Spiritual Development

Spirituality at HKIS

As one of six Student Learning Results (SLR) at HKIS, "students will understand and respect Christianity and other religions and will identify and develop their own spiritual identity."

A journey of reverence, which explores the meaning of our lives and connections with God, other people, and the world.

There are various ways in which HKIS provides such an environment to nurture our students' journey of spiritual growth and development. HKIS has religious educators who provide support for our religious education programs, a well thought out curriculum throughout the four divisions at HKIS, as well as clear religious education standards based on our broader philosophy of education. On a day to day level, HKIS embraces an open and accepting community spirit. We believe this happens best in an atmosphere of active role modeling, conversation and discussion about spiritual matters, world views, personal understandings of God, and personal life experiences. The purpose of these conversations is to learn about and openly discuss Christianity and other beliefs. These various ways work cohesively to foster HKIS' mission of "an American-style education grounded in the Christian faith and respecting the spiritual lives of all".

Religious Education Standards at HKIS

Standard 1: Students recognise, define and articulate their own spiritual identity and demonstrate how it guides their personal decisions.

Standard 2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the Christian story and the centrality of Jesus in the Bible.

Standard 3: Students understand both the common and unique beliefs, practices and influence of the major religions of the world.

Teachers as Religious Educators at HKIS

  • Support the religious education program among colleagues and students through curricular and co-curricular programs.
  • Acquaint themselves with the religiously diverse nature of the HKIS community (students, parents, teachers, and staff) and exhibit an interest in and respect for these religious traditions.
  • Participate in HKIS spiritual growth opportunities.
  • Acquaint themselves with religious festivals and incorporate them into classroom instruction and discussions.

Religious Curriculum

  • Lower and Upper Primary Schools: Christianity, using stories from the Bible, is taught by classroom teachers during a time allocated to “Christian Studies.” Classroom teachers in social studies, art, music and Chinese studies teach world religions.
  • Middle School: Old Testament is taught in 6th grade. In 7&8th Grade, students learn about the New Testament and world religions over a two-year cycle. In Middle School, we have dedicated religious education teachers.
  • High School: Biblical and world religion courses are integrated into the humanities and fine arts programs and taught by specialists.
  • All divisions hold regular chapels and community gatherings.
Instead of burying the differences, we engage the diversity.

VJ Sathyaraj, former High School teacher and Associate Pastor with The Church of All Nations