Turning mirrors into windows

Journalist Sydney J. Harris is quoted as saying, “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” When you gaze into a mirror, the only thing you see is your reflection and a limited area around you. However, when you look out a window, the view can be almost endless.

Since first opening its doors in 1991, Canadian International School of Hong Kong has provided a dynamic and progressive education to its students. Head of School Dave McMaster says, “We take our role in shaping responsible global citizens and leaders of tomorrow very seriously, which means giving our students the tools they need to achieve their best, both inside and outside the classroom and long after they walk out the doors of our school.”

CDNIS students have the distinct advantage of being the only students in Hong Kong to receive dual matriculation to which CDNIS aptly refers to as a “dual academic passport.” CDNIS graduates leave the school with two distinctly different diplomas, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both recognized by top post-secondary institutions around the world.

In fact, students are also eligible to receive the bilingual Chinese and English IB Diploma, with some members of the 2013 graduating class the first to receive this distinction. Head of Guidance Bob Bate says, “We believe this best prepares our students for the ever-changing world that is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. Admissions officers from prestigious universities around the world including McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Oxford, London School of Economics, Harvard, Yale, and HKU actively seek out CDNIS students because they know CDNIS students are best prepared for the rigors of university.”

CDNIS’ Guidance and Career Education Department provides ongoing support to students as soon as they begin contemplating their postsecondary options. The school’s aim is to ensure students maximize their chances of being accepted into world class universities and more importantly, into programmes the students are passionate about.

In grade nine, students are assigned a guidance counsellor who works with them over the next four years. By grade 12, the counsellor has a thorough understanding of the students’ strengths, programmes of interest, and desired university location. Bate says, “This continuity of support ensures counsellors get to know their students very well and are able to actively counsel and support students in their university applications and career exploration.”

Students participate in workshops geared at preparing them for the post secondary application process. This includes strengthening their interview skills and ensuring their portfolio’s are comprehensive and well thought out. Information sessions ensure students and parents fully understand application deadlines and entrance requirements, which vary from university to university and country to country. During school breaks, students can participate in overseas university tours to Canada, the US or the UK where they tour the campuses and meet with admissions officers.

The overseas university tours have helped CDNIS strengthen its ties with leading universities around the world as more than 300 university admissions officers visit the campus every year. One undertaking CDNIS is proud of is their partnership with Cambridge University. This past summer, four Cambridge professors spent a week at CDNIS offering courses specifically geared at students considering careers in Medicine, Engineering, Politics, International Relations, Physical Sciences or Health Sciences.

Many universities also place considerable importance on a student’s involvement in service, extra-curricular activities and leadership outside the classroom. This sometimes will be the deciding factor when admissions departments are selecting students for their university.

Upper School Principal John Jalsevac says, “These universities know academic rigor is not sacrificed even though CDNIS students are involved in an array of extra-curricular activities. Our average overall IB score was 36 this year, compared to the world average of 29. These results have positioned CDNIS in the top 10% of schools offering the Diploma Programme. Almost all of these students are also extremely active outside the classroom, both at school and in the community.”

While CDNIS is internationally known for its excellence in education, it prides itself on being a warm, caring community where everyone places a high priority on relationship building. Students are encouraged to maintain a balance between academic work and extra-curricular opportunities, with sporting, arts and cultural achievements valued equally.

Also, as the leaders of tomorrow, the school wants to make sure its students understand the importance of giving back to their community and that they are fortunate to be in the position they are in.

With this privilege comes responsibility and it is CDNIS’ hope that in 10, 20 or 30 years alumni will be well known for the importance they place on giving back in an effort to make the world a better, more peaceful place.

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FAST FACTS:

• Canadian International School of Hong Kong was established in 1991 and has evolved from a small campus of 81 students to a school with over 1,800 students and 270 staff representing 42 nationalities.

• A through-train International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Years Programme in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma all on one campus.

• As a non-profit organization, all the school’s funds are reinvested to continually upgrade and improve the school’s facilities and learning resources.