Norwegian International School

Norwegian International School
Location
175 Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po, New Territories Hong Kong
Information
Type	Primary, international, co-educational
Established	1984
Staff	20
Grades	Kindergarten (3 yrs) to Grade 6
Number of students	130
Affiliation	Christian
Website	http://www.nis.edu.hk/

Norwegian International School located in Hong Kong^[1] was established in 1984.^[2] Originally named The Norwegian School, its purpose was primarily to provide an education for the children of Norwegian missionaries. During this period of the school’s history, Norwegian was the medium of instruction, with English lessons conducted by teachers of English.

Curriculum

The decision to change to an English curriculum was made, and in 1994 The Norwegian School and opened its doors to students from different national backgrounds. In 2001 the name of the school was officially changed to Norwegian International School, and in 2003 the Norwegian Lutheran Mission became the sole owners of NIS. The school is a registered charitable organization in Hong Kong. Norwegian International School is now the home to about one hundred students,^[3] and offers classes range from Kindergarten (3 years old) to Grade 6. Commitment to small class size with student teacher ratio of no more than 15:1 is valued by the school.^[3]

The school uses International Primary Curriculum (IPC)([1]), based on explicit learning standards that cover subjects with an international focus of understanding for children aged 3–12. Besides IPC, NIS also includes in its curricula Christian Studies, Math, English, Music and P.E. Putonghua is also taught as a second language using traditional Chinese characters.^[4]

Campus

In the early years the school was located in a building on Cox Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.^[3] In 1994, the school was moved to the present location in Tai Po. The building, known as "The Tai Po Bungalow", is designated as a Heritage Building under the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monument Ordinance. Built before the 2nd World War by the colonial government, it had a number of different occupants throughout its history including law enforcement services and civil servants. It is also believed to be used by the Japanese army during war times. The building sits on top of a natural hill surrounded by trees creating a naturally wooded playground. The classroom rooms in the building are intimately arranged resembling that of a house. In April 2008, the school has taken possession of 170 Kam Shan Road, Tai Po for Grade 1 to 6 classes.^[5] The Tai Po Bungalow is designated as the kindergarten campus.

References

1. ^ Strother, Stuart; Barbara Strother (2006). Moon Living Abroad in China. Avalon Travel Publishing. ISBN 1566919940.  p. 306
2. ^ Past & Present, Norwegian International School Official Website. Accessed 22 May 2008.
3. ^ ^{a b c} Past & Present, Norwegian International School Official Website. Accessed 20 Oct 2008.
4. ^ Core Subjects, Norwegian International School Official Website. Accessed 24 May 2008.
5. ^ School Development Update, Norwegian International School Official Website. Accessed 24 May 2008.

External links

• Official Homepage.
• "Norwegian International School Kindergarten profile". kgp.proj.hkedcity.net. http://kgp.proj.hkedcity.net/chi/detail_all.php?sch_id=3197. Retrieved 2007-10-05.