who want an English medium education. We are housed in an exciting and innovative building from where we can see the University, Hong Kong's biggest teaching hospital, the new cyber port and the busy shipping lanes that demonstrate the key position of Hong Kong on the Pacific Rim's superhighway. We have an outstanding record of academic attainment (based on the English National Curriculum framework) and we welcome students of all races to join us on what we believe is a learning superhighway connected to prestigious destinations all over the world.

Our distinction lies in the pursuit of high academic attainment through support, encouragement, praise and motivation. The quality of the relationship between students and teachers is outstanding as is the quality of teaching and learning. We believe in partnership between students, parents, teachers and support staff and view our cultural diversity as a means of enriching the life of the school.( Our school motto, student inspired is “ Strength from Diversity”) Above all else, West Island is a happy school where people are valued and can fulfill their potential both as teachers and learners.

These claims were recently validated by the Hong Kong Education Department which after inspection categorised our school in "The Outstanding School" section. We are the only International School to receive this prestigious award. Students, parents and teachers are justifiably proud of this achievement.

As we embark upon a new century it is essential that we provide our students with the skills to be independent and knowledgeable learners. This is why we have taken a decision to implement the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) from 2007. We are committed to the notion of developing international citizens and leaders.

The school is well resourced. We have sophisticated ICT systems and a very strong programme of key skills which encourages students to be independent, systematic and rigorous. We have an excellent record of meeting students first choice subjects post 16 and we are in the process of adapting our key stage 3 and 4 curriculum to better prepare students for the IB. We are able to offer a very large range of subjects, thereby providing greater breadth and balance for the 1100 students from over fifty different nationalities who study here.. In addition to GCSEs, AS, A levels and GNVQ currently on offer we also provide for SAT and other requirements for university admission.

Schools are more than the sum of their lessons and at West Island we offer a wide range of extra curricular activities and opportunities so that students can display responsibility and leadership. These include the Upper School Council, Dynasties, debating, Model United Nations, local and international field trips, chess, sporting activities of every type, music and drama, ICT clubs, charity work, work experience and still more!

In short, life at West Island will be full of challenge and opportunity, both academic and personal, for teachers and students alike. Let's meet them together.

Brian Driver - Principal

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