Curious to know why this school receives roughly 6000 applications for only 120 spots every year? That´s HKUGA Primary School. It is located on Yee Shing Street in Chai Wan Hong Kong.
HKUGA Primary School also called Hong Kong University Graduates Associate Primary School is a private co-educational primary school. HKUGA Primary School was founded in 2002 by the Hong Kong University Graduates Association.
The school’s motto is “Strive for Virtue Quest for Truth”. In Chinese it is “Ming Dak Hak Chi Kak Mat Hak Kan”. The principal is Wong Kwai Ling. About 800 students attend 24 classes.
HKUGA Primary School is a Direct Subsidy Scheme DSS school. It is known as one of the most sought-after DSS schools. Gaining admittance is quite competitive. Applicants face three rounds of interviews. These interviews assess several skills. They look at group activities reading and logical thinking. The school also checks conversations and parental familiarity.
HKUGA Primary School is a through-train school. This means primary students can directly enter Hong Kong University Graduate Association College. They do not need to go through the central allocation process. The primary school is in the Eastern District. The secondary school is in the Southern District. Author Ian Tsang advises parents to consider this distance.
Reading and independent learning are very important at HKUGA Primary School. Unlike typical schools teachers at HKUGA Primary School specialize. Each teacher focuses on a single subject to develop expertise.
The school uses biliteracy and trilingualism. Students learn to read in English and Chinese. They learn to speak in Cantonese English and Mandarin. HKUGA Primary School wants to reduce student stress. Because of this it does not hold exams for first and second graders.
HKUGA Primary School students use Knowledge Forum technology. This helps them build knowledge across school and country boundaries. HKUGA is part of a network with 16 primary and secondary schools. The network promotes independent learning among students. It was launched in September with funding from the Quality Education Fund.
Students work on their own projects related to the curriculum. They research and discuss ideas in e-forums. They refine their thinking with text graphics and video. HKUGA has partnered with the Institute of Child Studies in Canada. They have collaborated on topics like ancient civilizations.
HKUGA students have worked on various topics. These include how aircraft work and growing bacteria. They have also made an electric clock and boat. They even designed the girls’ uniform for HKUGA College.
Patrick Lam Hak-chung is the vice-principal of the school. He said the school joined the CITE project for independent learning. Twenty-two students participated in the first year. The project will expand across the school for more topics in the general studies curriculum.
There is also the HKUGA Alumni Parent Network APN. It connects parents and guardians of alumni. This network offers social activities. These activities include a choir group a hiking group and reunions with teachers. The APN helps alumni parents contribute to the HKUGA community. They can share knowledge expertise and experience. The APN offers lifelong connections and exclusive insights. It is a great way for parents to stay connected with the school and give back.
So, HKUGA Primary School is more than just a school. It is a community that values learning independence and connection.