DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Prospectus ( 2020 – 2021 )

INTRODUCTION

Diocesan Girls’ School, a local grammar school with an international outlook, was founded
in 1860 by the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church to provide an excellent all-round secondary
education for girls in Hong Kong. The School is governed by the Council of the Diocesan
Girls’ School, a group comprised of capable administrators who ensure that the School is well-
managed and that it adheres to the School Mission. Having run as a grant-aided school since
it was founded; the School commenced operation in the Direct Subsidy Scheme mode in 2005.

OUR VISION

It is our vision to be a leading school in China and the Asia-Pacific region, producing female
graduates of noble mind, who blend naturally Christian values, Chinese traditions and culture,
and democratic ideals, to contribute proactively in the international and local communities as
well as their homes and families.

OUR MISSION

Building on a legacy of distinction, it is our mission to serve as a model for effective teaching
and learning in a dynamic educational environment where students achieve their maximum
potential and gain a love of lifelong learning; and teachers excel in pedagogy, stimulating
young minds and encouraging them to extend excellence beyond the classroom.

We aim to provide each and every student with an ideal environment to grow and excel from
the time she begins her education journey with us. We pledge to do the utmost possible to
offer our students a vibrant and enjoyable education opportunity that equips them for lifelong
challenges.

We focus on:

• Promoting a holistic development based on Christian principles and sound moral

values;

• Building a community of young women who are conscious of their identity as

Chinese nationals as well as global citizens, being fully aware of their current and
future roles in the society and family;
 • Offering a liberal arts, science and technology curriculum spanning all nine key
learning areas (including Liberal Studies as a special key learning area) to enable
students to master competent language skills, to cultivate a spirit of intellectual
exploration and to develop analytical, creative and critical thinking skills;

• Providing a wide range of OLE (Other Learning Experiences) to acquire a healthy

lifestyle as well as life, social and communication skills;

• Recruiting and retaining a team of teaching professionals who are well-qualified,

committed and caring; and

• Providing quality facilities to fulfil the current and future needs of students.

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

The academic curricula are organized according to the guidelines provided by the Curriculum
and Development Institute of the HKSAR, with some degree of flexibility for school-based
curricula based on the learning needs of students. All Departments contribute towards a broad
curriculum, which gradually specializes as students move from Junior Secondary levels
(Secondary One to Secondary Three) towards the Senior Secondary levels (Secondary Four
to Secondary Six).

Secondary 1-3 (Grades 7-9): All students follow a broad-based curriculum. S1 to S3 students are
streamed into different sets divided into two blocks for English, Chinese and Maths. All students study
English, Chinese and Putonghua. Japanese and Spanish are offered as a cultural interest programme
for those who are interested.

Secondary 4-6 (Grades 10-12): The School adopts a 3-year preparation syllabus for the Hong Kong
Diploma of Secondary Education Examinations (HKDSE). HKDSE students study English, Chinese,
Mathematics and Liberal Studies together with 3 elective subjects while those interested in a fourth
elective subject can choose to take music or another language. Alternatively, students can opt for the
GCE Advanced Level Curriculum in Secondary 5 and 6, studying 3 to 4 advanced level subjects,
together with English and Chinese to consolidate their language competence.

English is the medium of instruction (MOI) at all form levels except for Chinese Language,
Chinese History, Chinese Literature and Putonghua. In addition, the Departments are
supported by a well-stocked and up-to-date School Library, as well as whole-school WiFi
infrastructure and advanced IT facilities. Students are encouraged to develop good study
habits, a love of reading and learning and a commitment towards excellence. They are also
trained to think critically, to interact appropriately with peers and teachers through the sharing
of ideas and views, and to meet the challenges of a rigorous but rewarding curriculum.
Subjects Offered at Diocesan Girls' School

Level Secondary 1 Secondary 2 Secondary 3

(No. of classes at each level) (5) (5) (5)

English Language

Chinese Language

English Literature

Chinese History

Putonghua

Mathematics

Information Technology

Economics and Commerce

Geography

History

Religious Education

Science

Visual Arts

Technology and Living

Music

Physical Education

Exploration-based Learning
 HKDSE GCE A-Level

Level Secondary 4 Secondary 5 Secondary 6 Level Secondary 5 Secondary 6

(No. of classes at each (5) (5) (5) (No. of classes at each (1) (1)
level) level)

