As you work through the online application, our Admissions Office is available and delighted to answer any questions you have about the admissions process or UISZ. If you have any questions or technical difficulties, you can contact us via email at admissions@uiszc.org , or you can call us at +86 (20) 8291 3201 / 8291 4691.
Below we’ve prepared a list of responses to our most frequently asked application questions to help support your family.
UISZ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Admissions
How can I arrange a visit to your school?
Thank you for being so interested in UISZ. If you want to visit the school, please email (admissions@uiszc.org) or call us (020-82914691) to make arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.
Which kind of students do you recruit?
Students who have a foreign passport, including those from Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan
How many students do you have, and what are the nationalities?
Currently, we have about 200 students from 19 different nationalities.
How many students are in each class?
The number of students varies in each class. The maximum is 12 in K, 16 in K1, 20 in K2, 22 in K3 to Year 5, and 24 in secondary.
What is your Curriculum?
UISZ offers the IB curriculum framework for our students: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and HKDSE.
What time does school start and end?
School begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:35 pm.
How many teachers do you have, and where are they from?
We have around 26 foreign teachers and 14 Chinese teachers. They come from all over the world: the US, Belgium, Colombia, France, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Kenya, Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, and South Africa.
What is the quality of teaching at UISZ?
We attend the top job fairs worldwide and recruit through international teaching agencies to get the best teachers and maintain a high teaching quality for our students. We hire highly qualified and trained IB teachers.
Do you have boarding facilities?
Yes, UISZ is not only an international school but also a boarding school. The boarding house (Dragon House) offers 7-day boarding, 5-day boarding and flexi-boarding. Students in Y1 (7 years old) and above can stay in the boarding house. Y1 can stay in the boarding house after an interview with the Head of Boarding.
Do students need to wear school uniforms?
Yes, students from K to Y10 should wear school uniforms every school day. Students in years 11 and 12 must abide by a dress code.
Do you provide school buses for students?
Yes. We provide school buses for day and boarding students
Do you provide meals for students?
Yes. We provide meals for students, which are included in school fees.
Does my child need to bring his/her device to school? If so, how do you manage it?
In UISZ, students in grades 3 and above should bring their own devices to school (BYOD). Parents and students must sign the ICT User Agreement to guide students in using their devices properly.
Do you have Scholarship Testing?
Yes, we offer Scholarship, please contact admission team for more information (admissions@uiszc.org)
Do you have an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme?
Yes, we do have the EAL programme. After taking the WIDA Assessment, students will be placed into one of three language acquisition categories to determine EAL support. This enables students to integrate into the full mainstream programme from the very beginning and guides the support they receive through push-in and pull-out support.
What kind of language programme do you have?
We recognise the importance of students being fluent in their mother tongue and multilingual. Our Language Programme recognises the importance of developing students’ first language while improving their language skills by studying additional languages. Students enrolled in MYP English Literature and Language Acquisition (Phase 4 and above) can access a third language course. Primary students attend Chinese A or B language classes and are exposed to additional French and Korean classes.
Do you have ECA’s (Extra-Curricular Activities)?
Students may sign up for ECAs Monday through Thursday afternoons. Primary and Secondary ECAs are operated separately. Students can choose extracurricular activities during each ECA rotation, including Lego Design, Music, athletics, cycling, coding, caligraphy, Forest School, Skateboarding, etc. ECA offerings change regularly, and with each new rotation, students can engage in different types of extracurricular activities. Sports in the secondary are offered simultaneously as the primary ECA offerings. ECA schedules are aligned with the sports seasons.
Do you provide SEN (Special Educational Needs) for students?
We are an inclusive school that recognizes people are unique and that everyone learns in different ways and at different rates. The school does not have the resources to administer a programme for children with severe learning disabilities (e.g. severe speech disability, severe autism, severe physical disability, etc.) Therefore, parents/guardians of children admitted to UISZ with special needs must present a recent psycho-educational assessment that a licensed school psychologist has conducted within the last two years. These results will determine the appropriateness of the child’s enrolment in the school.
Does school help students to apply for a Student Visa?
No, UISZ is not authorised to issue student visas. Therefore, it is the parent’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa.
UISZ School FAQ
What makes UISZ the best choice of International Education in Southern China?
Accreditation, World Class Facility, Excellent Teachers, IB Curriculum, Boarding Facilities and High University Acceptance
What is the history of UISZ?
The school opened in 2003 and maintains close links with its sister school in Guangzhou. UISZ is part of the Utahloy Education Foundation (UEF)
What is the Mission Statement of UISZ?
