Ms Rae Lang, a seasoned Cognita educator with twenty plus years of early childhood and elementary education curriculum expertise, joined as Elementary School Principal in 2023. She shares what she’s most excited about at Stamford American School Hong Kong (SAS-HK) in the year ahead.
Can you tell us about your career?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by my childhood play with a makeshift classroom for my toys. My career spans over 32 years, including 20 years in New Zealand, where I led literacy programs and served as Head of School in two primary schools. My international experience includes roles in London, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, with a notable achievement being the dual accreditation of International School Saigon Pearl where I was Deputy Head of School. I joined SAS-HK in August 2023. I was drawn to the school’s authentic focus on the well-being of both students and staff. The sense of community here is palpable, with warm welcomes from parents, students, and staff.
What sets SAS-HK apart from other leading schools in the region?
Our holistic approach, particularly in our Elementary programs, distinguishes us. We integrate play-based and inquiry-based learning to support smooth transitions for young learners. Our K-12 journey ensures a consistent educational experience, with programs like STEMinn promoting critical thinking and creativity. This comprehensive approach prepares students to tackle global challenges and fosters a strong community spirit.
How does the school’s inquiry-based approach benefit students?
Inquiry-based learning puts students at the centre of their education. As Elementary Principal, I’ve had the pleasure of observing our classrooms transform into vibrant hubs of active learning, where students are actively participating in their learning. The teacher’s role is to provide the necessary resources and support, encouraging students to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about.
Can you tell us about the school’s unique STEMinn program?
Our STEMinn program is a signature curriculum element designed to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with an innovation component that challenges students to tackle real-world issues. It starts in lower elementary grades and focuses on practical applications of theoretical concepts, preparing students for a technologically advanced world. Projects conclude with a popular showcase event during which students present their projects to the school community, including parents.
How does SAS-HK support bilingual education?
Our newly launched Elementary Bilingual Program is uniquely structured to integrate bilingual education seamlessly into the students’ learning journey from Pre-primary to Grade 5. Our innovative approach includes a fully immersive bilingual curriculum where instruction is delivered in both English and Mandarin. By paralleling the rigorous standards of our mainstream curriculum, the program ensures that students not only achieve linguistic proficiency but also maintain academic excellence across all subjects.
What are you looking forward to this school year?
I’m excited about the launch of both our Bilingual Program and our enhanced Accelerated Language Program (ALP), a semi-sheltered class designed for children who require intensive English daily support in core subjects, including English Language Arts, Math, and STEMinn. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives support linguistic development and community engagement, while continuing to integrate our STEMinn program and foster a positive learning environment.
25 Man Fuk Rd, Ho Man Tin, 2500 8688, sais.edu.h
