US UPPER SCHOOL To inspire excellence, cultivate character, and empower engagement locally and globally.
US UPPER SCHOOL
Head of School s Message opportunities. Not only does CDNIS have one of the largest alumni of IB graduates, but our students results are also among the highest in Hong Kong. At CDNIS, our average diploma score is 36.6, significantly higher than the global average. Moreover, all of our graduates gain acceptance into post-secondary institutions around the world with many securing places at their first-choice university. In the face of a rapidly changing world where students are expected to be globally-minded, CDNIS is the school where students come to distinguish themselves from others. We take our role of inspiring excellence, cultivating character, and empowering engagement very seriously, ensuring all students have an exceptional experience attending CDNIS. This is achieved through a broad, challenging, academic programme for all students embracing 21st century learning and creativity. As an IB World School, our students in Grades 7 to 10 study the Middle Years Programme, while all Grade 11 and 12 students participate in both the Diploma Programme and Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Both programmes are globally recognised for their rigorous assessment and are accepted by universities around the world. Graduating with two distinct diplomas sets our students apart and helps prepare them for successful post-secondary studies and other CDNIS offers a variety of learning experiences in local and international settings. Recognised as one of the top international schools in Hong Kong, we value intellectual and scholastic pursuits and recognise our role, in partnership with parents and the community, in assisting our students to develop habits that will enable them to continue their pursuit of being lifelong learners. While our Upper School strives to prepare our students for university, we are also fully committed to preparing them to be well-rounded, responsible and passionate global leaders. The extracurricular options at CDNIS are varied and our faculty and staff are committed to supporting students as they identify and develop their passions, while the opportunities and facilities at CDNIS support these objectives. With over 40 nationalities together under one roof, CDNIS offers students a unique opportunity an international curriculum delivered by a passionate, committed faculty in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Students graduate from CDNIS as balanced, confident and dedicated citizens who have strong values and a can-do spirit that drives them to make a difference in the world. David Baird Interim Head of School
Upper School Principal s Message T-Wolves uniform for an upcoming competition, or yielding the floor as a delegate in Model United Nations, we expect all students to take full advantage of these opportunities to develop that all-important social and emotional side of a person s character. As principal of the Upper School I want to share with you a little of what I am privileged to see on a daily basis. Day in and day out, I see friendly, cooperative, kind students approach their classes with enthusiasm, discipline and curiosity. We set the academic bar high at CDNIS, expecting our Grade 7 to 10 students to keep pace with the challenging IB Middle Years Programme and our Grade 11 and 12 students to graduate with not one but two diplomas: the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the IB Diploma. But I find over and over again that students rise to the challenge and meet or even surpass expectations. The CDNIS Upper School is an exciting place full of hard-working, determined students who are already beginning to envision their place in the world and how they will be able to make a difference. These same diligent students also know how to bring fun, relaxation and balance to their pursuits. Indeed, the Smile Index is very high among both staff and students and I am very proud of the supportive, caring, focused yet fun environment that we have been able to create and sustain in the Upper School at CDNIS. Tim Kaiser Upper School Principal The curricula we offer provides a structure to the day and a set of academic goals to achieve, but we expect more at CDNIS in acknowledging that it is in the non-structured or less-structured parts of the day that students grow in other essential ways. Whether it is chatting with a friend during a spare block, auditioning for the school musical, suiting up in a
Vision and Mission Vision Statement To inspire excellence, cultivate character, and empower engagement locally and globally. Vision Statement CDNIS is a school united by the joy of learning, excellence in achievement and development of character. We will inspire academic and personal growth in our students by encouraging inquiry, stimulating creativity and innovation, embracing cross-cultural and global perspectives, and fostering meaningful participation and service. To guide our work in achieving our Vision and Mission, CDNIS values: LEADERSHIP OPEN- MINDEDNESS RESPONSIBILITY INTEGRITY CRITICAL THINKING RESPECT
