Admissions Policy And Procedures
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ADMISSIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION
Since its inception in 1991, CDNIS has experienced tremendous growth. Recognized as a leading international school in Hong Kong and Asia, the school is in the position of having waiting lists of applicants for vacancies at most grade levels.
The school admissions process is designed to ensure students are placed in the appropriate grade level to meet their learning needs. This enables students to reach their full potential, preparing them to be responsible global citizens and leaders, as is reflected in our mission statement.
To ensure a thorough and fair process and to aid in developing an understanding of the application procedure, stringent policy, guidelines, criteria and practices are in place to support the application and admissions process.
ADMISSIONS POLICY
The school seeks to admit applicants and parents who support the CDNIS mission statement and the mission statement and principles of the International Baccalaureate. Further, the school seeks to admit applicants who will benefit from an inquiry-based conceptual programme in the Lower School and a rigorous university-preparatory programme in the Upper School.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
The school practices a selective admissions process in which students are assessed prior to entry into the school. Admission decisions are based on a careful assessment of each applicant’s age appropriate knowledge, skills and understandings as well as their social and emotional development. Successful applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of meeting the school’s high academic standards as self-directed and responsible individuals. The IB Learner Profile also helps to govern selection as we look for students who are caring, open-minded, balanced, and principled.
| Enrolment Requirements | |
| Pre Reception | 3 years old by December 31 of year of entry |
| Reception | 4 years old by December 31 of year of entry |
| Preparatory | 5 years old by December 31 of year of entry |
Placement in all other grades is based on age or level of educational attainment. Students are generally placed within their appropriate age group though exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the respective Principal.
Note for applicants who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong:
Proof must be provided that the applicants meet Hong Kong Immigration requirements for entry to a school in Hong Kong prior to admission. Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department web site for their requirements:
http://www.immd.gov.hk/index.html
Application Procedures
| 1. | Submit a completed application form |
| 2. | The following documents must be submitted before an application will be considered:
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| 3. | Once the application and supporting documents have been received, your child’s application will go through the following process: |
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS ASSESSMENT
Due to an overwhelming number of applications received, priority for an admissions assessment will be based on academic/school performance* and the following criteria. Those who fulfill one or more of the following will receive an assessment interview as long as all available documentation is submitted on or before the application deadline:
PRE RECEPTION TO GRADE 12 APPLICATIONS
After an application is received, the candidate may be invited to the school for an admissions assessment. A member of the admissions team will contact the applicant’s parent/guardian to arrange a date and time for the assessment.
Admissions assessments for Pre Reception, Reception, Preparatory, Grade 1 and Grade 2 will begin in January for applicants who applied on or before 31 October of the preceding school year. Applications received after the 31 October deadline may not be considered.
Admissions assessments for Grade 3 to Grade 12 will be held in March/April for applicants who applied on or before 31 January of the entering school year. Applications received after the 31 January deadline may not be considered.
Admissions assessments are only administered at CDNIS by admissions/academic staff. Kindly contact the Admissions Office for more information if necessary at (852) 2240 6363 or admissions@cdnis.edu.hk.
Assessment Procedures
Pre Reception
Applicants need to have beginning English skills as determined through a small group interview with a teacher. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions in English are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 minutes.
Reception
Applicants need to have basic English skills as determined through a small group interview with a teacher. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions in English are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Preparatory
Applicants need to have the ability to speak in simple sentences and to understand and respond to a teacher's general instructions and questions in English. Social skills are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes in a small group setting.
Grade 1 and Grade 2
Acceptance is based upon the results of a short written and verbal test specifically designed for the grade level. The test includes vocabulary, writing, reading, comprehension, mathematics, and speaking skills and will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions are also part of this assessment.
Grade 3 to Grade 12
Acceptance is based upon the results of the Canadian Achievement Test, which is a standardized test to determine competency in English and mathematics based on the Canadian curriculum. Applicants may also be required to write a short piece about a prescribed topic. Grade 11 applicants only will write an additional math test to determine their math ability and background. Previous academic results and a Student Reference Form are also taken into consideration. The time for an admission test varies in length from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Screening Process
The screening takes place in two stages. Applicants who do not meet the requirements of the first stage will not undergo the second stage of the process.
Stage 1
The following criteria are considered, the weighting of which varies, depending on the applicant’s age/entering grade:
Applicants will then be ranked as follows:
Stage 2
Students ranked under Categories 1 and 2 will proceed to the second stage of the admissions process. Applications are weighted according to the following criteria:
The Principals of each of the Lower and Upper Schools make admissions decisions for their respective schools. The final decision regarding admissions rests with the Head of School.
Acceptance Procedures
Once a student has been accepted, subject to space availability, placement will be offered by written notification to his/her parents or authorized guardian. Parents of students for immediate entry will also be informed by telephone. If the grade level applied for is full, the accepted student will be placed on the waiting list. Waiting lists terminate at the end of the school year.
Upon receipt of a letter of acceptance, placement will be confirmed on receipt of the tuition fee deposit. This amount is deductible from the annual school tuition fees.
For students accepted for immediate entry, full payment of the appropriate tuition fee on a prorated basis is required prior to student enrolment.
Please refer to our current year Fee Structure for further details of tuition fees and other fee payments.
The above Admissions Policy and Procedures were approved by Head of School on
| 15 January 2013 |  |
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Date |
Dave McMaster |
