Principal's Message

Dear KGV Families,

I hope you have enjoyed a positive start to the Year of the Horse, and it has certainly been a vibrant week as students returned to campus. I had the pleasure of interviewing some Year 13 students as they finalised their incredible CAS portfolios. Their consistent reflection was how much they had gained from trying something new, challenging themselves and broadening their experiences. It is this positive mindset that is a hallmark of our student community, and is an approach carefully nurtured through the opportunities they are presented with.

This week it has been wonderful to see so many students taking advantage of such opportunities, with our Panache fashion show happening on Saturday, as well as our aspiring actors and musicians starting to audition for our production of Bugsy Malone, which is planned for November. I would encourage all students to continue to develop their interests, and challenge themselves to try something as they broaden their engagement at school. This could provide a good lens for a conversation at home: ‘What new experience will you try this year?’

As part of ESF, we want to listen to the views of our staff, our students and our parents as this gives us the opportunity to think deeply about what we do and how we do it. It gives us the information and data that we need to plan for any improvements that may be required as we strive for each student to ‘Be Their Own Remarkable’. Earlier this week, you would have received an email with a link for our annual stakeholder survey. If you could take 10 minutes to complete this survey, your feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support, and have an enjoyable weekend ahead.

Best regards,

Mark Poulsum

Year 10 & 11 Message

Students were sent the well-being survey this week. This is a twice-yearly check-in to see how students are feeling about school and prompting them to reach out for help if necessary. 
It has been Mother Tongue Week this week, with a number of celebrations taking place. 
Year 11 option changes are available now. Change requests need to be handed to Mr Kent by Tuesday next  week. 
The Year 11 formal is scheduled for the 13th April - students have been sent a signup form to complete by 2nd March. 

Challenge Week launched this week. Year 10 students studying a language will have language immersion activities available. These have been shown to consistently improve enjoyment and attainment in GCSE language studies. All activities are shown on the Challenge Week website. Please discuss the choice of activity with your child - 

Year 10 WIN time.
Following the recent progress reports for our Year 10 students the WIN (What I Need) sessions have now been reallocated for term 2. WIN time is one period per week. Students have been organised into focused groups where they can receive targeted support; some will be prioritising Mathematics and English, while others will be guided to make their own decisions about what to work on or revise, and then supported by the supervising teacher. Students have access to subject resources including Century tech for revision or extension in Maths and Science.

This structure provides an ideal opportunity for students to implement the revision and learning strategies from the Learning Blueprint. It is a dedicated time for them to improve their notes, set personal academic goals, and cultivate the positive habits that lead to genuine understanding and confidence. Our aim is to support students in building the skills they need to manage their studies effectively, not just for their current courses, but as they progress through the school and beyond, directing them to become lifelong learners.

If you have any questions about your child's WIN class, please contact Mr. Kent.

Year 12 & 13 Message

It was a privilege to conduct the final CAS interviews with our Year 13 students this week. I was very impressed by the maturity and passion they showed when reflecting on their personal growth, from developing leadership "courage" in Model United Nations to building empathy through community documentaries. It is clear that the CAS programme has helped them find their voices and refine their future aspirations as they grow into compassionate young adults.

Next week, our Year 12 students will participate in Consolidation Week (2nd – 6th March). This is a vital period designed to provide dedicated time for the "Core" elements of the IB and future pathway planning.

Please find details here.

The week will include:

• The IB Core: Students will work on the Collaborative Sciences Project, launch their TOK Exhibitions, and attend Extended Essay workshops. Dedicated CAS sessions will also run to ensure portfolios are up to date.

• Higher Education: We are shifting focus to post-secondary life with HE talks, Unifrog research, and initial work on Personal Statements.

• BTEC Work Experience: Simultaneously, our Year 12 BTEC students will be on professional placements. This is a pivotal opportunity for them to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios and develop essential industry insights.

We encourage you to discuss these goals with your child to help them make the most of this opportunity to consolidate their progress before the next phase of the year.

Have a lovely weekend.

Years 7 | 8 | 9

Please find below important updates regarding our student wellbeing survey, uniform expectations, Challenge Week planning, and campus security.

Student Wellbeing Survey
Our Wellbeing survey is currently open. This tool helps us to proactively monitor student wellness, provide individual support where needed, and informs our future programming.

Parents are always encouraged to reach out to their child’s tutor if they have any insights or concerns regarding their child’s wellbeing. If you have any specific questions regarding the survey itself, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Varty, our Wellbeing Coordinator.

