The Standard’s International Schools Fair 2025, held on March 8 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Admiralty, was a tremendous success, attracting enthusiastic crowds eager to discover the top international schools in Hong Kong.
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Top international schools showcased their offerings, giving visitors ample opportunities to engage with principals, heads of schools, and admissions officers at their booths. The event featured four panel discussions and an informative session led by experienced educators, covering topics relevant to parents. Discussions included the future of education, students’ career readiness, mental health, the integration of AI and technology in the classroom, and strategies for preparing students for an evolving world.
Attendees participated in Q&A sessions where a wide range of questions were addressed. Schools highlighted how prospective students and their families could benefit from comprehensive curricula, enriching extracurricular activities, and student-centered teaching approaches.
Along with valuable insights into educational practices and school cultures tailored to their children’s needs, visitors enjoyed a pop-up photo booth, received the latest edition of The Standard’s International Schools Guide, and had opportunities to win exciting prizes!
Education 2030: embracing global change and exploring the future of education
At the first panel discussion, the concept of “happy learning” is emphasized by Mr. Richard Vanderply, who highlights the importance of integrating community into schools. He notes that extracurricular activities and social services are essential for student development alongside academics. Ms. Anita Simpson supports this perspective by advocating for opportunities that help students develop valuable skills such as teamwork and communication. In addition, Ms. Amanda Shepherd stresses the significance of “micro-learning,” arguing that breaking complex topics into shorter modules reduces learning fatigue and enhances knowledge absorption.
Mind matters: supporting student well-being
At the second panel discussion, Mr. Paul Wickes encourages parents to communicate openly with schools and emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, enabling them to embrace risk-taking and new experiences. Adding to this, Ms. Betty Yau highlights the pivotal role of parents in supporting student growth, urging them to be present and engaged. She notes that Fairchild Kindergarten collaborates closely with parents, offering workshops to enhance parenting skills and likens nurturing students to growing plants, stressing the need for essential support in a positive environment. Meanwhile, Mr. John Shanahan discusses the various types of stress students may encounter—biological, emotional, social, and cognitive—emphasizing Hong Kong Academy’s focus on providing strategies and guidance to help students cope effectively.
Career Readiness in a globalised world
During the third panel discussion, Ms. Renée Boey views problems as opportunities and emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity in students. She advocates for parental involvement in the learning process and highlights how Saint Too Bloom Academy provides diverse opportunities, such as workshops and field trips, to support holistic education. Mr. William Ho complements this by noting that EF Academy offers numerous opportunities for students to prepare for their future careers, encouraging exploration both academically and beyond the classroom.
Tech-driven learning: the use of technology and AI in the classroom
The fourth session discusses the integration of technology and AI in education, focusing on the various electronic tools and platforms used in classrooms to enhance teaching and improve learning outcomes. The panelists reflect on how technology has transformed student learning compared to traditional methods, emphasizing the need for technology to foster critical thinking and creativity rather than encouraging passive consumption of information. They also address potential risks associated with digital classrooms. Mr. Jason Prohaska and Mr. Robert Fox further explore the evolving role of AI tools in education, debating whether students should use them for assignments and the implications of such use.
Future ready skills: preparing children for life in an ever-changing world
As the speaker for the information session, Mr. Robert Fox emphasizes Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong’s goal of developing students into leaders and team players while fostering creativity and independent learning in preparation for university. He also highlights the importance of developing skills outside the classroom, promoting outdoor education through activities like hiking and kayaking, which allow students to connect with nature without the distractions of technology. The school also encourages participation in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, helping students discover their passions and grow into self-motivated individuals capable of effectively balancing work and life.
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Join us at our upcoming fair to discover the international school that best suits your child’s needs!
TKO Education Fair - June 7, 2025 (Saturday)
International Schools Fair 2025 - September 6, 2025 (Saturday)
