CDNIS v ESF (

[CHIUMMP]

I am new to this forum and would like to seek your valuable opinon.

My daughter just turned 5 and have applied both CDNIS and ESF (Quarry Bay School). She is so lucky that both schools have admitted her application.

I know there is no hard and fast rule to determine which one is better but in terms of English standard (verbal and written), school culture (kids' behaviours, etc), and placement, which is more preferrable?

Is it easy to switch from one school to another if they are of totally different curriculums (UK vs US)?

Need to do the registration by no later than 15 August and your prompt valuable advice is very much appreciated.

 

[spockey]

I don't know about the curriculum switch but...as far as I understand it (which is a mitigating factor for us deciding for ESF next year) once you have been in an international school, it's virtually impossible/very very difficult to get a place at an ESF.

 

[rani]

Our son is at an ESF school (Kennedy) and we've been happy. However, I've heard mixed reviews about Quarry Bay school. We've had a few members on GeoExpat.Com who have been extremely unhappy with the school. The members have moved here from small private schools in the UK. The class sizes in ESF are approx 30, but you have 1 teacher , an EA in the class and sometimes parent helpers. However, Quarry Bay for some reason tends to open the dividers separating 2 classrooms and sometimes does group activities with 2 classes - that's 60 kids. Which can be a bit overwhelming for a child thats used to being in a smaller class. I've been told by a teacher friend that the kids are not taught as a big group. So am not sure which activities are conducted as a group. However its only done in Y1 at Quarry Bay that I know of. Not sure what the rationale is behind it.

So if I was in your shoes I would consider CDNIS which has a good reputation, better Mandarin program and good facilities.

 

[Twin Mummy]

Pardon my ignorance but what does CDNIS stand for? Thanks!

 

[CHIUMMP]

Thanks for your advice.

But have you ever heard of any bad comments or any of your friends have had any bad experience in the language/English or displince in CDNIS (Canadian Int'l School)?

 

[Karishma]

both my kids go to CDNIS! we are extremely happy with the school. the mandarin prog is v strong and they have a lesson everyday. you are extremely lucky yr child got in cos i know of sooo many ppl who have gotten rejected or passed the inteview and have been placed in the waiting list. i hv not heard anything abt the ESF in Quarry Bay so cant comment. but i think if u gv up this spot at the school its v unlikely they r going to gv it back to you after a year. the facilities are exceellent and v v well maintained. i like the fact that they do a good mix if everything.

if u need any help feel free to ask and i will try and reply.

K.

p.s yr child will go into Reception or Prep????

 

[CHIUMMP]

Hi Karishma

Thanks for your advice and my daughter will go into the Prep class.

How old are your kids?

I remember that one of the GeoKid.com members gave very bad comments on this school re the spoken/written English and that's why a couple of my frends suggested me to consider ESF as they believe that Britsh English is better and the tuition fee is much lower. Frankly I trust that this is not an easy question and it depends very much on the kids and their peers etc.

Hope you could enlighten me.

Cheers
A silly question from an ignorant but caring mom.

 

[JLE]

Hi Chiummp,

My daughter has been with CDNIS for a year now and will be moving up to Prep in Sept 08. I'm happy to share my experience, will sent you a private message shortly.

Thanks

 

[dfair1721]

Hi, we are fairly new to Hong Kong and my son was lucky enough to get into CDNIS. Any advice info and anyone could provide would be wonderful. We live in DB and I am a little nervous about the commute. Anyone else from DB??