1. Year 1 Admissions at Renaissance College Thursday 26th August 2010 Jonathan Straker (Head of Student Support, ESF) Max Muller (Head of Primary, RCHK)

2. Relax……… No need to write notes Summary on RCHK website Question time at the end

3. ESF PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (PIS) Renaissance College in Ma On Shan Discovery College in Discovery Bay No zones

4. How to Apply Go to website www.renaissance.edu.hkwww.renaissance.edu.hk Admissions tab – application and payment details Complete forms online as directed (available from 1 st September)

5. Steps involved in visiting the web site 1. Click on ADMISSIONS Admissions

6. 2: Click on APPLICATIONS Applications

7. 3: READ application details Application details

8. 4: Follow ONLINE application steps Online application process Note: Please ensure you complete all aspects of the application and provide all/any supporting documentation

9. Submit applications any time between 1 st and 30 th September No advantage in early submission Time Frame

10. What Happens Next? Processing of all applications received during Year 1 application period (August 2011 entry) Randomisation Prioritisation, ordering and listing

11. ESF PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS siblings attend an ESF kindergarten (two terms) Other applicants PRIORITY FOR INTERVIEW

12. And then? Invitation to interview (by late November) Interviews to be held between 3 rd and 28 th January, 2011 “Introduction to RCHK Admissions” - an evening hosted at the school for all parents who have registered an application for a Year 1 place

13. Visits to Kindergartens Kindergarten visits prior to interview are undertaken if there are at least 12 students applying from one school. Prior to your child’s interview, school-based representatives from Renaissance College visit the kindergartens to meet with the children in a familiar environment, alongside their own teachers.

14. We aim to interview groups of children from the same kindergarten class so that they feel at ease in a new environment Kindergarten children are encouraged to wear their uniform (if they have one) at their interview so they are easily identifiable. It also provides conversation starters The students will participate in familiar activities THE INTERVIEW

15. What skills are important? engage in English communicate verbally and non-verbally in routine social and classroom situations use acceptable social language (e.g. please, thank you, excuse me) use natural, comprehensible pronunciation

16. What skills are important? be prepared to participate in answering questions and give some basic personal information on request extend answers to questions beyond single word responses – phrases and simple sentences follow simple instructions and ask questions to clarify indicate when they don’t understand and ask for repetition if needed

17. What if My Child Does Not Get an Interview Date? As the interview process unfolds interview slots do become available so the schools send out more invitations for a range of reasons e.g some families withdraw This continues until all the available spaces have been filled.

18. Following interview Parents informed of result, assuming success Deposit payable to secure place Dual applications Please note: No transfer Primary PIS No transfer PIS PIS

19. What if My Child is Unsuccessful? Your child is NOT a failure There is open dialogue and close liaison between school and kindergarten staff There are instances where students are asked to attend a second interview The final decision for placement is made by RCHK

20. Helping Your Child Play dates Fun clubs Sharing a book Visit museums, places of interest Watching DVDs together Any opportunity to encourage conversation Enhance mother tongue Praise and encouragement build self-esteem and confidence Praise and encouragement

21. Key Messages Apply on time – we have 168 places in Year 1 Last year we had over 500 students apply for RCHK places Consider all options - choose wisely as appropriate placement is very important Aim to attend an RCHK tour of the school in order to learn more. Tours are undertaken TWICE per month. Information regarding tour dates and bookings can be found on the web site under ADMISSIONS (school tour menu) Talk – to the school – to ESF about the Admissions process - to your child and RELAX

22. THANK YOU for coming