Introduction of HIKSVS

20 March 2017

The British Preparatory School System

 

Key features of the outstanding British Preparatory School system are replicated at HIKSVS International School. These include:

 

  • An emphasis on individuality and personality
  • An emphasis on self-respect and respect for others
  • An emphasis on accepting responsibility and serving others
  • The ‘community within a community’ of the House system
  • An emphasis on manners, politeness, punctuality and a clearly set out dress code

 

The Sutton Valence ‘Four Journeys’

 

HIKSVS International School is a unique collaboration between Hopeland International Kindergarten (HIK) and Sutton Valence School (SVS) in the UK. It is the very first stand-alone primary school, licensed by a UK independent preparatory school, in China. The Sutton Valence School Educational Ethos is expressed as the ‘Four Journeys’ undertaken by every pupil, woven into the timetable and the curriculum throughout every year group.

 

THE JOURNEY AS PART OF THE WIDER COMMUNITY

  • A genuine community, ‘a family’, where ‘each cares for all and individuality is cherished’; where pupils take responsibility for one another as well as themselves
  • The House system and extensive inter-House competition is a key feature; the four Houses named after castles in Kent, England
  • A wide range of community events, engagement of staff and parents

 

THE ACADEMIC JOURNEY

  • Academic challenge and support (including small group and individual help when required)
  • A rich, stimulating and ‘warm’ classroom learning environment

 

THE JOURNEY OF ENRICHMENT

  • A wide range of stimulating clubs and activities
  • Outdoor learning through highly varied areas - wildlife area, garden, outdoor fort, green spaces, playground play zones and games

 

THE JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

  • School Captains, School Prefects, Team Captains, and other roles of responsibility
  • Every child will be a member of and lead activities within four day Houses, providing inter-House competitions requiring hard work, teamwork, leadership, and above all the taking of initiative, which is itself rewarded in the House system.

HIKSVS International School seeks to combine the very best of the Socratic and Confucian traditions in education through following and promoting the UNESCO ‘Four Pillars of Learning’, expressed through the SVS ‘Four Journeys’. The UNESCO four pillars of learning are fundamental principles for reshaping education – the core aim of the Chinese government in setting out to create a ‘Learning Society’ in China and opening Chinese education to Socratic principles and to global cultural understanding.

 

Curriculum

The curriculum in HIKSVS International School involves Chinese, Maths, English, Art, Music, Drama, Dance, PE, Health, Humanity, Science, ICT, Design and Technology, etc.

 

Imaginative teaching and learning methodology

 

HIKSVS International School is committed to following the outstanding and highly imaginative teaching and active and experimental learning methodology of Sutton Valence Preparatory School, and to the continuous development and enhancement of teaching and learning methodology, with individual professional development for teachers an exceptionally strong focus.

 

  • The significant use of the natural world, through nature walks, environmental awareness, etc.
  • Strong cultural experiences such as involvement in music (especially choirs, but also learning instruments), plays, and dance
  •  ‘Real-life’ learning – solving real problems through a multi-disciplinary approach, engaging with the real world outside school
  • Museum, theatre, exhibitions, business and other cultural venue or event visits
  • International experiences, whether pupils speaking about their country and culture, Model United Nations debates, or visits abroad
  • School and community events.
  •  ‘Themed’ days and experiences, including celebration of festivals and customs, dress and cuisine

2. Integrated curriculum content

Curriculum content is designed to effect integration between International and Chinese pupils. 

3. Other activities

In addition to the regular lessons each week, one-off activities, themed days, site visits, field days, ‘real life learning’, sports teams, choir and music ensembles, combined school teams in many disciplines, visiting speakers, competitions and internet links, and especially the inter-House competition, provide very many further opportunities for pupils to integrate and practice their language skills in the context of learning activities.

 

Faculty

HIKSVS International School boasts a top team of international and Chinese teachers as well as a first class administrative board. The faculty feature State Teacher Qualification Certificates or International Teacher Certification, with rich teaching experience and multi-cultural backgrounds.

The international faculty team is introduced by Sutton Valence School, which is one of England’s leading schools, and currently in the top 2% of all independent schools in the UK for adding the most academic value to pupils’ attainment. We adopt the same and improved pattern of school operation and grading criteria as SVS to achieve an equally high academic level and teaching quality.

The Chinese faculty team consists of senior teachers from elite preparatory schools in Tianjin, aiming to broaden children’s horizons through providing a premium international basic education based upon rich teaching experience in compulsory education, innovative teaching methods and advanced education philosophy.

Facilities

The campus is equipped with advanced facilities, with high specification classrooms for teaching, art, calligraphy, scientific experiments, nature, computer science, vocal music, instrumental music, music rehearsals, dancing, gymnastics and drama as well as public areas such as the library and Learning Resource Centre, cafeteria, lobby, waiting area and reception rooms. 

With full wireless coverage across the campus, the demand for high-quality education of students can be satisfied along with the classrooms equipped with first-rate electronic devices, such as computers, projectors, and interactive whiteboards.

