Beyond the Curriculum

At ICHK, a huge range of activities outside of the curriculum provide wonderful learning experiences, whilst helping to broaden and enrich education.

Whilst many schools refer to their activities as Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs), at ICHK, we believe they are a core part of our programme rather than an optional extra. 

Activities are therefore included as one of the compulsory periods in each student's schedule. Our unique location means that students are able to make full use of the nearby coastline and country parks for hiking, sailing, kayaking, cross country running and cycling.

Our programme, with its emphasis on exercise, outdoor learning and creativity is central to our approaches, as our philosophy is grounded in the conviction that young people should be supported in developing their all-round characters if they are to produce themselves as confident, self-directed, ambitious, and fearless learners.

Activities are also a critical part of the 'epistemic apprenticeship' which is built into the fabric of the school and includes not just academic work but the social, emotional and values-driven dimensions of students’ lives.

Students celebrate success in the fields of sport, creative writing, drama, and performing arts. We consistently win major awards in the Hong Kong School Drama Festival and Super Language Competition.

Our students are great ambassadors for ICHK, applying their learning in the Hong Kong Young Writer’s Awards; Model United Nations, Junior Achievers and Mathematics Competitions.

A special Deep Learning+ Week is held every year.

This immersive and exciting programme is key to the development of our students as confident, resilient learners, and focuses on outdoor pursuits, service work and teamwork.

It is a vital part of our curriculum which builds year on year, and is carefully designed to push students to experience the limits of their capacities in ways that regular school is not able to do.

The week allows students to challenge themselves, to bond with their classmates, and to develop in ways which simply could not be duplicated within the classroom, developing the key skills of collaboration, perseverance and problem solving, which are central to our philosophy.

Students head to destinations including Japan, Berlin, Cambodia and the Philippines. Others experience a wide range of programmes in Hong Kong, enjoying the beautiful countryside, engaging with local culture and putting everything they learn at ICHK into practice in real world situations.

The week provides opportunities for students to really tune into the full range of Human Technologies we aim to develop, including teamwork, resilience, service to others and problem solving.

Every year, we see our students experience life changing moments and personal growth, and return to school more confident and resilient as a result.

A strong partnership has been developed with Nengren Middle School in Jiangsu Province, which has a very similar philosophy to ICHK.

Exchange trips are run along with an annual Chinese Immersion and IB Preparation Camp.

Our exciting programme is aimed at enriching language study, but more than that it offers invaluable opportunities for growth in our students.

Students are immersed in Chinese language and culture, and are exposed to an incredible range of learning experiences, as well as enjoying the hospitality of their host families.

After each trip, we see our students returning to school with increased confidence and resilience as a result of the experiences they have.

In addition to our exchange trips, a Chinese Immersion and IB Preparation Camp offers students a two week programme of IB subjects – all taught through the medium of Chinese.

It is a fantastic opportunity for them to make a head start on their IB studies, as well as developing their language skills.

The curriculum is carefully devised in conjunction with the teaching staff at ICHK to ensure that students are taught IB Diploma specific content. Students benefit widely hugely from the classes and the learning environment

These trips focus on language immersion, but that is only part of the experience. Students grow in resilience, support each other during time away from home and learn to deal with situations outside their comfort zones. This is the true value of our exchange programme.

To read a trip reflection from Group Leader Amanda Luk click here.

To see an exchange trip in action please click this video link.

When students start secondary school they are allocated a House (Ming, Song or Tang), which are each led by three House Captains and representatives from each year group.

The House system is built on a foundation of friendly competition, so that the many activities in which the students go head-to-head are an opportunity both to celebrate their own successes but also to commend and applaud the successes of others.

This friendly rivalry is given ample opportunity to manifest itself in a wide-range of inter-house events, including House Sports, Charity Fund Raising and the Arts.

Students earn House points during the year and the House with the most points at the end of the year will be awarded the House Cup.

The aim is to create a spirit of friendly competition, collaboration and cooperation. Our reputation for fair play and sportsmanship is well established in the inter-school competitions, in which we regularly punch above our weight.

The system encourages students to feel part of a team, develop a sense of pride, enhance leadership and organisation skills and above all integrate themselves as part of the ICHK community. We encourage all students to participate in the House system, reach beyond their comfort zones, try something new and have fun.

This group of elected members represents all students in the school, and organises ways for them to participate and contribute to the school community.

All SRC members act as positive and active leaders and as role models in the school. They learn about leadership, strive to offer activities that foster a spirit of adventure and make a positive and sustainable difference to those in need.

Founded on the ideals of internationalism, democracy, adventure, environmentalism, leadership and service, the aim of the SRC is to enable student independence and leadership.

We want to involve our students, encourage them to be active members of our community, and allow their opinions and views to be heard and respected.