Harrow Innovation Leadership academies

Our Uniquely Innovative Approach: A New Direction for K-12 Education in China

The academic model has been carefully crafted so that it harnesses the strength and rigour of education in China and instils a deep understanding of Chinese heritage, culture, tradition and language. An innovative approach to pedagogy and pastoral care ensures students learn in a manner that promotes the Harrow School’s Values, leadership attributes and holistic approach to education synonymous with Harrow School in the UK and all our other schools across the globe.

The curriculum expertly sequences knowledge and skills progression appropriate to each child’s age and stage of development – students are supported and stretched as needed.

Key features include:

HILA is passionately committed to developing students prepared to make a positive and purposeful contribution to society in China. This is achieved through excellence in delivery of the Chinese National Curriculum (CNC) and associated activities and programmes, compliance with local Education Bureau’s standards.
Expert native language teaching ensures the development of bilingualism so that students have the social, cultural and technical language to thrive in China and beyond.
Diverse approaches to learning ensure that every child develops knowledge, skills and understanding,
Learning experiences extend beyond the classroom, including: visits, productions, enterprise projects, and community service,
A defined set of skills and competencies thematically link all curriculum elements,
Moral education, and the Harrow School’s Values, are evident in all learning experiences,
Individual interests and talents are developed,
Learners show excitement and engagement in the curriculum,
Students feel valued as present and future world citizens.

EARLY YEARS (TO AGE 6)

Our Harrow Little Lions Early Years Centres provide an exceptional learning experience for children aged 2 to 6 years old. Our curriculum is carefully constructed to ensure that it reflects the most up to date and relevant knowledge regarding what is most important for young children and deliberately draws from the best Kindergarten Curricula from across the world. This specifically incorporates the Chinese guidelines for Kindergarten aged children while also acknowledging aspects of the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). A strong emphasis on cultural heritage and identity with a global dimension ensure children thrive in a truly bilingual environment.

Grade 1 – 9 (AGE 6 to 14)

Our Harrow Innovation Leadership Academy curriculum for Grades 1 to Grade 9 is committed to ensuring excellence in delivery of the Chinese National Compulsory Education Curriculum, combining this with our unique HILA approach to holistic education – preparing students to excel academically and to succeed as global citizens.

Exclusively designed by senior education experts, the curriculum blends the best of East and West. Core subjects such as History, Geography, Chinese Language, Calligraphy and Culture and Moral Education are taught in Chinese, using the rigour of Chinese teaching methodologies. Subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, English Language, ICT, Mathematics, and Physics, together with co-curricular Arts and Design, Physical Education and Music offer an opportunity for acquiring bilingualism through being delivered in English and supported in the Chinese.

Students transition to the sixth form confident in both Chinese and English, well prepared academically and socially for entry to the very best universities globally. This approach, a first in China, ensures that students benefit from a world-class education which blends academic excellence with preparation for life and leadership.

Senior Phase and Sixth Forms

Grade 10 (age fifteen)

In the senior school, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for life at university and beyond. This includes access to rigorous international qualifications: A-Level, the gold standard internationally and recognise by leading universities across the world.

Grade 10 students will be focused on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an excellent and academically meticulous preparation for A-level.
Grade 11 – 12 students will be focusing on the General Certificate of Education A-level, an excellent and academically rigorous preparation for international university study.

Grade 11 – 12 (age sixteen to seventeen)

In this phase of the school, students study a number of A-Level subjects. These courses are considered to be an academically rigorous preparation for university study. A bespoke university preparation programme guides pupils and parents for applications and transition to higher education. The focus on building a deep knowledge and appreciation of Chinese heritage, culture and language is maintained throughout sixth form. Students leave the school prepared for success and leadership in China and beyond.