As we always place the establishment of a healthy academic and living environment as the top priority, a central ventilation system and imported water purification equipment are installed, as well as furniture from internationally-renowned brands conforming to high standards of environment protection.

The campus design extends the tradition of the British campus style so that visitors will enjoy a wonderful combination of both dynamic sports and outdoor entertainment areas, a beautiful landscaped avenue, garden corners for reading, a national flag square and a sports field and pitches for cricket, hockey, rugby, tennis, football, basketball and many other activities; and static floral scenery of great diversity of plant species, which makes the campus tranquil and evergreen.

 

Services

Dining

We supply two meals and snacks per day. With safe, green organically-farmed and non-polluted ingredients delivered by our self-owned HIK Organic Farm, the school kitchen serves nutritious and delicious Chinese and Western cuisine, made with care. 

Medical care

Our professional medical care personnel are responsible for a morning inspection and patrol inspections on a daily basis, daily care, disease prevention and first aid services as well as advising on balanced nutrition for students. In addition, a health guide will be provided to parents and a growth and welfare record for every child established.

News

  • A Wonderful and Exciting New Year at HIKSVS!

    A Wonderful and Exciting New Year at HIKSVS!

    04 January 2024
    As spring approaches and the New Year begins, HIKSVS students returned to school today with cheerful voices and happy laughters. They talked excited...
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  • HIKSVS New Year Letter

    HIKSVS New Year Letter

    01 January 2024
    Dear Parents, I hope that all our HIKSVS families are having a wonderful time with their families and friends over this holiday period and taking ...
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  • HIKSVS COBIS ART COMPETITION

    HIKSVS COBIS ART COMPETITION

    18 December 2023
    In the art competition organised by COBIS, HIKSVS students created artworks based on the theme "A Future to Be Proud Of ", which provided ...
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  • HIKSVS Meijiang Park Cross Country 2023

    19 October 2023
    Cross country is one of our annual fixed house events at HIKSVS. SVS in the UK also follow this annual tradition – this activity fosters and e...
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  • HIKSVS Teachers Continued Further Study with BISE

    19 October 2023
    Over the last four years, staff from HIKSVS (both international and Chinese) have been participating in further study via the UK PGCE course and Mas...
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  • Welcome Back To The New 2023-24 Academic Year!

    19 October 2023
    After a restful and enjoyable summer break, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to this new academic year. Each school ye...
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  • HIKSVS Prize Day 2023

    HIKSVS Prize Day 2023

    20 July 2023
    On Friday 7th July, our school held the "Prize Giving Ceremony of 2022-2023" in Tianjin Grand Theatre. This is a special day for every stu...
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  • HIKSVS Public Speaking Competition 2023

    HIKSVS Public Speaking Competition 2023

    20 July 2023
    On Thursday 15th June we welcomed a number of children to the stage to present a place in the world that they have visited or would like to visit an...
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  • 2023 HIKSVS World Environmental Day

    2023 HIKSVS World Environmental Day

    20 July 2023
    On Monday 5th June World Environmental Day was celebrated around the globe. Agencies from schools, industries, communities, and governments of natio...
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  • Mr Hurst Visits Sutton Valence School!

    Mr Hurst Visits Sutton Valence School!

    20 July 2023
    On Thursday 25th May, Mr Hurst, the Executive Principal of HIKSVS, visited Sutton Valence School. It was a wonderful moment to see both schools reun...
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  • HIKSVS Annual Sports Day

    HIKSVS Annual Sports Day 2023

    16 May 2023
    On Friday 31st March we welcomed all children into school to compete in our Annual Sports Day. Year 5-9 children took part in the morning and Years ...
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  • HIKSVS Book Day 2023

    HIKSVS Book Day 2023

    16 May 2023
    On Friday 21st April, we launched a series of activities for "Book Day". Reading has been celebrated, for the last 28 years, as a big day ...
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  • HIKSVS Art Festival

    HIKSVS Art Festival 2023

    16 May 2023
    Our Art Festival is an annual event at HIKSVS and an important platform for children to showcase diverse talents, which created a rich artistic atmo...
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  • House Cross Country-Run to Glory

    House Cross Country-Run to Glory

    07 November 2022
    House Cross Country is a traditional event of Sutton Valence School in the UK and is one of the highlights of HIKSVS' House competitions. It is ...
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  • HIKSVS Cross Country-Orienteering

    HIKSVS Cross Country-Orienteering

    24 November 2021
    Amid the cheers, HIKSVS Cross Country Orienteering was successfully held on Sunday. Orienteering is a new form of field activity that originated in ...
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  • Hello! 2021-2022 Academic Year in HIKSVS!

    Hello! 2021-2022 Academic Year in HIKSVS!

