Principal's Message

Dear KGV Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As the Y11 and Y13 mock exam results emerge, a key theme has been using these outcomes to identify the supporting strategies for individual students as they move towards the final stages of their courses. These strategies are shared across different subject teams, with the aim of identifying the practices that will have the biggest benefits for the students. 

This work is so important as we look to personalise learning to meet needs. Our ‘Response to Intervention’ (RTI) team plays a crucial role, giving expert advice and offering additional 1:1 and small group support to a wider range of students.

A common theme from these discussions is the importance of students having high levels of attendance, developing consistent and predictable routines, and asking for help when needed. By becoming active partners in learning, students develop agency and create the conditions for success. These are attributes and habits we encourage across all year groups and will continue to embed through our practices. A good conversation to have at home is ‘What do effective study habits look like for you?’

As we move towards the last week of school before Lunar New Year, please be reminded that Friday 13th February will be an early closure with students finishing at 12 pm. The first day of school after the Lunar New Year holiday is Monday 23rd February.

Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful weekend ahead.

Best regards,

Mark Poulsum

Year 10 & 11 Message

We are really missing our field. It is currently fenced off as drainage and resurfacing take place. The field should be available again in August. In the meantime, there is no space for students to kick soccer and rugby balls. Please ask your child not ot bring these to school.

Year 11 students are on the last leg before their final exams and Year 10 students are well into their course. Attendance is a strong predictor of attainment. We track attendance and follow up with students who have late arrivals. Please support us in this. Our goal is to provide clear guidelines and set students up for success.

Year 10 students have completed a detailed course about learning, note-taking and revision skills. Year 11 students have been briefed on effective revision practices leading up to their exams. Revision should be active, you should see them writing, answering questions, practising questions and recalling information. Passive reading is the least effective form of study. Please encourage effective study habits at home by helping your child to set aside time and create a distraction-free environment. 

Year 11 mock reports, 1:1 discussions about study targets and option choices. Year 11 students are going through a formal mock and option choice review process. 

The Year 11 formal is scheduled for Monday 13th April at 6 pm. Look out for a signup form next week.

Years 7 | 8 | 9

Please find below important updates regarding the upcoming school schedule, options processes for Years 8 and 9, and reminders regarding campus safety.

Key Schedule Adjustments:
Monday, February 9th - Early Departure
Please take note of the adjusted schedule for this coming Monday to facilitate our Year 11–13 Learning Reviews. Period 4 will run from 12.25 PM to 1.25 PM. All students will be dismissed from campus immediately following the conclusion of Period 4 at 1.25 PM.

Friday, 13th February - Lunar New Year Break
School will close early on Friday 13th February, for the start of the Lunar New Year break. Students will be dismissed at 12 PM. We wish all our families a wonderful and restful holiday.

Year 8 and 9 Options
The options process for students in Years 8 and 9 will begin during the first week back following the Lunar New Year break. The final deadline for all submissions is midnight on Monday, 2nd March.

• Year 8: Students will be making their preliminary language choices.

• Year 9: Students will be confirming their final IGCSE subject choices.

Further guidance on how to submit these choices will be provided when we return from the break.

Safety on Campus Reminders
To ensure the security of personal belongings and the efficient return of lost items, please observe the following campus safety protocols:

• Valuables during PE and Drama: Students must ensure that all valuables are secured in their lockers during PE or Drama lessons. Alternatively, items may be handed to the teacher to be placed in the designated valuables box for the duration of the lesson.

• Labeling Clothing: Please ensure all items of school clothing are clearly labeled with the student’s name. This allows the school to return lost items to their rightful owners quickly.

• Octopus Cards: Personal Octopus cards should have the student’s name on them. We also strongly recommend registering the card to an online account - this allows you to check the balance and transaction history should the card be misplaced.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our school community safe.

Year 12 & 13 Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are now approaching a pivotal window in the academic year. With the Lunar New Year holiday starting on 13th February, followed by the final run of Term 2 until the end of March, the time remaining for guided classroom learning is shorter than it may appear.

For our Year 13s, the finish line is now just six weeks of classes away. For our Year 12s, the work done in this window will determine their trajectory for the entirety of next year.

The Importance of "Being in the Room"

We want to address a trend that often surfaces during this high-pressure period: the temptation to stay home to "study independently." While it may seem logical to a student, the data and our experience tell a different story. Consistent attendance is the single greatest predictor of academic success.

When a student misses school, they aren't just missing a lecture; they are missing the nuance of a teacher’s explanation, the collaborative problem-solving of the classroom, and the specific feedback that prevents small misunderstandings from becoming major exam errors. Why "being in the room" matters:

• The "Invisible" Curriculum: In these final weeks, teachers are sharing "insider" exam tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and last-minute updates on mark schemes. This information is rarely captured fully in a textbook.

• Structured Discipline: School provides a high-focus environment. At home, the lure of the fridge, the phone, or the sofa often leads to "passive" study, which is far less effective than the active learning guided by a subject specialist.

