Norwegian International School

As we arrive at Norwegian International School (NIS) on a bright afternoon in May, it quickly becomes apparent that this is one of the most joyful educational institutions in Hong Kong. 

Founded in 1994, NIS celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Initially established as a kindergarten by the Norwegian Lutheran Mission and the Norwegian Mission Society to educate the children of Norwegian missionaries, the school’s success prompted growth. This growth included welcoming students from diverse international backgrounds, transitioning to English as the primary language, and eventually establishing a primary campus in the neighbouring village of Kam Shan.

With kindergarten and primary school campuses in Tai Po, NIS remains a not-for-profit school operated under the Generations Christian Education umbrella, along with Small World Christian Kindergarten located in the Mid Levels on Hong Kong island. 

The kindergarten on a hill

Kindergarten students at NIS are enveloped in a nurturing and engaging environment, providing a sense of security amidst the bustling surroundings of Tai Po. The campus, nestled within a historic bungalow atop a hill, was once the magistrate’s residence, adding a touch of history and charm to the learning experience.

Set amongst large, shady trees, this is an outdoor kid’s paradise of climbing frames, swings, and Wendy houses with plenty of space for running around, playing and exploring. Children are encouraged to get their hands dirty with sensory activities such as building mud kitchens and discovering the wonders of plant growth through planting and observing seeds.

We begin our visit here, and as we ascend the hill with the school principal, Mr Luis Mak, students eagerly approach us to share their artwork from the morning and discuss the games they are playing, with Mr. Mak attentively listening to each of them.

Inside, the airy classrooms are just as chock full of enticing corners devoted to dressing up, painting and science experiments. The educational approach emphasises inquiry and play through the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), integrating social studies, science, technology, and art. It also incorporates the Biblical Foundations Curriculum to foster a biblical worldview and Christian faith. Specialised Physical Education and Mandarin classes further enhance the children’s educational journey.

Child-centred and community-focused

At NIS, the focus is not just on academic excellence, but also on the holistic development of each student. Eight learning objectives are designed to foster traits such as collaboration, respect, communication, adaptability, resilience, ethics, empathy, and critical thinking. These objectives are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that each student’s unique needs are met.

A Biblical Worldview encourages students to develop a relationship with God. All students are considered beloved children of God and have a place and a purpose in this world; it’s NIS, the school’s privilege and responsibility to help them grow. 

At NIS, community is not just a word but a way of life. The primary campus, situated in the neighbouring village of Kam Shan, boasts a large soccer field and various play areas, encouraging outdoor activities and fostering a sense of togetherness. A notable feature is parents picking up their children directly from the classroom doors, further strengthening the bond between the school, the students, and their families.

Core values and language acquisition

Key features of NIS include a focus on the Christian faith, with no requirement for students to have a Christian background. NIS actively welcomes children of all religions and encourages students to understand and respect each other’s uniqueness. The school’s mission is centred around educating students in a nurturing international community, developing individuals with strong character and compassion, and inspiring future generations to be global citizens with a Christian foundation focused on serving others.

English is the primary instruction language, with Mandarin incorporated into the curriculum and used whenever possible. The school promotes language learning, and Mr Mak, who has been with the school for just over a year, is noteworthy for his fluency in seven languages and extensive research on language acquisition in young children.

Accredited International Primary Curriculum

A few minute’s drive away in the neighbouring village of Kam Shan, NIS’ primary campus features bright, airy classrooms that open onto a large outdoor sports field surrounded by lush greenery. As we enter the main hall, the lively buzz of students getting ready for their year-end performances fills the air. During our tour of the school, the children eagerly present their classroom projects and excitedly discuss their summer plans with Mr Mak. The enthusiasm of these students is truly captivating.

NIS’ primary school is accredited by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Following the IPC framework, subjects are introduced through ‘Entry Points’, leading to a ‘Knowledge Harvest’, subject-specific learning tasks, and concluding with ‘Exit Points’ that prompt children to reflect on their learning journey. These Exit Points frequently celebrate students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities to display their learning outcomes, like visits to museums and exhibitions.

Kindergarten students have priority interviews for admission into NIS’ primary section well before external applicants, and those with older siblings already attending the primary campus are given additional priority. 

Looking ahead

NIS provides a holistic education that moulds students into compassionate global citizens, mirroring Christ’s values. NIS graduates consistently achieve high academic results, demonstrating their readiness for the opportunities that lie ahead. Students are well-equipped for life at secondary schools in Hong Kong and globally, commonly progressing onto ESF, International College of Hong Kong (ICHK, and Malvern College, among others.

Visit NIS! 

NIS has two beautiful campuses in Tai Po, each about a five-minute drive away. Tai Po Market MTR is just a few minutes walk, and a private school bus company operates across the New Territories. 

The sense of community at NIS is tangible; there’s genuine excitement for learning in the air, and every student we encountered was happy and confident to be themselves, something of a rarity. 

With 30 years of experience, this unique school perfectly captures the joy of learning. We recommend visiting in person to truly appreciate it, and we assure you that you will be impressed.

Kindergarten campus, 175 Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po, 2638 0269, kinder@nis.edu.hk

Primary campus, 170 Kam Shan Road, Tai Po, 2658 0341, office@nis.edu.hk, nis.edu.hk