Uniform Expectations
Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students to meet uniform expectations. Please review the current guidelines here:

Students with persistent concerns regarding uniform will have follow-up from tutors and Heads of Year to address this. We thank parents in advance for their cooperation in ensuring our high standards are maintained.

Challenge Week 2026-2027
Choices for the 2026-2027 Challenge Week, which will take place from 2 - 6 November, are now available for review here

We encourage you to look through these options and review them with your child. Students will also be discussing these choices during tutor time. Sign-ups will take place on the following dates:

• Year 9: Tuesday 10 March

• Year 8: Wednesday 11 March

• Year 7: Thursday 12 March

Campus Security Reminder
Although incidences have reduced, we are still seeing some occurrences of theft on campus. Please remind students not to leave valuables in changing rooms or unattended around the school. Students should always make use of the provided valuables boxes during lessons or secure their items in their lockers.

Thank you for your continued support of the school community.

The week will be filled with events, activities and competitions to nurture a love of mathematics outside the classroom – you can see all the details on our LIONeL coursepage here: https://lionel2.kgv.edu.hk/course/view.php?id=3233 Alongside our beloved daily challenges such as Sudoku and Carl the Kangaroo’s Problem of the Day, we have three activities you may particularly enjoy doing with your child: 2026’s “2048” and the “Daily Wordle”, and this we’re delighted to introduce the new “Daily Connections”.

An integral part of Maths Week is the Interhouse Maths Competition, in which students participate in house teams in a maths relay to win points for their house towards the House Cup. These usually take place during one of their scheduled maths lessons in the week, and we’d appreciate your help in supporting your child to find their relay date, time and teammates using the links in the bulletin (they’ll need to use the tabs at the bottom to navigate to the right yeargroup).

Note that students do not need to bring in their maths books when they have their relay, and if you’d like to go through the rules with your child you can find them on the LIONeL MathsWeek coursepage linked above.

Many thanks,
Maths Dept

Maths Week is coming at KGV! Alongside the numerous competitions and events open to all yeargroups, we are delighted to hold two special events for Year 7s run in conjunction with KJS: the Maths Dress Up Day Competition and the Y6&7 “Measure Hunt”, both which take place on Wednesday 11th March. The Maths Department would appreciate your support in ensuring your child understands and is prepared for these events as detailed below:

Maths Dress Up Day: Students wear their best mathematical attire rather than school uniform for the duration of the day, excepting PE and Drama lessons where they will be expected in their usual kit. There are three prize categories: Best Dressed, Most Mathematical and Funniest/Punniest.

Year 6 & 7 “Measure Hunt”: Students will team up with KJS students to compete in a Maths Treasure Hunt around the KGV campus. This will be held during Periods 1 and 2, which means they do not need to bring their materials for those classes that day.

Further details about these and other events can be found on the Maths Week page here, and we look forward to seeing your child’s most mathematical clothing creations!

Many thanks,
Maths Dept

Challenge Week

The sign-up for Challenge Week 2026 starts next Friday 6th March. Please talk with your child to help them choose an activity for Challenge Week, which runs from November 2 to 6 this year.

Challenge Week provides a wide range of activities where students can collaborate, learn new skills, make new friends, work as a team, discover new cultures and engage in genuine service to others.

It is an important part of our curriculum, complementing the academic, classroom-based learning and helping our students to become well-rounded and mature young people.

To see the list of activities on offer this year, head to the Challenge Week website.

If you are considering an overseas trip, please read this guidance and ensure your child uploads their travel document and HKID to Lionel. The system will not accept them onto an overseas trip until this is done.

Sign up is during tutor time on the following days:

• Y11 - Friday March 6
• Y10 - Monday March 9 
• Y09 - Tuesday March 10
• Y08 - Wednesday March 11
• Y07 - Thursday March 12

Dear Grads and Parents,

First, please remember to pay for the Graduation Gown rental by 3rd March 2026 on the ESF Parents App. If you have any inquiries, please contact Ms Ribeiro (kathy.ribeiro@kgv.edu.hk).

Today is the deadline to order your Grad Book; please just pay for it on the ESF Parents App to order. If you have any inquiries, please contact your Y13 Student Leaders.

Thank you for your swift actions to ensure the smooth planning of your celebration.

KGV Presents... Bugsy Malone for The 2026 School Musical & Challenge Week 2026!

