Comparing Top Schools in Hong Kong

Understanding Curriculum Differences: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child

When representative of Bank of America's Employee Engagement Committee invited me to partner with them back in July, I imagined they would invite me to deliver a seminar for their staff and clients. I've been doing that for years and it's fine.. but when I suggested we get creative, they were all ears! So, we came up with the idea to invite a few Heads from the very top schools for a discussion + networking event.

"But would they come?", they said.

There was only one way to find out! All schools we invited replied with a resounding "Yes" and the stage was set! 

Since most of the parents organising this event had small children, we focused this on that age group and invited the Lower School/Primary Heads from Canadian International School, Chinese International School, ESF Peak School, Hong Kong International School and Victoria Shanghai Academy.

Our speakers were Dr. Wil Chan, CDNIS; Anne Gardon, CIS; Geoff Heney, HKIS; Bill Garnett, ESF Peak School and Ross Dawson, VSA.

The discussion delved into key themes around Curriculum, Culture & Community, and Competition. If you weren't there, read on and keep an eye on our socials where we’ll be sharing insights and wisdom from these educational sages over the coming weeks!

Curriculum

Choosing the best-fit school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as parents and understanding curriculum differences is crucial. All heads agreed that each curriculum brings unique benefits and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The panel stressed that the choice of curriculum should align closely with a child’s learning style and the family’s values. Dr. Wil Chan, who has experience leading American, International Baccalaureate (IB) and local schools, noted that curriculum differences are more noticeable in the upper grades. Younger children generally receive a similar foundation across non-local curricula, with significant variations emerging as students progress into higher grades.

"I think we're really honored to have a variety of options here in Hong Kong. The curriculum that you choose is based on your own personal kind of vision and values." ~ Dr Wil Chan, CDNIS

What does this mean for parents? It suggests that early education choices can focus on the basics, such as foundational skills and a school’s culture, while later years might require more specialized consideration based on your child’s evolving academic interests and personality.

Community and Culture: The Heart of School Success

We know that school is more than just academics; it’s also about the environment where students spend a great deal of time during their formative years. The panel underscored the importance of community and diversity in schools, which enrich the learning environment by exposing students to varied perspectives and cultures. Schools intentionally seek a diverse student body to foster inclusivity and broaden students' worldviews. 

The speakers emphasized the alignment of school values with family values. A strong partnership between parents and schools was highlighted as a cornerstone of student success.

Ross Dawson cautioned parents about getting in between the child and the school. "A student loves their parents and they love their school", he said. Parents getting in between is not a good idea.

Anne Gardon advised parents to

"learn about the school as much as they can and talk to as many people as they can talk to and ascertain if this is really something they can partner with the school on." 

"When it doesn't go well in terms of partnership, it's really hard on the student," she said. "Not every school is designed for every family so it's important to know what you're getting yourself into so that, later, you remain happy to support the school." 

As prospective parents, consider the school's community, ethos, and values in the selection process.

After all, when the home and school environments are in harmony, students feel more supported and confident in their learning journey.

Bilingual Programs: Enhancing Language and Cultural Proficiency

A Chinese~English bilingual education is in high demand. We explored the range of bilingual programs offered by the school, including full immersion, 50-50 and conversion models.

It will come as no suprise that panelists emphasized the importance of creating a rich language environment, tailored to students’ needs and cultural backgrounds. Again, it's not a one-size-fits-all model and this brings challenges in implementing bilingual programs, from balancing curricula in two languages to catering to students’ different language proficiencies. The success of these programs, the panelists agreed, depends on schools’ ability to be flexible, responsive, and focused on the linguistic and cultural development of each student.

"We call being bilingual a superpower." ~ Ross Dawson, VSA

Measuring and Assessing Progress: Moving Beyond Traditional Grades

The inevitable topic of 'grades' arose and the conversation around assessments revealed a trend toward understanding student progress through relationships and personalized insights rather than relying solely on traditional grading. Panelists pointed out that, particularly in younger grades, assessments should be formative and continuous, allowing educators to adapt instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. 

Involving students in their own learning assessment was seen as a way to build accountability and self-motivation. Schools are increasingly looking to establish a system where assessments reflect the student’s learning journey rather than simply tallying scores. This approach recognizes each student’s individual strengths and areas for growth, empowering them to take ownership of their progress.

Competition: Navigating Admissions 

The panel also addressed the competitive admissions landscape in Hong Kong, where demand for high-quality education exceeds supply. 

A question asked by a parent concerned about lacking priority status and was encouraged to apply since limited spaces are available for those without priority.

Again, it was reiterated that it is critical that parents understand a school's values, culture, and approach before applying. Just because a school is prestigious doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for every family. This reinforces the need for parents to actively research and select schools that resonate with their family’s expectations and their child’s personality. This is exactly what we do in our process of 'Finding the Fit'!

Conclusion: Engaging with the School Community

The discussion wrapped with a reminder that curriculum choice should reflect a holistic understanding of the child’s needs and the school’s values. From the Curriculum to Culture & Community and Competition, a well-informed decision can create a positive and enriching school experience for both students and families.