The Foundation Years (Years 7-9), the Remove (Year 10) and the Hundred (Year 11) include a challenging and broad curriculum that enable our pupils to be confident and resourceful independent learners. Critical thinking and inquiry drive our stimulating learning experiences. Our pupils study eight academic subjects, as well as units of interdisciplinary learning and the completion of large scale group and individual projects which require meaningful action.
At Malvern College Hong Kong, we consider the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language as essential for developing critical thinking and intercultural understanding. As in our Primary years, English and Chinese are compulsory. Pupils are assessed and placed into either Language and Literature or Acquiring Language in each language, depending on their Language proficiency and Language profile.
In Language and Literature, our pupils cultivate an appreciation of the nature of language and literature and its power to develop the imagination and expression. The course is designed to engage pupils in the many aspects of the language and literature of communities and their cultures, including a focus on English literature. It also offers the study of a wide range of literary and non-literary text types and writing styles and techniques, thus allowing pupils to comment on the significance of possible contexts, audiences, purpose, and the use of linguistic and literary devices.
As well as being academically rigorous, the subject also develops the communicative, linguistic and analytical skills that can be transferred across all subject groups.
Acquiring Language pupils are placed in their appropriate class based on their proficiency in speaking, writing and comprehension. Pupils progress through the levels as they acquire their ability to communicate and think critically in their additional language. The study of an additional language is valued as central to developing critical thinking, as well as fuelling a respect for, and understanding of diverse linguistic and cultural heritages. The course fosters a deep appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and develops techniques for constructing meaning and comprehension.
Integrated Science at Malvern includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Throughout the programme and as a commitment to science enrichment, pupils are exposed to other Sciences and Science-based interdisciplinary units, including Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Sport Sciences, Health Sciences, and/or Earth Sciences.
At Malvern, our pupils experience learning in four key areas of Mathematical study: number, algebra, statistics and probability and geometry and trigonometry. Learning challenges the pupils to develop new mathematical knowledge and use and apply it in new situations. The thrill of exploring mathematics and the discovery of how to transfer their knowledge to real-life situations are the focus. Malvern pupils have the opportunities to extend their learning in the Foundation Years and then study an extended course in Year 10 (Remove) and Year 11 (Hundred).
The study of individuals, societies and how they interact with environments enrich our pupils to understand and respect the world around them. The research and thinking skills derived from this study enable pupils to inquire into historical, contemporary, political, economic, religious, geographical and cultural factors in both the local and global settings. The subject requires pupils to use their knowledge and understanding to investigate and think critically and conceptually, so that they may interpret a range of different perspectives that enrich the formation of their own valid argument.
This course, merging creativity and innovation, follows the Malvern tradition of developing young entrepreneurs, designers and creators who are inspired to find solutions to real-life problems. Elements of both digital and product design are studied, including a range of cutting edge tools and technologies. The Malvern design experience allows the pupils to synthesize their knowledge with knowledge from the Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. The design cycle that leads to a pupil’s final product, give them the skills and process from recognizing a design opportunity to finding their own exciting solution.
Creativity through the Arts is studied in both disciplinary, integrated and interdisciplinary units that include visual arts, drama, music and dance. Moving through a dynamic creative process stimulates our young artists to develop their creative and analytical skills. The final product and performances will be shared across a range of Malvern and local communities and will enhance our pupils’ confidence and awareness of the aesthetics in a real-world context.
Combining state of the art facilities and a strong Malvern tradition of holistic education, physical and health education encourages our pupils to demonstrate the qualities of courage, integrity self-awareness, independence and collaboration. The course includes a broad range of activities such as games, aquatics, aesthetic pursuits and adventure challenge. Health and fitness are embedded into our units of inquiry with the aim of our pupils taking responsibility for their health and well-being.
Once a year, subject teams come together to deliver a rich interdisciplinary unit that build discipline knowledge whilst at the same time gives opportunities to synthesize knowledge, concepts and skills into new understandings. These new holistic understandings may include finding solutions, explaining phenomenon or creating a final performance or product. They may be STEM, STEAM or SMArt projects that also integrate new perspectives and give our learners a deeper understanding of the world and the complex relationships within it.Projects
Further opportunities for Malvern pupils to utilize their knowledge, understanding and skills into new understandings can be found in our project learning. In the Hundred (Year 11), pupils will embark on an individual project that will ask them to showcase their learning skills that they have developed over the five years of the curriculum. They will investigate an area of study based on their interests and passions, and produce a final product that will allow them to display their rich understanding and creative thinking that has emerged from their study.Service as Action
Continuing the Malvern tradition of making a meaningful difference to the lives of others and the environment, our pupils will be inspired from their learning to act and develop sustainable service learning projects both inside and outside of the classroom.Assessment
Assessment of learning is personalized, meaningful, timely and enhances future learning. Continuous assessment takes place, with final assessments at the end of each unit to inform both pupils and parents on the pupils’ level of achievement against subject criteria. These assessments include in-class tests, essays, projects, performances, investigations, lab reports and exams. The Hundred (Year 11) final assessments will be rigorous preparation for the sixth form study (Year 12 and 13). The final year 13 exams will be the starting point in the assessment design process across the seven years of the secondary school.