    07 September 2021
    After a restful and enjoyable summer, HIKSVS opens its doors again to a new academic year full of promise and expectation. Staff have worked tireles...
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  • HIKSVS Prize Giving 2021

    HIKSVS Prize Giving 2021

    07 July 2021
    At the end of every school year, we need a "rite” to witness our progress. What is a rite? In the French fairy tale, The Little Prince, &...
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  • HIKSVS Prize Giving Award 2020

    20 July 2020
    On 10th July Friday, we held "HIKSVS Prize Giving Award 2020". It has indeed been a different year for all of us. The impact of the corona...
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  • Happy Chinese New Year 2020

    22 January 2020
    The wheels of time move slowly forward. The New Year's bell is about to chime. Red lanterns, the Chinese character "Fu", exquisite pap...
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  • Ski Trip -- 2019 Study Tour in Japan

    09 January 2020
    Education is the best investment and the best form of education is travel. A study tour is an international cultural experience enabling students to...
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  • HIKSVS Presented Wizard of Oz

    12 November 2019
    On Thursday 7th November Children from Year 4, 5 and 6 presented a performance of the children’s classic story of The Wizard of Oz. The wonder...
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  • SVS Advisory Council Visit

    17 September 2019
    Last week, we warmly welcomed SVS Advisory council for their third annual visit to HIKSVS. The advisory council consists of six members, including t...
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  • Welcome New Students Joining HIKSVS

    04 September 2019
    On August 26th, 2019, HIKSVS entered its third academic year. More than 100 new students joined the HIKSVS family. After the summer holiday, both ch...
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  • HIKSVS Prize Giving 2019

    01 July 2019
    On 28th June, the last day of this academic year, we held our "Annual Prize Giving Ceremony". It is a key date in all British schools and ...
    MORE
  • HIKSVS Sports Day 2019

    05 May 2019
    This week saw the highlight of the HIKSVS School Sport calendar - our 2nd annual sports day. With the increasing size of the school, the day was spl...
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  • World Book Day 2019

    02 April 2019
    “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” -- Dr. Seuss Reading is Fundamental. In fact, ...
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  • SVS Advisory Council Visit 2019

    22 February 2019
    At the start of the Chinese new year, our school welcomed the annual supervision visit from the SVS advisory council. The advisory council consists ...
    MORE
  • Chinese New Year Celebration

    01 February 2019
    On 31st January, 2019, HIKSVS celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year in a very traditional way. Red lanterns, hanging decorations, window flowers, co...
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  • HIK Group Annual Meeting 2019

    25 January 2019
    2018 has passed full of achievement and 2019 comes with challenges and opportunities. On 20thJanuary, 2019, all HIK Group staff and a number of pres...
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  • Open Day at HIKSVS

    19 November 2018
    On 17th November, we invited around 30 families to an “Open Day” at HIKSVS. Parents and children both had a productive time at the campu...
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  • House Cross Country 2018

    19 October 2018
    Cross Country is an endurance event that allows students to choose their speed of running based on their physical condition. In England races are ge...
    MORE
  • SVS Advisory Council Visit

    21 September 2018
    At the start of the new school year, our school welcomed the annual supervision visit from the SVS advisory council. The advisory council consists o...
    MORE
  • HIKSVS First Anniversary Celebration

    30 August 2018
    On 26th August 2018, HIKSVS held a grand ceremony celebrating its first anniversary. Almost 300 parents were invited to join the celebration. We rev...
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  • Nurturing Creativity Through Art Education

    12 June 2018
    We often find that most children in foreign countries have excellent practical, artistic and creative abilities. They are problem solvers and are ab...
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  • Charity Day at HIKSVS

    29 May 2018
    Last week saw 2 of the 4 school’s journeys (Leadership and Community) emphasised and celebrated. As part of the Year 4 Leadership programme bo...
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  • World Book Day

    08 May 2018
    World Book Day proved an action-packed day for pupils and staff alike. Students responded to the dressing up day competition with enthusiasm-celebra...
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  • School Outing

    28 April 2018
    With gentle breezes and warm sunshine, all HIKSVS students and teachers spent a half day out of school enjoying a delightful trip to the Water Park ...
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  • House Competition – Score a Goal!

    03 April 2018
    The House football competition at HIKSVS International School took place on 26th March. With the start whistle, all four houses of Bodiam, Hever, Le...
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  • Delegation from Sutton Valence visiting HIKSVS

    02 March 2018
    HIKSVS were delighted to receive four guests from Sutton Valence School this week. Mr Bruce Grindlay, Headmaster of Sutton Valence School was accomp...
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  • Celebrating Chinese New Year at HIKSVS

    13 February 2018
    This week at HIKSVS, pupils have celebrated the Chinese New Year – the year of the dog. Classrooms, corridors and drama studios are awash with...
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  • HIKSVS Open Morning

    25 January 2018
    This week HIKSVS welcomed over 60 parents to two Open Mornings. Parents were treated to lesson observations, a tour of the campus and an opportunity...
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  • A Great Journey Starts Here!

    25 August 2017
    HIKSVS International School opened its doors to the first intake of students this week for the start of the new academic year. The students began a ...
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  • Introduction of HIKSVS

    20 March 2017
    The British Preparatory School System Key features of the outstanding British Preparatory School system are replicated at HIKSVS International Sc...
    MORE
  • A historic year for HIK and SVS

    11 January 2017
    A New Year - and a new school in the HIK family! Over Christmas, a historic agreement in the annals of Hopeland International Kindergartens (HIK) wa...
    MORE
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