Class size in Hong Kong

[BrownS]

Hi! We are considering a move to HK for Sept 2011 and I just have some questions regarding schools. From my research so far, it looks like class sizes in HOng Kong, even at Private schools are quite large (30?). I really like the sound of Kellet as it seems like thier class sizes are a bit smaller. BUT there is a massive wait list for Kellet...even a waitlist to get a corporate debenture! So if that doesnt pan out, can anyone tell me of some British schools that have smaller class sizes? My sons currently go to a really intimate, small independant school in London and I'd dread to move them into a class with 30 pupils! I know it's a huge population in HOng Kong but I am wondering if there are schools with relatively small class sizes.
Thanks so much!
S

 

[jane01]

30 sounds about right, a little on the high side. My daughter goes to an international school and they generally have around 25 in the average primary class.

It is good to note that up to Primary 2, most schools have an assistant teacher in the room as well, same class size. In nursery and pre-primary (K1 and K2 or 3 and 4 year old kindy), our school has 20 children, 1 teacher, 1 assistant teacher.

I think the ESF class sizes are closer to 30, but I only have anecdotal evidence, no personal experience or statistics.

 

[BrownS]

Thanks Jane01! Do you mind if I ask what school your daughter goes to? I think I did read that for sure ESF schools are around 30 (please correct me if I'm wrong about that if anyone knows) and I think that's why I'd rather stick to an international school. I am thinking either Kellet or DBIS in Discovery Bay. Its just a matter of getting in! Kellett seems pretty much impossible and DBIS would be fine if we paid the debenture. I think DBIS has a bit smaller class size as well.
S

 

[vincomgo]

Oh that school is great! Where is it? plz give me more infor?=.=

 

[MommyTo3]

ESF is 30 kids, at least at Bradbury, Kennedy, QBS, etc. Never more. Hardly ever less! Most spots are filled immediately again. One teacher, one EA and usually some parent helpers as well, plus the specialty teachers for PE, Music and Mandarin.

 

[yonge]

My son's independent school has 26 pupils in his K3 class. Medium of instruction is Mandarin for all subjects except English. We're an English-speaking household, so we thought living in Hong Kong would be a good opportunity to pick up a foreign language!

 

[Roger]

Pentecostal Yu Leung Fat Primary School in Fanling has class sizes of 25 for lower year groups and 40 for upper. the small class policy will progressively be introduced throughout the whole school. BTW no fees or debentures. They have a little experience with non-Chinese speakers, who become Cantonese speakers very quickly after going there for a few months. Most teachers speak English or Mandarin. Its sister school Pentecostal Gin Mao Sheng Primary School, also in Fanling has several students from non-Chinese families and welcomes them

 

[penguinsix]

ESF is 30 in primary. The ESF Kingdergarten is 22-24 I think.

Canadian International is about 25 for primary

HKIS is 16-18 for primary, but grows to about 25 as the kids get older.

But I 'd say for right now, for 2011, your most likely choice will be "any port in a storm" given the massive waiting lists that exist for most schools.

 

[loupou]

When my eldest went to a CMI local primary school, class size was 38. Then ESF primary, class size was 30 or a bit less. Now in secondary, classes range from low 20s to 30, depending on subject. I hear that when they do the IB, the classes will be smaller.

 

[YGI]

Just for your thought:
A school with 400 students, 10 classes (40 students each class) and 10 good teachers, is better than a school with 400 students, 20 classes (20 students per class) and 10 good teachers.