International Baccalaureate Learner Profile The IB Learner Profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The attributes of the profile express the values inherent in the IB continuum of international education: these are values that should infuse all elements of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) and therefore, the culture and ethos of all IB World Schools. The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the world of school and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose. IB learners strive to be: Balanced Open-minded Risk-takers Principled Reflective Thinkers Inquirers Knowledgeable Communicators Caring
IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme The IB MYP is for students in Grades 7 to 10, while students in Grades 11 to 12 study the IB DP. Unlike other Hong Kong schools that select only a few students to take the DP, all students at CDNIS are enrolled in this programme. These programmes are among the most rigorous pre-university programmes in the world. Unlike other systems where students are able to specialize in particular fields, students studying for the full IB Diploma are stretched in multiple directions by taking a range of courses that ensure they continue to develop as mathematicians, scientists, artists, linguists and students of literature right up until the end of their high school career. The Diploma Programme involves the study of six subjects: three subjects are studied in detail at higher level and three at standard level. Students choose one from each of the following groups: Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature Group 2 Language Acquisition Group 3 Individuals and Societies Group 4 Sciences Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 The Arts
In addition to the subject requirements, the MYP and DP also require students to develop as independent thinkers through the Personal Project and Extended Essay. These assignments give students the opportunity to explore an area of personal interest and deliver an outcome of their choice over an extended period of time which helps them develop decision-making and organizational skills. Supporting the IB s requirement that each student fulfill a component of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), our students can participate in an array of activities and global issues they feel passionate about. All students are expected to participate in activities that can potentially be counted towards their CAS requirements. Much of our success stems from the particular way in which CDNIS chooses to deliver the IB programmes. CDNIS teachers are experienced, highly skilled and dedicated professionals, many of whom are also IB examiners, moderators, workshop leaders and authorization team members. Not only do our teachers train other teachers, but they are also part of the process that authorizes a school in its quest to become an IB World School. This gives us direct access to experts within the IB organization and an unparalleled understanding of how the courses should be taught and examined. CDNIS IB Diploma Results Year # of candidates % passed Worldwide % CDNIS avg Worldwide avg 2017 133 97% *79% 36.6 *30 2016 122 98% 79% 36 30 2015 109 100% 79% 36 29.9 2014 121 98% 79% 36 29.9 2013 105 99% 79% 36 29.9 2012 101 100% 78% 35 29.8 2011 104 100% 78% 35 29.6 *2016 stats from IBO
Class of 2017 Two student achieved the maximum mark of 45 while five students scored a near perfect 43 or 44 points. Thirty-one students achieved a score of 40 or higher. The average score for the Class of 2017 was 36.6 points, which is significantly higher than the worldwide average of 30. Fifteen students received the Bilingual Diploma. 92% of the students achieved an IB score above the world average of 30. Members of the Class of 2017 were accepted into universities around the world. Of those, 42% study at Canadian universities, 26% at US universities, 15% study in the UK, 1% in Australia, and 16% at Hong Kong and other universities. Current and past CDNIS students have been accepted into outstanding universities throughout the world including Boston College, Brown, Cambridge, Columbia, Cornell, CUHK, Georgetown, Harvard, HKU, HKUST, Imperial College London, King s College, London School of Economics, McGill, NYU, Oxford, Parsons The New School of Design, Princeton, The Royal Veterinary College, Stanford, University of British Columbia, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Toronto, and University of Waterloo.
Chinese Studies Our Chinese Studies Department stands as one of the finest among the English language schools in Hong Kong. The programme aims to provide an education in both oral and written Chinese (Mandarin). With a large teaching staff, we are able to offer support across all levels from native speakers to beginners, recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds and experiences of all students at CDNIS. An appreciation of Chinese culture is also instilled in students through study of the language and literature and through an abundance of cultural exchange opportunities. Grade 12 students who have written the Mandarin Language B IBDP exam have scored well above the world average and their results have been among the highest in Hong Kong when compared to other international schools.