• The Momentum Factor: Attendance is a habit. Once a student begins to pick and choose which lessons to attend, their focus fractures, and the "mental mountain" they have to climb starts to feel much steeper.

Setting the Standard: Year 12 and 13

While Year 13s are focused on the immediate hurdle, it is vital to remember that effective study habits are a skill, not a talent.

For our Year 12s, it can be tempting to feel a false sense of security because an official certificate isn't on the line this month. However, your journey continues until May 2027! The habits formed now—during these "quiet" periods—are exactly what will prevent a crisis this time next year. Furthermore, the work produced this term directly informs the predicted grades used for university and career applications.

For our Year 13s, the timeline is even tighter. When we return from the Easter break on 13th April, you have just two days remaining before your final day on 15th April. This means the weeks remaining in Term 2 are your final opportunity to be supported by your teachers. Every day counts.

How You Can Help at Home

You don’t need to be an expert in Calculus or English Literature to be a massive help. The best support is often environmental and emotional:

• The "Check-In": Try asking, "What is your main goal for today’s study session?" rather than "Have you started yet?" This encourages them to think about specific outcomes rather than just "putting in time."

• Maintain the Routine: Help them keep a regular sleep schedule. A well-rested brain performs significantly better than one fuelled by caffeine and late-night cramming.

Keep it Calm: Stress levels are naturally rising. Being the "calm port in the storm" helps them stay grounded when the pressure feels overwhelming.

Year 12 Work Experience - Final Reminders Our Year 12 BTEC and IBCP students begin their two-week volunteer educational placements on March 2nd. This valuable industry experience is a vital program component that strengthens university applications. Parents, please ensure: All required forms are completed (Parent/Guardian Consent, Student Code of Conduct, MOU) Your contact details are current on Lionel for emergency purposes Key dates: Week 1 (March 2–6) and Week 2 (March 9–13). Students are reminded to maintain professional standards, keep a reflective journal, and notify both school and employer if absent. These are unpaid placements with full KGV insurance coverage. If you have any questions please reach out to Jack Chappell (IB Career-Related Programme and BTEC Coordinator) at jack.chappell@kgv.edu.hk Have a lovely weekend.

Ezra-Abraham Scholarship Programme

KGV is proud to introduce the Ezra-Abraham Scholarship Programme, celebrating excellence and our mission to "Be Your Own Remarkable." 

Open to current Year 9 & 11 KGV Students (2025-2026 Academic Year)

Eligibility:

• Year 9: Academics.

• Year 11: Academics, Visual Arts (Art/Media), Performing Arts (Theatre/Music), STEM, Innovation, Sports, Community Service, and Leadership.

Key Details:

• Deadline: 14 April 2026.

• How to Apply: Review the Scholarship Booklet for full criteria and application forms (KGV student login required).

• Questions? Contact Carole Beer, Scholarship Manager, at scholarships@kgv.edu.hk .

All information regarding this programme is now available on our Parents Page.

Learning Reviews for Y11 & 13

Many Year 11 and 13 families did not get the chance to meet with teachers during our main series of Learning Reviews in November.

If you have not met your child's teacher yet, we have Learning Reviews scheduled for Monday 9th February and Monday 23rd February, from 2.30 to 6 pm.

The booking system is open now for parents to make appointments with subject teachers.

These conversations are helpful for understanding issues and opportunities to help your child prepare for their final exams.

Bookings are made through the ESF App.

ESF App > Lionel > Make appointments

Full instructions and guidance are available here

Note that the booking system will close temporarily 24 hours before each session.

Reports and Grade Summaries

Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 have grade summaries published this week. These summaries put results from the main assessments undertaken so far this year in one document. 

Students in Years 11 and 13 will receive a detailed mock exam feedback report for all subjects with end-of-year examinations. Year 13 is published this week, Year 11 next week.

The summary or mock report are accessed through the ESF App. Go to ESF App > Lionel > CCF

• Years 7 - 9 look in Semester Overviews
• Years 10-13 look in Progress Checks

School Reference for Potential Exit & Summer Programmes

Due to student privacy protocols, we require parental consent before releasing student information to external organisations. Please complete this form to make a formal request. Requests will only be processed upon receipt of parental permission.

KGV’s standard lead time for teachers to prepare references is four working weeks from the date parental permission is received.

This process does not apply to higher education applications (i.e. university admissions). Those references are managed separately by the H.E. Team.

Gifted & Talented Programmes
Students interested in external extension programmes for specifically designed for gifted & talented students outside of KGV should refer to this website for guidance: https://sites.google.com/kgv.hk/kgv-extension-opportunities, instead of using the request form.

9 - 13 February 2026

Please noted that, NO Lunch Meal will be provided at Main Canteen on 9th and 13th February 2026 due to the school schedule.

9 February 2026:

Main Canteen: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm (Serving Snacks)

Leo’s: 7 am – 3 pm (Serving Coffee, Pastries, Salad Box and Sandwiches)

13 February 2026:

Main Canteen: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm (Serving Snacks)

Leo’s: 7 am – 2 pm (Serving Coffee, Pastries, Salad Box and Sandwiches)