Our beautiful Kindergarten and Primary campuses feature wide open spaces with plenty of room for our students to be active. Indoors, you’ll find modern learning spaces with interactive whiteboards, specialist Chinese Studies rooms, and creative spaces.

Unstructured outdoor play is part of our children’s daily lives. NIS students learn to seek out exercise, explore their creativity and appreciate the beauty of nature in our leafy playground. The outdoors is also incorporated into teaching time: children learn about the growing cycle as they plant seeds and watch them sprout.

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Principal Luis Mak of the Norwegian International School (NIS) to gain insights into his vision for the school and its future plans. With a passion for education and a commitment to nurturing every child’s potential, Principal Mak shared his aspirations for NIS and the transformative initiatives underway. This interview provides a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic learning environment that NIS fosters, emphasizing purpose, possibility, and a holistic approach to education.

What are your plans for 2025?
At the Norwegian International School (NIS), we are buzzing with excitement about our plans for 2025! Our vision is all about purpose and possibility, and we’re committed to inspiring and nurturing every child who walks through our doors.

We’re focused on enhancing the entire learning experience—whether that’s achieving academic excellence, promoting international-mindedness, or creating new pathways for growth in both character and faith. Our goal is to provide a vibrant and supportive environment where our students can truly thrive.

As we celebrate our school’s 30th anniversary, we’re not just celebrating our history; we’re also deeply committed to community service and engagement. Every initiative we undertake will reflect our dedication to fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?
Deciding on our academic focus each year at the NIS is an exciting data-driven process. We dive deep into the information we gather from our students, along with results from the International School Assessment (ISA). This comprehensive evaluation helps us identify our students’ strengths and areas where they can grow.

Last year, we were thrilled that our ISA scores surpassed those of similar schools in 10 out of 12 categories! Our students excelled in higher-level reasoning and problem-solving, showcasing their ability to tackle complex statistical information and advanced mathematical concepts. However, we also recognise the need to strengthen foundational skills like arithmetic and geometry, which some students still need to catch up on.

Looking ahead to this year, we’re thrilled to introduce initiatives like the “Reader of the Term” program, designed to spark critical thinking and foster a love for learning. We also explore innovative technologies and creative teaching strategies to prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.

What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next five years?
As we look toward the next five years in education, we anticipate some exciting challenges. The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and we see opportunities to navigate technological advancements, prioritise student well-being, and promote sustainability.

At NIS, we believe these challenges are stepping stones for growth. We’re committed to integrating cutting-edge technology while fostering a Christ-centered culture of care. We aim to equip students with the skills and resilience they need to thrive amidst change.

A key challenge is balancing technology use. While we recognise its importance, we also prioritise our students’ well-being. That’s why we aim to limit technology in the classroom, allowing kids to develop essential social and academic skills first. This foundation will enable them to embrace technology effectively when the time is right.

This year, we’re eager to explore innovative initiatives that enhance learning while ensuring our students remain grounded and connected.

How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

At NIS, we believe every child is unique, and our mission is to ensure each student feels known, loved, and valued. Learning should be an adventure filled with joy and purpose! To keep our students engaged—especially those who may struggle or seem unmotivated—we focus on sparking curiosity and motivation in everything we do.

We create dynamic lessons that captivate our students’ interests and provide robust support through our Learning Support programs. We also celebrate each child’s unique talents, recognising that everyone has something special. From exciting after-school activities like gardening and drama to hands-on classroom projects, we strive to make learning not just meaningful but also incredibly fun!

How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

NIS is committed to ensuring that every student feels ………………….

Click here to read the full interview

August-June (three terms)

Our school calendar is aligned with Generations Christian Education schools and other international schools in Hong Kong.

Kindergarten:
AM Session – 8:45AM-11:45PM | PM Session – 12:30PM-3:30PM

Primary:
8:45-3PM

Our school buses are operated by a private bus company, and cover a wide area of the New Territories. The buses are fitted with seat belts, and bus mothers along with drivers take great care of children while on the road.