Our mission is to be an inclusive, holistic and creative learning community developing global citizens who confidently embrace the future.
Which Accreditation does UISZ have?
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- UNESCO Experimental School
What is the IB? Why is the IB the best programme for my child?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programmes encourage personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and personal development. (See http://www.ibo.org/en/programmes/ for more information)
Why is IB different?
The International Baccalaureate aims to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people motivated to succeed.
What universities can my son/daughter attend after graduating from UISZ?
The IB is well recognised. Students can use their IB results to apply to the best universities worldwide.
What is China New Horizons?
UISZ partners with our UEF partner, China New Horizons (CNH). Through our partnership, , students participate in programs designed to open minds and maximise the potential of each individual. Exploring Chinese culture, language and history, the programme takes advantage of the unique location and opportunities in South China. Through UISZ’s connection with CNH, with an environmental campus in Pak Lap, Hong Kong, students also venture to some of Hong Kong’s most pristine beaches and national parks. Activities are based on leadership, teamwork, innovation, and creativity.
Secondary School (Y6-12)
What do students need to bring? What does the school provide for them?
Students should bring their own devices. To start classes, new students are given an Admission Package, including a student diary, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Students must appropriately equip themselves for lessons with necessary writing and organizational supplies.
How many year levels and classes do you have?
In secondary school, we have Year 6—Year 10, with only one class at each year level. In years 11 and 12, we have two programs, with one class in the IB DP and one class in the HKDSE for each year level.
How many students are in each class? What is the maximum class size?
Student numbers vary in each year level. However, the maximum is 24 in each class.
What do you do for new students to help them easily transition?
A student buddy, peers, school counsellor, year group advisors, and subject teachers will help ease students into their new school life. In addition, our new student orientation programme and regular activities in our Pastoral Programme ensure a student’s transition into school life is monitored and supported according to individual needs.
What curriculum framework do you offer?
We offer IB Middle Years Programme(MYP), Diploma Programme(DP), and HKDSE.
Which textbook do you use?
We do not use one prescribed textbook. Instead, teachers use a wide variety of resources and different kinds of books. This includes many online and electronic resources for our students to promote real-life learning and access diverse viewpoints.
Do students need to take exams in Secondary? How are they being assessed?
Usually, at the end of each semester, students must sit examinations called Summative Assessments, but they are constantly assessed throughout the year according to the IB guidelines. Every unit of work is assessed. Summative Assessments may take various forms, one of which is examination-style assessment. Examination-style assessments are commonplace in IB Diploma subjects. Students must develop their examination skills to prepare for final examinations during May of Year 12.
Each semester, students and parents receive one Interim Report and one thorough end-of-semester report.
Do you help students to apply for University?
Yes, we provide extensive support to help students apply for university. Our college counsellor offers one-on-one support for students in grades 11 and 12, assisting them in exploring suitable university options and providing guidance through the application process.
We conduct workshops focused on the college application process to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, we organize events such as university fairs and talks featuring admissions officers from relevant universities.
We also facilitate onsite university visits, allowing students to experience campus life and engage directly with admissions staff. Our comprehensive support ensures students feel prepared and confident while navigating university applications.
Is there any correspondence between the Secondary school and home? If parents cannot speak English, can someone help with translation?
Yes, regular newsletters, a student diary, our ManageBac system, which has ‘live‘ viewing capabilities, and event communications are used to inform you of what your child has been learning and any upcoming commitments pertinent to your child. You are welcome to call any time and make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. There are opportunities to come and meet the staff and see your child’s work at various times during the year. Teachers may also email you about subject-related issues for your child.
We do have translation offered to parents who are not native English speakers.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
You can call the PA to the Head of Secondary on 020-82906806 or email our school: info@uiszc.org.
Primary School (Y1-5)
What do the children need to bring? What does the school provide for them?
School bags, a hat (for sunny weather), and a water bottle.
The school will provide all learning resources.
How many year levels and classes do you have?
UISZ Primary includes a K-K2 early years class, K3-Y1 class, Y2 class, Y3 class, Y4 class, and Y5 class.
How many students are in each class? What is the maximum class size?
We value a low teacher-to-student ratio so that students receive individualised attention and support. Students’ numbers vary in each year level, but the maximum is 24 in each class.
What will you do for new students to help them easily transition?
