Projects
It may seem a long way off but soon you will begin thinking of the move to Secondary. The transition to Secondary should be exciting but you might also feel a bit nervous. It will involve a lot of changes and new experiences for you in August.
This Transition page has been made so that you can use it both at school and at home. It will hopefully explain a lot about Discovery College (DC), answer some of your questions and help to prepare you for all the changes ahead.
We hope that you enjoy all the different activities in this book.
Good luck, have fun and keep smiling!
Hello!
James Smith
Principal
People you should get to know.
Everyone who works at Discovery College is important. They are all there to help and assist with aspects of your learning and your physical, social and emotional development. Below are some of the important people who you will need to get to know:
Deans 2024-25.
The Dean of a year group has an important job. It is their role to oversee the general wellbeing of students in the Year, both academically, socially and emotionally.
They liaise with students, parents and other members of staff to monitor your progress and recognise your achievements. If you have a problem you can see your Learning Advisor or your Dean – they are there to help. They will listen and try to assist you when necessary with regard to school related or personal problems.
Sarah Barnett's email is barnes2@dc.edu.hk
Ms Rita Ng
Receptionist at main desk
Mrs Richardson
PA to Head of Secondary
Mrs Kanittha Trinh
Receptionist at main desk
Karen Shum
PA to Principal
Office and Support Staff.
During the day you will meet a number of support staff. Among these are the technicians who help prepare equipment for practical classes in Science, Art and Technology, as well educational assistants who help in lessons and help carry out duties around school. At lunchtimes you will come across a number of catering staff in the cafeteria.
It is important that you treat everyone politely and listen to and complete the requests made of you by every member of staff.
House System.
Discovery College has five Houses, each made up of staff and students throughout the school.
The five Houses are based on the five elements of Chinese creation, namely:
流水 Liú Shuǐ House Water (blue)
青木 Qīng Mù House Wood (green)
金属 Jīn Shǔ House Metal (purple)
烈火 Liè Huǒ House Fire (red)
热土 Rè Tǔ House Earth (yellow)
Why Houses?
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Provide an opportunity for students from ALL levels of the school to interact
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Build new friendships
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Build school spirit
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Create sense of identity and belonging
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Promote participation (Years 1-13) and competition (Years 5-13)
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Encourage older students to mentor and care for younger students
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Provide opportunities for student leadership and student voice
The timetable.
One of the first pieces of information you will be given in August will be your timetable. It’s very important because it not only tells you which lessons you will have that day but it also gives you a clue about the equipment you will need to pack in your bag the night before. It also tells you what time each lesson starts and finishes and in which room it will take place.
In each class, you are expected to follow the class essential agreement or rules. This provides an effective learning environment and an opportunity to learn about other students. Establishing positive relationships is important at our school. You are a valued member of our community, and you play a vital role in making others feel safe and welcome. Make sure that you speak to each person in your class. You need to be brave, smile and say hello to your classmates.
Smartcard.
At Discovery College, we ask all students to have a personalised Smartcard (Identification). This is an Octopus-type card with your name and
photograph.
New students to DC will have these created for
them during the first fortnight at
Discovery College.
We use the smart card to:
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Register in to school each day
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Get books in and out of the library
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Pay for our photocopying (The Library staff will load/top up your account when you bring in $50 before school or during recess)
Everybody needs to bring their card in every day.
Equipment.
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In Primary school, most equipment you need is kept in the classroom. However, in Secondary, you will be expected to have your own pencils and pens, and you will have to carry them all around with you. There are lots of other things you will need as well.
It might seem like an awful lot to remember, but try not to worry about it. Make sure you pack your bag the night before.