Utahloy International School of Guangzhou

Utahloy International School is an international school in Guangzhou, China. It caters for primary school to high school level and prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It was established in August 1997 and approved by the Ministry of Education in 1998. It has 640 students as of 2005. Current enrollment in K-12 is 820 students this year . The primary language of curriculum delivery is in English but ESL support is available as most of the students are not native English speakers. Also the teachers in the school receive specialist training on delivering mainstream subjects to ESL students in their classrooms. This level of support and understanding for students studying such a rigorous curriculum in a second language is unique in Guangzhou.

UISG is an IBO world school delivering the Middle Years Programme for years 7-10 and International Baccalaureate Diploma for years 11 and 12. Its graduates have been accepted into top rank universities around the world to include the London School of Economics, Syracuse University, and Hong Kong City University. It has a link with Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia providing a second bridge to tertiary education abroad for students.

The school is also involved in the ACAMIS league , which is a league that holds sports competitions between international schools in China and Mongolia, mathematics competitions, cultural conventions, etc. The school has a strong student-athlete culture with excellence in academics and code of conduct which inculcates a sense of pride and respect throughout the school.

The school is a member of the Council of International Schools. It is run under the aegis of the Utahloy Education Foundation, a non-profit Hong Kong based foundation.

The School has become known for its stimulating, supportive, caring environment. Located on the edge of a beautiful lake, nestled into forested hillsides Utahloy is only 20 minutes from the centre of Guangzhou. Most classrooms and outdoor areas overlook the lake. The School has spacious and attractive grounds, creating a healthy, safe and pleasant environment for students. Utahloy has been providing an exceptional academic programme for the international community since 1998. The school commenced with 50 children in kindergarten and primary classes. It now offers an international education from K-12 for more than 700 expatriate students who represent over 40 nationalities.

Utahloy is a member of the Council of International Schools and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to provide the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes. We are implementing PYP as a Candidate School. Academic rigour is assured, due to the IB frameworks and high calibre of international teachers employed. The teaching staff comprises well-qualified teachers, recruited from: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.A.

Mother Tongue languages are sustained and developed within the curriculum. Students develop an academic vocabulary, expand their language usage, and study literature and culture in their mother tongue programme. Languages currently offered to Mother Tongue speakers include: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French and German. Other languages will be added in the next year, such as Spanish and Hindi.

The Arts are celebrated through music, drama, dance and visual art. Students have the opportunity to study these subjects to IB Diploma level. The School has connections with a national dance company and local artists, creating an arts-rich environment for all students. There are music ensembles, bands and orchestras in the after-school-activities programme.

Providing a range of healthy activities characterises our approach to a well–balanced physical development programme. Students gain an understanding of the importance of fitness in their P.E. lessons, sports teams, outdoor education camps, sports tournaments, and the whole-school Fit-for-Life initiative.

The host country language and culture is studied through Chinese language classes, integrated units of work in the classroom and field trips in the region. Global citizenship is developed through: community service projects; environmental sustainability action and awareness; Model United Nations participation; and through our emphasis on multilingual communication. We are proud of Utahloy’s commitment to the development of internationally-minded students, who will benefit personally from their global connections and help create a better world.