FAQ

When should I apply?

You can apply for your children one year prior to their admission year. The earliest would be when they are four years old. You can submit an application for Year 1 in the coming year. Please use the Age Checker to find your child’s suitable year level.

What is the difference between Year 1 and P1?

Year 1 follows the British system. It is equivalent to K3 in local kindergartens. P1 is equivalent to Year 2 in the British system.

What is the IPC curriculum?

IPC is the International Primary Curriculum from the UK. This is an inquiry-based curriculum whether it’s a comprehensive, thematic and creative curriculum designed for children 5-11 years old. Children will have specific learning goals for every subject. They are empowered to follow their passions, take ownership and find ways to apply their learning in their daily lives. Please click here for more information regarding the IPC Curriculum.

What makes you different from the other international schools?

We are a small community-oriented school. Our class sizes are small (approx. 20 students per classroom with one teacher and one teaching assistant). As we are a dedicated primary school, we specialise in preparing children for all options after primary schooling, including continuing their education in Hong Kong, going abroad or entering other international schools around the world. 

Do you teach Chinese?

Yes, we offer daily Chinese classes. Children are taught in Putonghua supported by Traditional Characters. Our students are streamed into non-native and native classes and are taught by different teachers at lower, intermediate and advanced levels. Please click here for more information regarding our Chinese programme.

Do you have ESL/ EAL?

Yes, we have a dedicated team of experts to help students whose first language is not English. This enables students to be able to develop English language skills and access the school curriculum. Learning Plans will be discussed and agreed by the family before moving forward.

Do you accept SEN children?

We have a dedicated team of learning diversity experts to support students with diverse learning needs within the mainstream classroom. The decision to accept the student is based on the assessment and whether it is beneficial for the child to be educated at YCA. 

What are your school hours?

Our school hours are 8.00am to 2.30pm. Doors open at 7.35am for drop off. 

Can my child stay behind after school?

We offer ASA & ECA after school from 2.30pm – 3.30pm. However, parents or caregivers are required to pick up their child no later than 3.30pm. After 3.30pm, we do not have staff to look after children.

Do you have School Bus services?

Yes, we have two bus providers. One covers most of the HK Island and the other runs a specialised route from Tseung Kwan O, Lam Tin, Kai Tak, Whampoa, Olympic and Kowloon West. 

What are your fees?

Our monthly school fee is $12,600. There are 10 instalments a year. There is also an annual Capital Development Contribution of $13,030. 

How much homework do children have?

At YCA homework is set depending on the curriculum area. For English, Maths and IPC, the children will be set tasks every Friday that either consolidates that week’s learning, or pre teaches the objectives for the week ahead. This homework can take many forms including using online programmes and practical learning engagements.  At the beginning of each IPC unit, parents will also receive a Unit Overview which outlines the objectives that are being taught over the upcoming weeks and suggestions of additional tasks you can do at home. For Chinese Studies, the children are set homework daily from Year 2 to Year 6. The suggested times for this homework each night are: 

Year 2: 5-10mins

Year 3: 10-15 mins

Year 4: 15-20 mins

Year 5: 20-25 mins

Year 6: 20-30 mins 

Do students have regular tests or assessments?

Children are formally assessed three times a year. A baseline assessment will take place at the beginning of the school year in Reading, Writing and Maths and then they will be assessed again in December and May. These summative assessments are used across the school to monitor progress in these core areas. Years 4-6 take part in the International Schools Assessments (ISAs). Within all subject areas, teachers will use formative assessments to identify the children’s progress. These may take the form of quizzes or tests and are used to inform the teacher’s judgement.