At the Upper Primary, we believe in developing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally through immersive experiences and inquiry-based learning. The program and unique learning spaces encourage students to explore, engage, and apply their understandings to the world around them. Our inquiry-based approach is grounded in deep questions and authentic challenges. By consolidating and refining skills while developing new passions, students can think deeply, create, tinker, and transfer classroom learning to real-world situations.

Student choice is integral to our program, empowering learners to make thoughtful decisions throughout their education journey. Creativity, collaboration, and resilience are emphasized and developed through opportunities for student voice and input into the learning. Students set goals, share, and reflect on their learning in a variety of ways. Empowering and engaging students is essential for developing independent, critical thinkers who can envision better solutions and take their passions forward for the future.

Empowering Learners

The Upper Primary is located on the Repulse Bay campus and is accessed through the main entrance at 23 South Bay Road. Students walk past the Lower Primary building across the bridge to the Upper Primary. Home to 660 students from Grades 3 to 5, this 8-story building is equipped with bespoke facilities to serve 8-11-year-olds. 

Specialist Spaces

7 Chinese Classrooms
7 Chinese Classrooms
2 Art Studios
2 Art Studios
2 Music Rooms
2 Music Rooms
1 STEM Lab
1 STEM Lab

Passion Spaces

1 Hydroponic Farm
1 Hydroponic Farm
1 Kid Kitchen
1 Kid Kitchen
1 Media Lab
1 Media Lab
1 Design Garage
1 Design Garage

Wellbeing Spaces

1 Indoor Playground
1 Indoor Playground
1 Outdoor Playground
1 Outdoor Playground
2 PE Spaces
2 PE Spaces
1 Dining Hall
1 Dining Hall

Resources for Upper Primary

1 Chinese Culture Center
1 Chinese Culture Center
1 Library
1 Library
1 Think Tank for Instructional Coaching
1 Think Tank for Instructional Coaching
1 Student Services Wing
1 Student Services Wing

Shared Spaces with Lower Primary

1 Swimming Pool
1 Swimming Pool
1 Chapel
1 Chapel

 

Our Team


A Day in the Life at Upper Primary

At HKIS, every child is loved, and every child has a purpose. An HKIS Upper Primary typical day is filled with opportunities to try new things, build community, and develop a passion for learning. 


Student Learning in the Upper Primary

HKIS uses a comprehensive standards-based curriculum in which we teach for understanding. The Upper Primary learning environment accommodates flexible learning to meet individual learning needs. Each student progresses at their own rate, based on their strengths and growth areas. Throughout the learning journey at HKIS, students will grow in their love of learning. 

Upper Primary Camp

Experiential learning is integral to the Upper Primary program and supports the Student Learning Result of Character Development. The camp experience is a three-day/two-night experience run by an external camp provider with highly trained instructors skilled in health and safety, outdoor pursuits, and water activities. At camp, students will practice team building, resilience, taking safe risks, and building relationships with peers and adults. All students will participate in this memorable Upper Primary experience. 

 
 

Student Life

Student Life at HKIS Upper Primary involves a community of caring adults, peer friendships, and experiences that go beyond academics. At HKIS, we care about the whole child. 

Upper primary counseling

Student and Parent Support

The Upper Primary is supported by three counselors, one for each grade. Each counselor stays with your child’s grade throughout the Upper Primary journey. When the Grade 5 counselor sends her students to Middle School, she cycles back to the incoming Grade 3 class. Counselors get to know each child personally and establish a relationship with them as learners and school community members. Through classroom learning and additional support, counselors aim to enhance every child's personal, social, and emotional development, building skills for effective living and well-being.

Chapels

The Christian identity of the school is expressed through community-building expressions of faith such as devotions, prayer, and chapel. Chapels, in particular, are an opportunity for the proclamation of God’s love and a communal expression of identity. Chapels are inclusive. All students and staff are invited to participate in a respectful, reverent, and joyful way. In Chapel, every student hears that he or she is a beloved child of God and has been given unique gifts for their calling in life. 

Read more about spiritual development at HKIS

upper primary students Chapel

upper primary students playing soccer during after school activities

After School Activities

HKIS offers a wide variety of after-school activities (ASAs) through in-house and third-party providers. Activities are a large part of developing the whole child and are an important part of the HKIS program. Activities range from sports, performing and visual arts, spirituality, S.T.E.M., and more. Learn more about the full program. 

Read more about ASAs

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