We have a well-developed induction system: Peers, the School Counsellor, and the homeroom teacher will all help ease students into their new school life. If a student is considering joining mid-year, they will first participate in a trial day. Teachers choose a student to be a “buddy” with the new student to help them adjust and integrate with their peers. After the four-week settle-in period, parents/guardians are emailed a settle-in letter detailing how their child has adapted to their new school environment and class.
Do they need to wear school uniforms?
Yes, Primary students should wear school uniforms every day. When students have PE class, they wear their PE uniform; on the other days of the week, they wear the formal uniform. On special occasions and during school celebratory events, students may wear non-uniforms.
What curriculum framework do you offer?
Primary uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. The PYP is student-centred, transdisciplinary, and inquiry-based teaching and learning. The PYP is a holistic approach to education that values the development of the whole child. The PYP includes specified concepts (which guide conceptual learning and inquiry), the Approaches to Learning (which are sets of skills), and the Learner Profile Attributes (which help to develop international-mindedness). As a curriculum scope and sequence, teachers use the PYP scope and sequence documents and AERO standards to guide the learning targets in subject areas. The Primary division also uses additional programs and resources to support learning, including Concept-Driven Mathematics, Writer’s Workshop, and Forest School.
Do you have Chinese classes? Which textbook do you use?
Yes, Primary includes three periods of Chinese A or B classes each week. We do not use one prescribed textbook. Instead, our experienced Chinese teachers use various resources, including books and a wide range of online resources, to help our students promote real-life learning and access diverse points of view.
Do students need to take exams in primary school? Are the children assessed in Primary?
Primary students do not take exams but are assessed continuously using the PYP Approaches to Learning, Learner Profile, scope and sequence documents, and AERO standards. Teachers assess Primary students continuously throughout the learning process, including anecdotal observations, checklists, rubrics, collecting work samples, guided self-reflection, etc. Every day in the classroom, students engage in assessment for learning, and teachers use assessment data to plan individualized and targeted next steps for every child.
The primary school is focused on formative assessment, which informs planning and instruction and guides learning. This assessment involves specific and constructive feedback about students’ learning, not grades or marks. Primary students and families are provided with a report card at the end of each semester detailing the students’ growth in the thematic units of inquiry, English Language Arts, Mathematics, and subjects. Student growth and goals are also discussed during twice-yearly conferences.
How do you cater for children whose first language is not English?
K-K2 includes two teaching assistants, both of whom speak English and Chinese. K3-Y4 classes each work with bilingual teaching assistants. All primary teachers are experienced English language teachers who support and differentiate their classrooms’ language levels and needs. In primary school, English language learners also receive targeted support via individualised and small group instruction inside and outside the classroom. Students are assessed via the WIDA Assessment, their English language level is identified, and individualised support plans are developed to support each child.
Is there any correspondence between the primary school and home? For example, can someone be the translator if parents cannot speak English?
Regular and ongoing communication between school and home is important to supporting student development and well-being. Primary teachers post a Weekly Update on Friday to Managebac, detailing learning from the week, upcoming learning, announcements, and home learning. Teachers also email families to update them about student progress or schedule meetings. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to email their child’s homeroom teacher with questions or concerns. We are a team working together to support your child.
In primary school, we also host celebrations of learning throughout the academic year. These celebrations typically occur at the end of a thematic unit of inquiry. Publisher’s Parties are another exciting event when students play the role of author and present their books to the community.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
You can email any teacher directly. You can also call the PA to the Head of Primary on 020-82909201 or email our school at info@uiszc.org.
Early Years (N-K3)
What do the children need to bring?
-
- A change of clothes in case of accidents or messy play
- Water bottle (we have drinking water available)
- A healthy morning snack (The children have a choice of fruit for an afternoon snack )
- A hat to wear when we go outside and sunblock
How is the Kindergarten staffed?
The Kindergarten teachers are highly qualified early years specialists with ample experience.
Two teaching assistants (TAs) are also in the class to ensure that all children receive individualized attention.
What will the children learn in Kindergarten?
Early years use the PYP, and students engage in active, play-based learning. Teachers and teaching assistants create a productive and language-rich learning environment inside and outside the classroom to support young learners’ cognitive, social-emotional, character, language, and physical development. A comprehensive body of research from around the world supports play-based and playful learning in the early years and a focus on the development of the whole child. Early Years students engage in foundational maths, phonemic awareness learning, and foundational literacy and writing in a playful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way. We believe that young learners are capable and agentic and create a warm and supportive learning environment for every child.