Department of Romance Languages: French and Spanish The IB recognizes the importance and benefits of communicating in more than one language; hence our French and Spanish programmes aim to provide a comprehensive education designed for today s global student. Students study French in Grades 7 and 8 and can continue to take this subject through to Grade 12. Our French programme celebrates the Francophone heritage and the many cultures in which French is spoken. Our Spanish programme aims to enrich students acquisition of Spanish by exposing them to the cultures of various Spanish-speaking countries in the world and is offered to students in Grades 11 and 12. Students research, prepare, hold discussions and give presentations as part of every unit of study providing the opportunity to develop and enhance their written and oral comprehension.
Project Innovate Canadian International School of Hong Kong has been pushing the boundaries of innovation since it was established in 1991 and became the first Apple Distinguished School in Hong Kong 10 years ago, when it also introduced the first local one-to-one student laptop programme. Since then an exceptional culture of innovative practice has flourished at the school, across all areas of learning. Project Innovate, a new focus upon future-ready learning at CDNIS, is therefore the natural next step, building upon the school s expertise and practice. Future-ready education, a term created by the World Economic Forum, describes the skills, competencies and attributes today s students need to prepare them for the fast changing world. In addition to core skills, the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking will take on increased relevance, as will character qualities such as resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Project Innovate provides future-ready learning through strengthening foundational skills, while increasing opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, innovation and problem solving. In addition, an emphasis upon cultivating character, central to the school s vision and mission, ensures students have the dispositions and mindsets they need to be successful.
Digital Technology As part of our commitment to infuse digital technology to enhance teaching and facilitate learning, all Upper School students manage their own laptop as a personal digital learning device. Through this, all students can be better connected and equipped to take on new learning opportunities. Students across all grades and subject areas use educational technologies to effectively and purposefully create, communicate, collaborate and engage in critical and reflective thinking. Students are supported in the responsible use of technology through our digital citizenship programme. Our aim is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become responsible, independent digital citizens. All teachers use digital resources to engage students in authentic and relevant learning experiences. This includes virtual learning environments and the use of digital media. A comprehensive teacher learning programme and at-hand support for students and teachers strengthen the teaching and learning possibilities.
Activities An active and extensive extra-curricular programme of more than 70 activities and clubs offers our students many participation and leadership opportunities. This dynamic programme includes a comprehensive inter-school sports schedule, a rich array of performing arts opportunities, school clubs, and a full complement of intramural and recreational activities. Students are encouraged to get involved in both local and global community-engagement initiatives, particularly those that promote interculturalism. Members of these clubs are responsible for planning and orchestrating numerous events, projects, fundraisers and more from start to finish skills that are sought after in future global citizens and leaders.
CDNIS is a non-profit school and a registered charity. For more information: Admissions Department (852) 2240 6359 admissions@cdnis.edu.hk www.cdnis.edu.hk/admissions Facts about CDNIS Grade 9-12 Grade 8 Grade 9-12 The opportunity to join one of over 24 excursions around the world Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 8 Five-day trip to Yangshuo, China Grade 7 Five-day trip to Inner Mongolia, Chiang Mai in Thailand or Taiwan Grade 3 Grade 6 Three-day camping trip to Cheung Chau, Hong Kong Gra Grade 5 Three-day camping trip to Wong Yi Chau Island, Hong Kong
de 5 Members of the Class of 2017 were offered more than 7 worth HK$500,000 or more 19 worth HK$100,000 HK$9.76M in scholarships to attend various universities around the world. 29 worth HK$50,000 or more or more 60 worth HK$10,000 or more 57% of the Class of 2017 will be attending one of the Top 100 Universities according to the QS World University Rankings. CDNIS has commemorated 19 graduating classes. Grade 3 Three-day camping trip to Tai Po Country Park, Hong Kong Grade 4 Three-day camping trip to Treasure Island, Hong Kong Grade 4 Facts about CDNIS