Hong Kong’s leading bilingual IB schools, Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA), recently completed a campus extension project - adding to the Shum Wan campus an extra 9,000 square metres of learning space with world-class facilities.
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The 420-million-dollar Campus Extension project commenced in 2020 and was unveiled on 2 December in a grand opening ceremony. Celebrating a new chapter in the VSA history was the officiating guest, Dr. Choi Yuk-Lin, Secretary of Education, alongside honored guests.
Dr. Maggie Koong, Head of Academy, says of the momentous occasion: “Throughout almost 20 years of its history, VSA has undergone a lot of changes,” she noted with gratification. “With such a major expansion and grandiose enhancement this time, we are inspired and propelled to continue developing passionate, healthy, and accomplished bilingual learners with high global awareness.”
Designed to cater to the educational needs of a student body of 2,000 and inspire their creativity, independence, and a love of learning, the new learning complex boasts an array of state-of-the-art facilities.
Floor-wide Innovation Hub to nurture design-thinking skills
The ‘Innovation Hub’ allows students to explore and innovate using advanced learning technologies, such as VR headsets, laser cutting devices, mBots, micro:bits, and more. Two main rooms are designed for STEAM education, while the Fab Lab is equipped with various digital creation tools to facilitate robotics learning. Students can ideate and fabricate creative and innovative projects, developing independent thinking and problem-solving skills. The V++ Studio is the hotspot for coding and programming, with AI coding and innovative design taught with coding teaching aids and interactive TV panels. The multi-functional Hub encompasses much more, including VEX, LEGO and hackathon.
World-class performing arts centre
The floor-wide Performing Arts Centre boasts commercial-grade audiovisual systems and 4K+ projectors to provide a top-tier experience for up to 1,100 audiences. Performing arts projects at VSA will scale new heights, encouraging students to fully develop their talents in performing arts. The new Performing Arts Centre will also serve as a professional venue for school ceremonies and major events with its flexible stage setups. In addition, a Blackbox Theatre and a drama room have been built for more budding actors and performers to discover their potential.
Brand-new libraries
The expanded primary and secondary libraries now command a modern and simple design and a wider usable area. Aside from a kaleidoscope of books and teaching materials, there is much more space for revision and study; for instance, there are four study rooms for students to discuss work after school, promoting independent learning. The two libraries are connected by a staircase, enhancing the academic interchange between different grades.
Multifaceted sportsground
The Sports Hall is designed to better support physical education classes and a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as tennis, gymnastics, netball, and more. In January 2023, a fencing center with fencing strips equipped with a professional electronic scoring system will be built, increasing students’ exposure to different types of sports.
Aesthetically-designed spaces
Taking care of students’ emotional well-being in their busy school life, VSA provides aesthetically-designed learning and leisure spaces in the new complex. ‘DP Student Lounge’ and ‘The Quay’ - a reception space - command relaxing and open environments, perfect for studying and taking breaks, while ‘Cloud Café’ overlooks a stunning sea view of Shum Wan.
Sustainable campus design
Environmentally friendly design is adopted in the new building. Extensive use of floor-to-ceiling glass brings in more natural light; a rainwater irrigation system conserves energy and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is installed throughout the campus. Green spaces have been expanded, such as a rooftop green terrace and a ‘Green Corridor’ decorated with art pieces and plants.
The project’s success earned accolades from guests and parents at the ceremony. Dr. Choi congratulated VSA on its outstanding record and sterling efforts in providing high-quality holistic education, “It is delightful to see that VSA students enjoy various learning opportunities, especially in STEAM education, which starts as early as in year two,” she observed. “Furthermore, positive values like national identity are fostered with its rigorous bilingual curriculum and arts education highlighting Chinese heritage. Such efforts are appreciated, as they perfectly align with the Education Bureau’s foci – to promote STEAM and enhance a holistic national education.”
At the opening ceremony, students showcased their keen awareness of Chinese culture and values through a large-scale musical with Fa Mulan’s story as the theme. Dozens of students donned Chinese costumes to perform traditional dances, dragon dance, Chinese drum, and kung fu. All the passionate actors embodied Fa Mulan’s sense of righteousness and pride in her identity. It was a fabulous conclusion to the ceremony, and a clear display of VSA’s guiding statement, “VALUE, STRIVE, ACT”.
With the new campus extension officially launched, VSA proudly enters an exciting new era in education provision and pledges to fulfil its mission to develop passionate, healthy, and accomplished bilingual learners who are globally engaged.