English Language English Language

Chinese Language Chinese Language

Literature in English Liberal Studies

Chinese Literature Mathematics

Chinese History Economics

Mathematics Geography

Information and History

Communication
Technology

Business, Accounting Psychology

and Financial Studies

Economics Biology

Geography Chemistry

History Physics

Liberal Studies Music

Biology Physical Education

Chemistry Religious Education

Physics

Music (HKDSE)

Physical Education
(HKDSE)

Aesthetic
Development

Physical Education

Religious Education
PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examinations 2020

HKDSE - Percentage of Level 2 or above

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
2020
2019
20
10
0

The vast majority of students who graduate from Diocesan Girls’ School enter tertiary
education.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

Information Technology plays a vital role in teaching and learning within the School. Our
teachers and students are provided with ample facilities for the seamless incorporation of IT
into their lessons and activities. A school network made up of a 10Gbps optical fibre backbone
and campus-wide 802.11n / 802.11ac Wi-Fi coverage has been set up to provide intranet /
Internet access in all parts of the school premises to enhance teaching and learning. Since
September 2014, the one-student-one-iPad policy was implemented in stages to lead the
school community into mobile learning both in School and at home. Computers, visualizers
and projectors are installed in all classrooms and special rooms for computer-assisted-learning
activities.

Large numbers of computers are provided in the Library, Multi-Media Learning Centre and
Computer Rooms for intensive computing activities. The eClass virtual classrooms, iPad apps,
and Google tools are used by most subjects to extend the teaching and learning experience
beyond the constraints of a physical classroom and normal school hours. Students can access
course materials, go through revision exercises and quizzes, submit assignments and projects,
and make enquiries and discussions any time at home through the Internet.
The eClass intranet system is used to computerize school administrative work including
attendance taking, payment collection, inventory keeping, resources booking, and delivery of
online notices and announcements. Add-on eClass modules like SLS Library System, Student
Learning Profile, and Independent Enquiry Study for NSS Liberal Studies are also deployed.

OTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The School aims to provide a holistic education. There are 64 clubs/teams in the School
offering a wide variety of ECAs as well as various learning experiences, including sports
teams, music groups, uniform groups, service teams and interest clubs. Students have the
opportunity to play musical instruments in a diverse range of orchestras, school bands and
ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concert Band, Chinese
Orchestra, string quartet, as well as chamber and instrumental ensembles. Students are also
given the opportunity to sing in one of many different choirs and concerts are a regular and
important facet of school life. In addition to the many musical groups, the School offers
opportunities in other performance areas such as drama and dance.

Great importance is placed on the value of participating in sports at all levels. This is clearly
seen in the large numbers of very outstanding athletes who enjoy success at the international
level. The indoor swimming pool, Gymnasium, Assembly Hall, Student Activity Centre,
Sports Field, Fitness Centre and associated facilities offer state-of-the-art facilities for
students to explore and develop their interests and talents in sport, dance and drama. Students
are also actively encouraged to support charities and take part in voluntary work both in school
and in local or overseas communities in accordance with the School motto, 'Daily Giving
Service'.

Every student is allocated to a House when they enter Secondary One. There are five Houses,
each comprising over 200 girls drawn from different year groups. These are carefully chosen
to achieve a good mix of abilities, backgrounds, friendships and personalities. Inter-house
swimming galas, athletics meets and sports matches held annually encourage healthy
competition among the whole student body.
 Extra-curricular Activities Groups

a) Sports Group
Archery Club/Team Athletics Club/Team
Badminton Club/Team Basketball Club/Team
Bowling Club/Team Beach Volleyball Club / Team
Cross Country Club/Team Dance Club/Team
Dodgeball Club/Team Dragon Boat Team
Fencing Club/Team Handball Club/Team
Hockey Club/Team Indoor Rowing Club/Team
Life Saving Team Netball Club/Team
Orienteering Club/Team Rugby Sevens Team
Squash Club/Team Swimming Club/Team
Table Tennis Club/Team Tennis Club/Team
Volleyball Club/Team

b) Music Group
School Choirs (including Senior Choir, Intermediate Choir, Junior Choir,
Senior Mixed Choir, Junior Mixed Choir)
Instrumental Ensembles (including Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble,
Wind Ensemble)
Madrigal Group Concert Band
String Orchestra Symphony Orchestra
Chinese Orchestra Guzheng Ensemble