During each academic year, students in their early years are involved in four PYP thematic units of inquiry. These units include Who We Are, How We Organise Ourselves, Sharing the Planet, and How We Express Ourselves.
Are the children assessed in Kindergarten?
Early years students do not take exams but are assessed continuously using the PYP Approaches to Learning, Learner Profile, and PYP scope and sequence documents. Teachers assess early years students continuously throughout the learning process, including anecdotal observations, checklists, rubrics, collecting work samples, guided self-reflection, etc. Every day in the classroom, students engage in assessment for learning, and teachers use assessment data to plan individualized and targeted next steps for every child. Early years are focused on formative assessment. This type of assessment informs planning and instruction and guides learning. This assessment involves specific and constructive feedback about students’ learning, not grades or marks. Early years students and families are provided with a report card at the end of each semester detailing the student’s growth in the thematic units of inquiry, English Language Arts, Mathematics, and subjects. Student growth and goals are also discussed during twice-yearly conferences.
How are children whose first language is not English catered for?
K2 includes two teaching assistants, both of whom speak English and Chinese. All early years teachers are experienced English language teachers and support and differentiate for the language levels and needs in their classroom. In the early years, English language learners will receive targeted support via individualised and small group instruction inside and outside the classroom.
English is the school’s language of instruction, but as an international school, we also recognise the importance of valuing others’ home language(s). Therefore, where applicable, we will introduce words from children’s home language—for example, greetings, colours, and numbers. Teachers use a variety of strategies to support English language acquisition and ensure that every child progresses in their language development, feels supported, and feels a sense of belonging in their class.
Is there any correspondence between the Kindergarten and home?
Our primary source of communication is ManageBac. Early years teachers post the weekly update every Friday and announcements via ManageBac, and parents/guardians are sent an email notification when the information is updated. Parents and family members can email the teacher with general information through ManageBac. Parents are encouraged to email teachers directly with specific questions or concerns.
UISZ and UISZ Primary also regularly post community updates and the weekly Community Summary via WeChat.
You can also call the Primary PA any time or email and make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. In addition, there are opportunities to come and meet the staff and see your child’s work at various times during the year.
Boarding
Can you provide details about the boarding room?
Each room can accommodate four students but is usually kept to three. It is equipped with ample bathroom facilities, reverse-cycle air conditioning, blinds, and adequate storage cupboards. Water dispensers are placed around the boarding rooms and are easily accessible. In addition, each room provides four beds, bed linen, pillows, blankets, reading desks, chairs, bedside lamps, and wardrobes.
What should students not bring to UISZ?
Furniture, pets, valuables, large sums of money, candles, incense, and illegal or dangerous substances. Also, please do not bring too much stuff!
What should students bring?
Your child will need clothes for all weather, personal toiletries, towels, pyjamas, two laundry bags, school bags, socks, a swimsuit, sportswear, personal effects, and special school supplies.
What may students bring?
An alarm clock, posters or room decorations, your bed linen, extra blankets if you desire, a lockbox to store valuables, a translator, a mobile phone, medications, favourite snacks, and drinks.
What do students usually do after school? Do you provide after-school activities for boarders?
Boarding students are involved in the school extracurricular programme Monday through Thursday and attend daily supervised homework and tutorial sessions from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, taught by our internationally qualified classroom teachers. Boarders also have the choice to participate in clubs such as the Gym or Robotics Club.
Do you have qualified Boarding School staff?
Boarding School staff members are internationally trained, experienced, and qualified. They are committed to your child’s wellbeing and provide a safe environment where they feel supported and valued.
Can my child stay over the weekend?
Yes, our boarding options include 5-day boarding, 7-day boarding and Flexi-boarding during the weekend for five-day boarders. You can choose different types of boarding to match your needs. The Flexi-boarding request should be submitted 48 hours before your child’s stay.
How do you manage students’ devices in the Boarding School?
Students in years 1 to 10 can use their electronic devices for 30 minutes daily to contact their families. Devices are locked away in a designated cabinet. Students are encouraged to participate in different training and sports activities to avoid excessive screen time on electronic devices.
What time do students get up in the morning?
The wake-up call for all our boarding students is at 7 am.
What time do students go to sleep every night?
9 pm for primary students and 10:30 pm for secondary students.
Do you have any other facilities in the Boarding School?
Dragon House also offers comfortable common rooms equipped with kitchens, learning spaces, a piano, an indoor gym facility, basketball/volleyball courts, tennis courts, and recreational game rooms where students can enjoy their free time and study.