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Overview

July 27 – August 2, 2024

Partnering with the world's leading think tank – MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, this 7-day immersive camp introduces design thinking and computational action which addresses real-world urban sustainability issues.

 

From identifying problems to brainstorming and building solutions using MIT App Inventor, and to pitching ideas and finished products to prospective investors at the Innovation Fair at the end of the camp, participants are guided every step of the way by teams of professionals from different fields.

 

They will be sure to have their critical thinking, creativity and communication skills sharpened, and their awareness of sustainability heightened.

IFS Camp 1

Design
Thinking

15+ hours of design thinking, covering topics from team-building to brainstorming, and from formulating the business plan to presenting an elevator's pitch

Computational
Action

18+ hours of coding using MIT App Inventor, led by qualified instructors and teaching assistant in the ratio of 1:9

Sustainability

An excursion trip to explore urban sustainability issues in Hong Kong; as well as a sharing by the CEO of EcoMatcher, a tree-planting corporation.

VAluE
Education

Team-building and values education activities by Portal Guardian

IFS Camp 2

FACULTY

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Ms. Marina Chan

Curriculum Design

Executive Director

MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node

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Ms. Sunnie Lau

Design Thinking

Director

Head of Sustainability Research and Industry Collaboration

MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node

(RA) HKIA, RIBA, FHKIUD, AIA Assoc.

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Ms. Angie Zhou

Computational Action Team Lead

Education Specialist

App Inventor

MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab

IFS Camp 3
Notebook and Keyboard
Eligibility
Current P5- F2
(~aged 11-14)
Boys & Girls

While prior experience with coding or MIT App Inventor is not a prerequisite, participants will be selected from a round of interviews which assesses their critical thinking and communication abilities among other attributes.

​

The medium of instruction will be in both English and Cantonese. Conversational proficiency in both languages is a prerequisite.

Details
Selection
Interview on
April 14 (Sunday)

There are a maximum of 60 places in the camp where students will be chosen strictly on a merit-based interview. Successful applicants will be notified around the end of April. 

Fees
HKD$20,800

This is a 7-day-6-night residential camp, where students will be housed in the Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall at St. Paul's Co-educational College and where boarding is compulsory. The programme fee is inclusive of programme fees, tuition fees and costs for all camp materials as well as room and board.  

  • What is the medium of instruction?
    This camp will be taught primarily in English with some activities in both English and Cantonese.
  • What do I have prepare for the try-out?
    You will be asked to demonstrate basic skills in dribbling, passing, handling and shooting in the try-out. Basic communication skills in English will also be assessed.
  • Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?
    Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
  • What does the fee cover?
    The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals.
  • Are there scholarships available?
    A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?
    Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
  • How many students will there be in the B-ball Camp?
    Up to around 24 students will be admitted to the B-ball Camp.
  • When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?
    You will be notified by email of the result of the try-out no later than May 15, 2024.
  • When is the try-out?
    The selection will take place in April 2024. You will be notified of the exact date, time and venue in due course.
  • Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?
    Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
  • Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?
    No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the try-out.
  • Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?
    No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the audition.
  • Who is eligible to apply?
    Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp.
  • Are there scholarships available?
    A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
  • Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?
    Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
  • What does the fee cover?
    The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation, meals as well as music scores.
  • What is the medium of instruction?
    This camp will be taught primarily in Cantonese and English.
  • What do I have prepare for the audition?
    You will be asked to sing a piece of your own choice that best displays your technical and musical ability. In addition, a sight-reading assessment may be given. The duration of your own choice piece should be between 2 to 3 minutes.
  • How many students will there be in the Choir Camp!?
    Up to around 60 students will be admitted to the Choir Camp!.
  • Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?
    Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
  • When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?
    You will be notified by email of the result of the audition no later than May 15, 2024.
  • When is the audition?
    The audition will take place in 13-14 April 2024. You will be notified of the exact date, time and venue in due course.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?
    Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
  • What is the medium of instruction?
    This camp will be taught primarily in English and Cantonese.
  • Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?
    No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the interview.
  • Who is eligible to apply?
    Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp.
  • What does the fee cover?
    The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals as well as teaching materials.
  • Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?
    Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
  • Do I need to bring my own computer or device?
    Yes, you will need to bring your own laptop computer or a tablet (PC or Mac) to access the web-based App Inventor. Should this become a barrier, please notify us and we shall endeavour to assist.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?
    Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
  • When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?
    You will be notified by email of the result of the interview no later than May 15, 2024.
  • Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?
    Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
  • How many students will there be in the IFS Camp?
    Up to around 50 students will be admitted to IFS Camp.
  • What do I have prepare for the interview?
    You will be expected to demonstrate your critical thinking skill in the interview. Basic communication skills in English will also be assessed. No prior coding experience is expected.
  • Are there scholarships available?
    A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
  • When is the interview?
    The interview will take place on 13 April 2024.
  • When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?
    You will be notified by email of the result of the try-out no later than the end of April 2024.
  • Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?
    Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
  • Who is eligible to apply?
    Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, and who plays the piano or the violin to an advanced level is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp. Students are expected to have attained a performing diploma (at least ATCL, ARSM or equivalent with a merit or distinction) on their principal instrument. Applicants are required to submit a recent recording to showcase their musical abilities.
  • What is the medium of instruction?
    This camp will be taught primarily in English with some activities in both English and Cantonese.
  • Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?
    Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?
    Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
  • When is the audition?
    Only those shortlisted after the video pre-screening will be invited to a live audition, which will be held on April 14, 2024.
  • What does the fee cover?
    The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals.
  • Are there scholarships available?
    A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
  • What do I have prepare for the audition?
    You will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces (or excerpts of) on your principal instrument, lasting no more than a total of 10 minutes. There may be a sight-reading test and a discussion on music in the audition.
  • Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?
    No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the audition.
  • How many students will there be in the Summer PMG?
    Up to around 8 students will be admitted to the Summer PMG.
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