IS A PRIVATE, APOLITICAL SCHOOL KNOWN FOR PROVIDING THE GREENEST LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG. IT OPERATES 13 CLASSES FROM RECEPTION CLASS TO PRIMARY 6 ACROSS THREE CAMPUSES IN CHEUNG SHA, TONG FUK AND PUI O
With campuses in relatively remote South Lantau villages, Lantau International School (L.I.S.) prides itself on putting children first and being the ‘greenest school’ in Hong Kong. “At L.I.S., children receive a well-rounded education of the highest academic standard that combines both classroom (in low-rise buildings only) and outdoor learning (such as PE classes on the beach), allowing them to flourish socially and academically,” opens Principal James Lambert.
“All our campuses provide ready access to a green environment and a beach where we often swim and take outdoor lessons. We stress the importance of caring for nature with our children.”
In addition to its outdoorsy, eco-friendly focus, L.I.S. is known for its small class sizes – the student-to-teacher ratio does not exceed 24:1 – which ensures that students get individualised attention both in the classroom and when studying online. “The amount of one-to-one attention our students get from their teachers is maximised. In turn, this environment supports learning and enables teachers to teach the curriculum as efficiently as possible,” James explains.
L.I.S. provides a unique balance between a primary education in English following the British curriculum and extensive Mandarin classes. Its teachers are either native English or native Mandarin speakers.
The author of a popular children’s book, James is proud to reveal that the school library holds over 5,000 books including 3,000 in the lower primary campus (Tong Fuk) and 2,000 in the upper primary campus (Pui O). “Educational research shows that there is a positive correlation between the ability to read and doing well academically,” he says.
“While all our classrooms are equipped with an interactive board (ActivBoard) and we provide every student from Primary 4 to 6 with a computer in the classroom for educational use as and when appropriate, we focus on learning through reading and writing on paper from Reception Class to Primary 3. We believe this is the best way to develop children’s learning and core motor skills, awareness of the environment and memory.”
L.I.S. stands for Lantau International School but also Learning. Inclusive. Supportive. With regards to learning, L.I.S. focuses on essential academic skills including literacy (listening, speaking, reading and writing), mathematics and science. “We further believe that children should be in the class level that is right for their needs, not necessarily the one dictated by their age,” says James.
As for inclusivity, L.I.S. is a private, secular, apolitical and unaffiliated school with students from over 30 nationalities. “We stand for tolerance and respect,” says James. “We take a firm stance on bullying and this may lead in extreme cases to suspension from the school.”
And supportive? “In conjunction with parents, L.I.S. does its utmost to accommodate all students’ needs where it has the competency to do so,” James explains. “Our teachers provide students with regular homework and offer a range of extra-curricular activities and summer camps. Furthermore, L.I.S. prides itself in having affordable fees relative to other international schools. We may also provide financial assistance upon request on a case-by-case basis for parents who are undergoing hardship.”
For more on Lantau International School, call 2980 3676/ 2984 0302, email admin@lis.edu.hk or visit www.lis.edu.hk