International vs Non-International Schools in Hong Kong
The report provides a clear distinction between international and non-international schools.
Introduction
Education is the most important element of a child’s life and one of the greatest decisions for the parents to make is choosing an appropriate school for their children. The following report analyses a clear distinction between international and non-international schools in Hong Kong.
When children relocate with their parents to a new country, city, or otherwise start a new life, an appropriate international school can assist in making the transition seamless.
Analysis
The international schools’ database not only nurtures the parents in their new hometown, but also supports the requirements of both children and the parents in finding a good international school.
The parents specify their needs and requirements, and accordingly, the scores and preferences are aligned in all the international schools at their selected city. Alternatively, we also know what parents want from International Schools Services and the motivating forces behind choosing one school over another.
International schools’ provisions
A vast number (91%) of parents residing in Hong Kong are determined to have teachers who speak the native language. This means the teachers should be mother-tongue speakers and not speak in the language of the nation to which the international school curriculum belongs. For example, if a child is a resident of Hong Kong but studies the British curriculum, the teachers should be Chinese. One of the reasons for the parents to choose Hong Kong-based international schools is extracurricular activities. These vary from school to school and can include anything from swimming to crafts (and much more). It is evident that extending the school days and getting kids to participate entirely in school life is of great value to the parents.
With this, Hong Kong parents are well aware of the opportunities for studying different languages as well. Most parents and students alike assert that extra language lessons are “extremely important” for an International School. In this case, “additional languages” are the languages other than the instruction language. For instance, in Hong Kong international schools, British curriculum is in the English language and additional language classes may be French, Chinese, or any other language offered by the school. Most parents tend to even select international schools based on their class size. In Hong Kong schools’ ranking algorithm classes, 12 or fewer students are ideal and 24 or more are crowded.
On the other hand, Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools in Hong Kong have to select their program, tuition, and entry standards autonomously. The government allows secondary schools that have a fairly high quality of education to join the DSS. The goal is to build a strong sector through the provision of high-quality DSS schools other than the government and aided schools to allow parents to find adequate schools for their children.
Additionally, the DSS schools account for just 7 per cent of publicly funded educational institutions. They offer a wide variety of alternative options to more conventional schooling and bring a major vibrancy and consistency. Since 1999, ten executive boards are in the DSS Schools Commission, each sitting for two years. Hopefully, the 11th Committee bears the flashlight and acts as a conduit between the government and DSS schools.
These considerations are the key reason for parents to select DSS schools for their children’s education, in conjunction with other special management styles, different curriculums, remittance programs, and scholarships.
Another perspective is to teach in a convent school. The memories of studying in a strict convent setting are still rich in our heart. The joy and excitement we feel from the very moment that we hear the captivating bell of the school church, attempting to please the strict nuns, and singing hymns daily during the assembly is still there. The convent schools are generally thought of as bringing up the students and caring for them in a rigid setting and they are often seen to be a step toward self-discipline.
International schools in Hong Kong, Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| The local schooling institutions are suitable for passive students preferring the acquisition of knowledge with active involvement in other activities. Preferable for memorizing subjects and learning material. The parents have more control over their children’s revision and academic modelling. The local system is familiar to most parents and has an explicit academic structure. These schools provide extra curriculum activities like the Germany educational trip held in 2019. | In Hong Kong, the prerequisite when choosing an international school is the potential to afford the fee, because if you can’t (get the funds), parents have to tediously toil for their child’s development. Most students find project work in international schools challenging. The curriculum emphasizes the English language, which can make English as a Second Language (ESL) students inactive, resulting in low confidence due to language fluency and proficiency. |
Non- International Schools in Hong Kong, Pros and Cons:
Recommendations:
| Pros | Cons |
| These schools embrace a more comprehensive method to benefit from the entire environment. They are not the sort of schools that are only about learning, as they participate in sports and encourage the students to improve in other fields as well. They provide an unrestricted, public learning climate with a healthy teaching environment. International schools are viewed as a place for local learners from various cultural backgrounds, where English is a medium of instruction.They foster lifelong learning skills and reward the innovation and creativity of the students. The students are encouraged to learn through interactive sessions, as they are encouraged to question things and undertake research. These schools expose learners to the cross-cultural environment and distinct cultural perspectives. | In Hong Kong, the prerequisite when choosing an international school is the potential to afford the fee, because if you can’t (get the funds), parents have to tediously toil for their child’s development. Most students find project work in international schools challenging. The curriculum emphasizes the English language, which can make ESL students inactive, resulting in low confidence due to language fluency and proficiency. |
The convent schools are primarily meant for schooling and care of students in a strict environment, but are often considered a step toward self-discipline. There are several provisions entitled to students in DSS institutions, while Hong Kong international schools adhere to international academic norms.
The parents must choose a school analytically, which will help them provide their child with the best possible schooling experience. A good choice of school would be the one that supports the parents and learners as much as possible and would be more than comfortable with their circumstances. So, in Hong Kong, as a parent or pupil, take as long as possible– it is easier to make the right decision than immediately!
References: For the complete list of schools in Hong Kong, please click the link below:
Schools and Colleges
Schools form an integral part of learning for kids, and before moving to any country or city this sets in as the main point of consideration for families. In Hong Kong, finding a good budget-friendly school calls for a lot of research. There are top-class International schools, government schools, and semi private schools.
