Discovery College teaches students to explore value of critical thinking

Lantau’s Discovery College teaches students to think for themselves while helping others, writes Vickie Chan.

Discovery College is one of three international schools on Lantau, and is located in Discovery Bay, a bus ride from the ferry pier. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and students as young as four can enter at primary level and continue until they are ready for tertiary education at 18. The only entry requirement is proficiency in English, although Putonghua is compulsory throughout the primary years, and secondary students can choose between Putonghua and Spanish.

The school’s principal, Mark Beach, is proud of its achievements and talks passionately about the IB philosophy, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving and exposure to a variety of viewpoints. The purpose-built award-winning campus, which opened in 2008, is the architectural reflection of that philosophy. The U-shaped building, with a central covered courtyard used for break time, offers a sense of community, while junior students are at an advantage in sharing facilities usually found only in secondary schools.

The staff have worked hard to create a sense of oneness and the culture is palpable. “We have one staff, community and school. Our house system mixes all ages and our buddy system sees older students guiding younger students transitioning to secondary school,” Beach explains. Shared units require senior students to team up with students in the primary section to work together, for instance in reading or working on an art piece.

The aim is for students to become skilled and knowledgeable, able to make a difference in the world. Service is an important theme and the friendliness throughout the school is obvious. At morning break, children run around in groups or sit and chat, all smiling happily.

Beach approaches things from a community and relationship-based standpoint. “It’s about hard work, not just results,” he says, adding that the school has an approach of valuing all students. A dedicated learning team, plus six full-time learning assistants for each grade, identify whether children are excelling or having difficulties. “Support is inclusive, so assistants are in the classroom, and while those who are struggling might have some different activities, we keep them together,” he explains.