September 12, 2025
September 12, 2025
Embedded Files
Dear ICS High School,
I enjoyed my time last Saturday at ParentU. I hope those in attendance were well served by the fellowship, the keynotes, and the breakout sessions. I appreciate our External Relations Office and all the work they did to make the weekend a success.
As I shared in my session, our faculty are focusing on research from cognitive science to improve teaching and learning, and to help us share a common language for instructional improvement. The simplest and perhaps greatest insight from the field is that working, short-term, memory is limited, while long-term memory is effectively unlimited (Groshell, 14). All our teaching aims to design lessons that set the right cognitive conditions so that knowledge moves from short-term to long-term memory (Willingham, 1).
As parents, there are spiritual and scientific insights that align to help us build strong relationships and better communication with our children. It is noteworthy that the fifth commandment is to honor our father and mother (Exod. 20:12). It is equally important that Paul instructs parents not to exasperate their children or overburden them (Eph. 6:4). We all need to remember what it was like to be teenagers, brains still developing, maturity still under construction. One textbook on Christian psychology and counseling notes that the only thing harder than being a teenager is being the parent of a teenager, and encourages parents to run the race of parenting faithfully with a long perspective (Meier et al., 1991, 212).
As parents, faculty, and school leadership partner to raise teenagers well, may we trust the instruction of Scripture, utilize the insights of cognitive science, and seek God’s wisdom. I’m grateful for our partnership under God’s guidance and authority.
James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
References
Groshell, Zach. Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching. Peaslake, UK: John Catt Educational, 2023.
Meier, Paul D., Frank B. Minirth, Frank B. Wichern, and Donald E. Ratcliff. Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Applications. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1991.
Willingham, Daniel T. Why Don’t Students Like School? A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. Updated and expanded ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2021.
Kiel Nation, D.Min
High School Principal
Advanced Notices and Reminders:
Sep 22 (Mon): Professional Development Day (for Teachers)
No classes that day for students
Sep 26 (Fri): Visit to Crossroads Foundation HK (Grade 9)
Sep 26 (Fri) -28 (Sun): Oxygen Retreat
Hosted off campus
AP Exam information
AP Exam information
Resources:
View the slideshow.
Complete the Forms (as needed for your personal exam experience):
HKEAA Registration (for AP Chinese, Spanish, Music Theory)
AP Late Testing Request
Register for a Self-Study Exam at ICS
Withdrawal from an AP Exam at ICS
Contact Mr. Williams at williamst@ics.edu.hk for any questions
The 2026 Hong Kong Young Writers Award
The 2026 Hong Kong Young Writers Award
The 2026 Hong Kong Young Writers Award is open for enrolment.
Theme: New Tales of China’s Silk Road. (All entries will be based on this theme).
For more information, visit HKYWA or email Mrs. Ezeamuzie at ezeamuziem@ics.edu.hk
Deadline: September 30, 2025.
Note: Only enrolled students within the registered school are allowed to participate in the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards. No individual entries are allowed.
Video Competition
Video Competition
(The City Through My Lens: A Social Media Campaign)
(The City Through My Lens: A Social Media Campaign)
Are you ready to unleash your creativity? Join the competition now by creating a 3-minute short video based on the theme “The City Through My Lens” and stand a chance to win a prize of HKD$5,000!
By participating in this competition, you will be able to showcase your creativity, develop valuable skills, engage with Lingnan University scholars, and win generous prizes! Form a team of up to six students to create a short video that promotes the city's charm through social media, attracting tourists.
This is your chance to:
Strengthen your marketing, business and communication skills
Compete for awards and gain recognition
Meet academics at the Award Ceremony
University Info Day & Campus Visit
University Info Day & Campus Visit
PolyU InfoDay
PolyU InfoDay
Admission Talks: Get latest updates on 2026 admissions and tips
In-Person Consultations: Chit-chat with our academics and staff on admissions issues
Programme Seminars: Learn about latest programme offerings and prospects
World-class Facilities: Check out various labs and facilities for students
Student/ Alumni Sharing: Discover captivating PolyU stories and adventures
And many other exciting programmes and events!
Prior registration is required for the event.
HKU Science - Enrichment Programmes for
Secondary School Students
HKU Science - Enrichment Programmes for
Secondary School Students
Junior Science Institute (JSI)
JSI continues to be a popular and well-received programme among secondary school students! In the first semester of 2025-26, we will offer six engaging workshops that delve into diverse science disciplines, including Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
Join us for an enriching experience that inspires curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of these fascinating fields!
Date: November 22, 2025 (Saturday) / Time: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Talk@MySchool Programme
In 2025-26, we are offering more than 20 engaging science talks covering various disciplines. These sessions are designed to enhance science literacy and keep secondary school teachers and students informed about our dynamic Science programmes.
Available dates: Wednesday afternoon slots
Campus Visit
You are invited to visit our campus, explore our facilities, and experience university life while attending science-rich talks, guided tours, and engaging programmes that aim to spark students’ interest in science.
Available dates: Oct 13 to 17, 2025 (Mon – Fri) & Mar 9 to 13, 2025 (Mon – Fri)
Multidimensional Mathematical Mind (M3) Programme
Organised by the Department of Mathematics, this programme is tailored for gifted local junior secondary school students with a strong passion for mathematics. The M3 Programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in problem-solving, pursue further studies, and engage in research in mathematics or related fields.
Dates of the upcoming module: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov 2025
University of Nottingham Virtual Open Day - Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine will be running two online international open days next week. If you are interested in knowing more about their course content, beautiful Sutton Bonington campus and what it is like to be an international Veterinary Medicine student at the UK Top 5 Veterinary Medicine school, please register from the below links.
Upcoming University Visits
Queen Mary University of London: Sep 16, 11:10-11:45, R103
University of Liverpool: Sep 18, 15:10-15:45, R105
Whether you plan to attend university near or far, you can stay on track with the SAT. Most colleges—including those that are test optional—still accept SAT test scores. Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career. And if you're thinking about studying abroad, there are more than 400 universities in 85 countries outside the United States that use the SAT in the admissions process.
Parents, be empowered and equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to support your child's growth and success. This page provides resources, and we hope to help parents navigate the challenges of parenting and support your child's overall well-being.
International Christian School
highschool@ics.edu.hk | 852-3920-0136 | Room 237, 2/F, 1 On Muk Lane, Shek Mun, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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