K2 preparation for Primary Local schools advice

[mambo]

Anyone in my situation? I'm a Canadian born chinese, kids born locally. As parents, we want our children to learn chinese so therefore, looking into going the local route for Primary schools. However, it has been challenging trying to enrol my son in all these 'classes' he 'needs' to take to prepare him for the entrance/interviews of some of these schools! Also, trying to DECIDE what school would be appropriate. I've been talking to only a handful of mothers who seem to push their kids into 2-3 classes after schools hours. Is that really necessary? Is this what the schools are really looking for?? I've been told that I shouldn't go back to Canada for this summer (as we do EVERY YEAR) since it would intefere with classes that he 'should' be taking to prepare for the interviews?? Can anyone share their advice or experience in getting into local schools. Much appreciated.

 

[mambo]

Would also like to point out that my Chinese is limited and have been struggling in this "race" for local schools. But hubby believes it would be the best for the kids to learn the language. What are my kids chances of 'survival' in a local system??

 

[nessacarrie2682]

you have to be aware of the local schools in hong kong is totally different from the schools in Canada. it can be stressful as homework are demanding, lots of study, the kids' timetable are always full. the international schools in hong kong do teach Mandarin and Chinese so you don't need to worry about that. Delia School of Canada is under Canadian Education system so if your kids are already in school, they probably can catch up easily. if you want a school with strong Chinese curriculum, except of the local school, you can try Yew Chung International School, Chinese International School or KCIS. just think about the children whether they can cope with demanding work load before you make up your mind.

 

[alpha]

I had secondary and tertiary education in Canada and before my family and I moved to Canada, I went to a traditional local catholic primary school with plenty of homework and tests/exams. So I could really feel the difference between the two education systems. My foundation in Chinese was built during the years of my primary education. However personally i think the teaching approach is more important than just learning Chinese. Of course knowing Chinese would be an advantage, but hk's exam-oriented school system is definitely hampering children's love of learning and intrinsic motivation. Your kids might 'survive' but they might not be happy. After experiencing the two completely different styles of teaching, I decided to send my daughter to an international school (accepted to ESF Yr 1) and give her extra Chinese lessons (taught by private tutor and her grandma). I hope I have made the right choice and so will you.

 

[Gabriel ma]

Many private schools or DSS will arrange open day or briefing session during May to Sept. You might get more info from there.

 

[Roger]

Local system primary schools are not allowed to interview the kids in any way at all. Place allocation is all done by a points system. The kindergarten will issue forms at the beginning of K3. You need to find out which are the most suitable schools in your "net" (area of residence) and the one next door by visiting them (open days are best). Religious affiliation may gain extra points if the school is a Christian or Buddhist one. DSS schools are applied to directly. Non-Chinese speaking children can get extra support. See the EDB website for details.

 

[loupou]

Roger,

This is not true for local system schools that are DSS. For example, both DGS and DBS have interviews. At DBS, we parents were interviewed as well.

 

[howardcoombs]

Loupou,
Local school usually implies the government (free) schools; these are allocated by lottery as well as by encatchment areas.

DSS schools are in a different class and they can and do discriminate based on marks, religion, interview etc etc.

HC

 

[loupou]

Loupou,
Local school usually implies the government (free) schools; these are allocated by lottery as well as by encatchment areas.

DSS schools are in a different class and they can and do discriminate based on marks, religion, interview etc etc.

HC

Maybe it's my age or my social circle (my kids were applying to primary in the early 2000s) but in discussions w/ other parents "local" schools were not restricted to those using the Central allocation system. For example, DGS, Heep Yunn, and Good Hope were usually considered "good local girls schools" although only Heep Yunn primary was available via Central Allocation.

Same thing w/ (say) LaSalle and Pui Ching.

 

[Roger]

Primary school allocation is in two stages and whether you get in at Stage 1 depends on the number of points you have plus the popularity of the school. If you don't get in at Stage 1, you go through Central Allocation where you choose your favourite 3 schools within your net only and then wait for the computer to come up with the results. This stage is more of a lottery than the previous one.