c) Services Group
Citizens’ Club
Girl Guide
Red Cross
The Hong Kong Awards for Young People

d) Interest Group
Audio-visual Team Bridge Club
Business Enterprise Club Chess Club
Chinese Literary Club Chinese Debating Society / Team
 Conservancy Club Computer Club
Current Affairs Club DGS Programming Team
Drama Ensemble Electronics and Robotics Club / Team
English Debating Team Food Technology Club
Health Education Group Humanities Club
Image Design Club International Cultures Club
Mathematics Team Media Production Team
Model United Nations Club/Team Pet Club
Photography Club Psychology Club
Reading and Film Appreciation Club School Cheering Group
Science Club Visual Arts Club / Team
Youth Fellowship

OLE Programmes - Courses

a) By local universities
Introduction to Fashion Design
Microfilm Production
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

b) By professional instructors
Drama Production and Performance Course
Advanced AV Course on Stage Lighting Design
English Debating Introductory Course
Sports Injuries and Taping
First-Aid Basics (with CPRAED Certification)

c) By professional coaches
Archery Course

Special Programmes for Students

This school year, all Secondary One, Two and Three students are streamed into sets for
English Language, Chinese Language and Mathematics to facilitate learning according to the
level and ability of the students. For each level in the junior forms, two or three sets have their
Chinese Language lessons conducted in Putonghua. The other sets continue to use Cantonese.

There are Spanish and Japanese lessons held after school hours catering to those interested in
learning other languages. Drama workshops are offered to those interested while the whole
school is provided with opportunities to savour quality drama productions. Also, various co-
curricular and exchange programmes will be run for students at different form levels. These
include the Mini-Summer Term with special focuses for different Junior Secondary forms and
the New Student Orientation Programme, as well as Bridging courses for English and
Mathematics for those newly entering Diocesan Girls’ School from the Diocesan Girls’ Junior
School and other schools.

Overseas student exchange programmes are also conducted with schools in Australia,
Mainland China, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States to enhance academic
exchange and cultural awareness.

STUDENT LIFE BUILDING & PASTORAL CARE

The Moral, Civic, Health, Sex and Environmental Education of students is a vital component
of the School’s holistic approach to education, and it is integrated into the curriculum through
various subjects and activities organized during Form Periods as well as in various Extra
Curricular Activities, where clubs and groups such as the Conservancy Club, Youth
Fellowship and the Health Education Group help to impart additional knowledge as well as
instill in students the correct attitudes and values.

To foster a spirit of fellowship and to allow time for reflection and contemplation for each day,
the School holds daily morning assemblies throughout the year. Together with Counselling
and Careers Guidance, the DGS education aims to promote moral, social, emotional and
physical development of students, and to develop in them responsible attitudes, values and
life skills that prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adulthood.

Special attention is given to each and every student in order to listen to their concerns and to
address their needs. Whilst the School has a strong Christian tradition, students of all religious
denominations and beliefs are welcome as the School values the contribution their experiences
and insights bring.

SCHOOL FEES

The school fee for the 2020-2021 academic year for Direct Subsidy Scheme students is
$38,000.00. The fee can be paid in 10 monthly installments by direct debit. Extras may
include payment for special programmes such as voluntary trips, special training activities,
and language, or instrumental classes.

SCHOLARSHIPS
One of the School’s traditions is the provision of scholarships and exhibitions to students of
ability and promise so that the intellectual quality and social diversity of the School are
sustained. Scholarships and exhibitions are awarded annually to girls who have outstanding
academic ability, who show strong leadership qualities, who demonstrate strength in services
to the School and other communities and who contribute substantially to the sporting, music,
cultural and social life of the School, whilst maintaining good conduct and behaviour. There
are also PTA scholarships and DOGA Ltd (Diocesan Old Girls’ Association Limited)
scholarships, among many others, sponsored by the DOGA, PTA and other patrons of the
School.

The School also offers a number of bursaries to enable promising students to fully benefit
from the education DGS offers, but are otherwise unable to do so as a result of family financial
circumstances. Retention of a bursary requires sustained academic effort and performance as
well as good attitude and conduct on the part of the student.

SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: 1 Jordan Road, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
Phone No.: (852)2277 9100
Fax. No.: 2780 7149
E-mail: info@dgs.edu.hk
School website: http:// www.dgs.edu.hk
Headmistress: Mrs. Stella Lau, SBS, JP