iDAT
CIS Admissions
- The CIS admissions assessment consists of two main parts: the general assessment and the interview
- The secondary general assessment is administered online and is comprised of multiple choice and short-answer questions
- English: grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, speaking and writing
- Maths
- Reasoning: logic, critical thinking, and problem solving
- Interview is in English and Mandarin, each lasting approximately 10-15 minutes
- Online test is age-specific for all grade levels
- Priority: Corporate Nomination Right (CNR) holders, siblings of enrolled students, children of alumni and children of staff have priority in the admissions process
Reception Applicants
- Openings: 96 places available
- Age: for students who have reached the age of 4 by 31 August of the entry year
- Qualities CIS looks for:
- Well-roundedness and age-appropriate skills cognitively, linguistically, physically, socially and emotionally
- Demonstrate independence and initiative and be able to concentrate and collaborate in a formal setting
- Languages: need to have a strong command of one of the following languages; English, Chinese (Mandarin), or Chinese (Cantonese). While many Reception applicants already speak two languages, doing so is not required. CIS accepts students without a strong knowledge of English and students without a strong knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) to the Reception year.
1. Online Parent Questionnaire
After submitting the online application and attending the Information Session, prospective parents will be asked to submit an online Parent Questionnaire.
2. Online Parent Conversations (Oct)
Prospective parents will be asked to submit video responses to four questions about why CIS is the right school for their family. They will also be asked to share personal perspectives on their hopes regarding their child’s educational journey.
3. Observation Session
- Small group Observation Sessions where students will engage in a wide range of activities typical of a preschool environment
- Asked questions in English or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), depending on the child’s language background
- Held on Saturdays on campus between the end of November to the end of February
- Duration: about 1 hour
- A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the school; however, parents/guardians will remain in a separate area, where they will be briefed by a senior member of the Primary school during the Observation Session.
Year 1-6 Applicants
- Openings: number of places available for Year 1-6 is extremely limited. Low single digit openings may only be available in certain year groups.
- Qualities CIS looks for:
- Thrive personally and academically
- Fit comfortably into the nurturing, challenging, and rigorous bilingual programme
- Contribute to the community
- Languages: As the curriculum at the Primary school is taught in both Chinese (Mandarin) and English, adequate levels of both languages are necessary to meet CIS’s admissions requirements.
1. Entrance Assessment
- Takes place in small-group sessions
- Held after school hours in May/June
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Assessment involves written tests in:
- English
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- Mathematics
- Oral interviews in English and Chinese (Mandarin) if the applicant has prior background in the language
2. Online Parent Conversations (May/ June)
Prospective parents will be asked to submit video responses to four questions about why CIS is the right school for their family. They will also be asked to share personal perspectives on their hopes regarding their child’s educational journey.
Year 7-13 Applicants
- All Secondary applicants are invited to an entrance assessment
- Year 7: Admissions assessments will begin in late November/early December
- Year 8-12: Admissions assessments will begin in January
- Parents will be notified of the exact dates 2-3 weeks before the assessments
1. Entrance Tests
- Held on Saturdays
- Duration: around 3 hours
- Assessment involves written test and computerised iDAT test in:
- English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking)
- Chinese (Applicants can take the Chinese test in Simplified or Traditional Chinese)
- Mathematics
- Logic
2. Interviews
- English Oral Test
- 3-5 applicants in a group
- Around 20 minutes
- Chinese Oral Test
- In Mandarin
- Individual interview
- Around 5-10 minutes
Ampla’s CIS Test Prep Course Highlights
- 24/7 on-demand tutoring with our experienced team of Hong Kong international school specialists
- Flexible scheduling: online/ face-to-face/ home tutoring lessons available
- Tailor-made lesson plan complemented by weekly timed quizzes and progress report
Strategic Plan
A week-by-week study plan specifically designed for you.
Targeted Approach
Review each topic with a focus on weaker areas, with condensed notes and study materials provided.
Practical Skills
Cover test-taking strategies including time management, making informed guesses and how to handle stress.
Exam Drill
Familiarise with different exam styles/ techniques/ mark schemes through practice papers.
Complimentary Consultation
Contact us now to schedule a mock test and arrange a complimentary meeting with our dedicated HK international school specialists.
