Schools Feature: Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, British education in Aberdeen

As one of the premier British preparatory schools in Hong Kong, Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WAS) has established itself as a leading scholastic institution, offering a world-class education rooted in the time-honoured traditions of British academia. Nestled in the vibrant community of Tin Wan, Aberdeen on picturesque Hong Kong Island, WAS provides an exceptional learning environment for students. 

As a co-educational British Preparatory school from Year 1 to Year 8, WASHK provides a holistic education, complemented by it's outstanding Chinese program and award-winning, extra-curricular activities (ECA) programme, with over 50+ activities offered. The enriched curriculum prepares children for entry into leading secondary schools in both the United Kingdom and around the world, as well as into local Hong Kong. 

The school campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities providing an outstanding school experience, to give pupils the best possible educational foundation. There are dedicated resources with specialised classrooms for Physical Education, Speech and Drama, Music, Art, Science and iSTEAM subjects. 

A Fusion of British Excellence with local Relevance  

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WAS) takes pride in offering Hong Kong children an exceptional blend of British excellence and local relevance through it's meticulously crafted curriculum. Developed in 2018 in preparation for the school's opening in September 2019, the curriculum seamlessly combines the national curriculum for England and Wales with locally relevant adaptations across 14 subjects. 

One of the distinguishing features of the curriculum is the emphasis placed on critical thinking and problem-solving. In Mathematics for instance, students are encouraged to go beyond mere calculations. They are taught to explore alternative routes to arrive at answers and identify and correct errors in the process. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and cultivates analytical skills beyond the classroom. 

WAS sets itself apart from other British prep schools by offering Mandarin at an enriched level. In recognition of the language's significance and the cultural context of Hong Kong, they allocate the same amount of time within the timetable to Mandarin as they do to English language instruction. While most British schools devote 2-3 periods per week to foreign language learning, the school dedicates 7 periods per week to Mandarin. Every Mandarin lesson is taught by two Chinese teachers, catering to both native and non-native speakers by tailoring instruction to individual proficiency levels. The Mandarin curriculum draws from the rich heritage of the Chinese mainland. 

Furthermore, WAS has introduced the subject of iSTEAM, an interdisciplinary fusion of ICT (Information/Communication/Technology) across robotics, coding, engineering, mathematics, science and art/design. Unlike many Hong Kong schools where iSTEAM, commonly known as STEM, is offered as an extracurricular activity, iSTEAM is integrated as a core subject within the 14-subject timetable. This comprehensive approach equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. Additionally, science is taught as a stand alone subject to provide a comprehensive scientific foundation. 

Religious Education (RE) is another distinctive facet of the British curriculum at WAS. Rather than teaching a specific religion, they aim to foster an understanding of global beliefs and help students comprehend the historical and geographical significance of these.

A strong foundation for Secondary School success 

The WAS Hong Kong campus serves as a springboard for students, providing a solid foundation for their future academic and personal endeavours. With a focus on preparing students for entry into the finest secondary schools in the United Kingdom and around the world, the school's curriculum and extracurricular offerings are carefully curated to ensure each child is empowered to reach their full potential. Since 2019, WAS students have received offers from prestigious boarding schools in the United Kingdom, including Eton College, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Wycombe Abbey UK amongst other elite boarding schools. 

During the 2024-2025 academic year so far, offers have been received from Eton College, Handcross Park, Winchester, Mayfield, Badminton and RHS Bath. These renowned schools are synonymous with exceptional educational standards, outstanding facilities and nurturing environments, providing students with a diverse range of choices and opportunities to pursue their passions and excel academically. 

As part of the school’s standard provision for all pupils, they offer to guide parents throughout the entire process of finding the most suitable secondary education opportunity for their children. The programme is ideal for parents who are interested in gaining access to the top secondary schools in the United Kingdom and other top secondary schools in Hong Kong, whether that is at age 11+ years old or 13+ years old. 

Who can apply? 

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong offers British Prep School education for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Even if your child speaks minimal English, the school offers  an intensive English language programme that will help them acquire the skills they need to join mainstream classes. 

Gain an inside look

At WAS, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to offer Hong Kong children the best of British education while incorporating local relevance. With its focus on critical thinking, enriched Mandarin learning, iSTEAM integration and world-wide religious education, the curriculum equips students with essential skills, cultural awareness and a global perspective that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and future endeavours.  

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong invites you to experience the WAS difference firsthand, to see in action the world-class British international school education, within the vibrant community of Tin Wan, Aberdeen. 

To schedule a tour of the campus or to learn more about the school's educational offerings, including its renowned Mandarin programme and specialised boarding school application support, please Contact Us or your Habitat consultant.