The Drama & Music Department are thrilled to announce that this year’s school production will be the world-famous musical, Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker.

This production forms a core part of Challenge Week 2026, offering students a unique, week-long immersive experience in the world of 1920s New York. Beyond the stage, this project is a fantastic way for students to engage in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), developing teamwork, performance skills, and creative leadership.

Calling all Wanna-be-Gangsters! We are looking for a diverse range of talent to fill our ranks. Whether your child is an aspiring solo singer, an energetic dancer for our ensemble, a character actor for a non-singing role, or simply wants to be part of the "gang" and dress up in 1920s style for Challenge Week, we want to see them!

• Final Drop-in Audition: Wednesday, 4th March.
• Time: 1.30 pm (Lunchtime)
• Location: DS402 (Drama Studio)

No prior preparation is required—just energy and a willingness to get involved in one of the highlight events of the KGV calendar.

More information can be found in the Challenge Week 2026 website.

NEW CAS Music Orchestras are coming for Term 3: Symphonic Strings and Concert Band. Please encourage your musicians to sign up on the google forms below. 

Any auditioning pianists - please sign up before Friday 20th March 2026. 

Symphonic Strings - Tuesdays in Ms201 (3.30 - 4.30 pm) Open to any student that already learns a String orchestral instrument and has achieved at least the following levels for these instruments

- grade 5 level (Violin)
- grade 4 level (Cello / Double bass)
- grade 3 level (Viola)
- grade 4 level (Percussion instruments)
- grade 6+ limited Piano parts also available (audition required)

Please contact Ms Carlile in the music department directly if you have questions for this activity - alexandra.carlile@kgv.edu.hk

Symphonic Strings - STUDENT Sign up to join here - https://forms.gle/mzzYZs92rP76BuPBA

Concert Band - Tuesdays in Ms301 (3.30 - 4.30 pm) 

Open to any student that already learns a Woodwind  Brass or Percussion orchestral instrument and has achieved at least the following levels for these instruments -
- grade 4 level (Woodwind instruments)
- grade 4 level (Brass instruments)
- grade 4 level (Percussion instruments)

- limited Piano parts also available (audition required)

Please contact Mr Anderson in the music department directly if you have questions for this activity - lewis.anderson@kgv.edu.hk

Concert Band - STUDENT Sign up to join here -

https://forms.gle/HzpuRvXuJn3NTzN86   

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.

Higher Education & Careers

Year 12 – Tutor Group meeting with H.E. Counsellors. Individual tutor groups are currently meeting with their H.E. Counsellors. During the group meeting, students are given a brief overview on higher education, information on super curricular activities and resources for research. Individual meetings with Y12 students will take place in Term 3 during which students will have a more in-depth discussion with their H.E. Counsellor to support their post-secondary pathways.

Year 12 Core Week (2-6 Mar).  Several H.E.-related sessions are planned: Introduction to higher education, Personal statements, and introduction to the Unifrog platforms, UK applications, HK Applications and other country applications.  The presentation series will continue until the end of this academic year.

H.E. EVENTS shared via KGV Higher Education Events Calendar
KGV is not responsible for the quality of external events. All information is subject to change by event organisers.

H.E. Visit @ KGV
2 Mar – Foothill & De Anza Colleges
12 Mar – Asia Europe Business School, East China Normal University & Carleton University
13 Mar – Yonsei University
19 Mar – McMaster University

H.K.
30 Mar to 2 Apr – CityU Learning Classroom for Secondary School Students, Spring 2026 Series

INTERNATIONAL
3 Mar & 4 Mar – Virtual presentation with University of Cambridge, Johns Hopkins University & University of Toronto

13 Mar – CDNIS HK Global University Fair

U.K.
Various dates: University of Cambridge – Webinar for international applicants
Various dates in Feb – University of Bath – Parent Info Webinar Series
4 Mar – Imperial College London Info Session in HK
12 Mar – Norwich University of the Arts Free Online Workshop
23-27 Mar – UCL Biochemical Engineering Virtual Taster Lecture Series 2026

U.S.A.
10 Mar – Purdue & Embry-Riddle Virtual Info Session for HK students
12 Mar – Cornell, Emory, Pomona, Rice & Washington U Virtual Student Event

CANADA
28 Feb – OCAD University Info Session & Portfolio Reviews in HK

SINGAPORE
28 Feb to 7 Mar – National University of Singapore Online Open House

KGV Higher Education & Careers Team

2 - 6 March 2026