We are thrilled to announce a significant new partnership between iStage Academy and Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK), a member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Starting in 2024, iStage Academy will collaborate with RCHK to offer the IBCP BTEC Level 3 International Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) program to its students.
About Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK)
Located in Ma On Shan, Hong Kong, RCHK is a private IB school established by the English Schools Foundation in 2006. It was the first school under ESF and in Hong Kong to offer a complete International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from primary to secondary levels, seamlessly leading into the IB Diploma Program. RCHK is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools. The school currently offers the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for Grades 7 to 11, with an enrolment of 2,100 students.
Starting in the new academic year, this collaboration will introduce the IBCP BTEC Level 3 International Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) to RCHK students.
The BTEC qualification is internationally recognised for applied technical and vocational skills. Equivalent to A-levels in the UK, a BTEC Level 3 qualification is highly regarded, with over 95% of UK universities recognising BTEC results. BTEC courses are offered by over 400 colleges and universities in more than 120 countries globally. This year, two IBCP students with BTEC qualifications in Performing Arts were accepted into the prestigious drama education program at the University of Cambridge!
Key Features of iStage BTEC Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) Program:
Balanced Theory and Practice: The BTEC Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) program offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes foundational knowledge in musical theatre performance, such as vocal training, dance, and acting, while emphasising hands-on projects, workshops, and performances to deepen students’ understanding and growth through practice.
Integration of Skills and Creativity: The program focuses on developing professional skills such as singing techniques, choreography, and character development. It also encourages students to engage in creative processes, including scriptwriting and music adaptation, fostering creativity and imagination.
International Perspective: As part of the UK’s vocational education system, BTEC courses feature an international curriculum and teaching methods. Through the partnership with iStage Academy, RCHK students will have access to broader artistic resources and international musical theatre exchange opportunities, expanding their horizons and enhancing their competitiveness.
Career-Oriented Training: The BTEC Musical Theatre course is designed with a strong career focus, aiming to equip students with the professional qualities and employability skills necessary for careers in musical theatre performance, directing, production, and related fields.
The partnership between iStage Academy and RCHK will enable the sharing of educational resources, including faculty, teaching facilities, and performance platforms, creating an enriched learning environment for students. This collaboration will contribute to nurturing more talented individuals in musical theatre and advancing the development of arts education and the cultural industry.
Looking ahead, we hope that as the partnership between iStage Academy and RCHK deepens, the BTEC Musical Theatre program will continue to be refined and optimised, offering high-quality educational services to more students who are passionate about musical theatre and aspire to pursue related careers. Additionally, both parties will explore further areas and forms of collaboration to jointly promote the progress and development of arts education.
About the English Schools Foundation (ESF)
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a non-profit educational organisation in Hong Kong and the largest international school foundation in Asia. It is one of the most representative international school groups in Hong Kong, comprising five secondary schools, nine primary schools, five kindergartens, two all-through schools, and one special school (Jockey Club Sarah Roe School). ESF is committed to personalised learning and fostering creative thinking, enabling every student to reach their full potential.
ESF graduates consistently excel in IB examinations, with 99.2% of students obtaining the IB diploma, and an average score of 38 points (compared to the global average of 32 points). In 2022, seven ESF schools in Hong Kong produced 36 students with perfect 45 scores and 62 students with 44 points, making ESF a leading institution for top academic performers.
Over the past five years, more than 95% of ESF graduates have been admitted to leading universities worldwide, with the top three destinations being the UK, Hong Kong, and the USA.
In 2022, 24.9% of graduates received offers from universities ranked in the top 30 globally by the Times Higher Education, 64.7% were admitted to top 30 UK universities, and 44.3% will attend top 30 US universities.
