KCIS Primary

[jaysmum]

Can any KCIS parents of the primary section share their views on the school? In particular, the proficiency of the children's english and mandarin?

 

[wegetable]

I am interested to know too, I have applied my two kids for next year but don't know much about the school.

 

[fatchai]

hi
for KCIS, you can apply your kids anytime and they will just put u on the waiting list. The proportion of English and Chinese teaching is 70% and 30% .


cheers

 

[wegetable]

Thanks fatchai. Do you know if KCIS uses native English speakers to teach except for the Chinese classes?

 

[yonge]

My friend's daughter attends KCIS P1. The English teachers are all native English speakers, but as classes are conducted 70% English and 30% Chinese, the children are generally more fluent in English than Chinese.

 

[MaiYe]

Canada learning material for preschoolers

my preschooler is studying in a local kindergarten and I would like to expose her some Canadian history & cultural things that a Canadia preschooler will learn in Canada. any mommies able to share any learning material please? kindly advice, many tks!

 

[ocean419]

Hi young, the 30% Chinese that you referred to is mandarin not Cantonese, correct? And as for the written part, do they teach traditional or simplified chinese?

 

[Viv2011]

Is KCIS also a over-subscribed school? I was thinking it as a back up plan, not sure if I am kidding myself. We are seeking Y3 entry even though catching up on the Chinese learning could be a challenge for my child. Any advise is welcome.

 

[wegetable]

Does your kid have any Mandarin background? You should call and ask for Anita, ask her if Y3 entry is possible for you. She is a very helpful person and great in communication, you should call ASAP and find out if you apply now, what's the chance you can get an interview. Good Luck!

 

[wegetable]

Hi Viv, just saw your other post, I see that your kid doesn't speak any Mandarin. KCIS gives priority to expats and we all know that expats come and go at any time, I am sure they can tell you what could happen in your case. For Y3, they will be using Y2 Chinese material from local stream, maybe you can hire a private tutor to help your kid to catch up at the beginning? Like I said earlier, call them immediately, they start interviewing very soon. Ask them how many spots available now at Y3 and where will you be on the waiting list if you send in/fax/email application right away. Don't wait. Once the spots are taken, it doesn't matter anymore you have priority or not.

GSIS is so, so, hard to get in. My son went for the P1 interview, there were only 12 spots available for grab. For Y3, your kid would need to sit in for a written test if there is any space available. Unless you are going for the German stream, otherwise, chance is not high. Plus, they already started interview back in Jan., if you haven't received an interview invitation yet, you are a little late in the game.

Just remember, you can also switch school next year. It is not that far away that 2012/2013 application will start soon. Just call around and see which school tells you if you apply now, you still will stand a good chance. There is also The Harbour School in Kennedy Town, IMS new campus in Tin Hau. I think the most important thing is there is a place for your kid when you arrive. Deciding where to live will affect your decision for school too. AIS is in Kowloon, Delia of Canada is in Taikoo, Korean International School is in Chai Wan.. You certainly don't want your kid to sit in the school bus too long so you need to narrow down where you want to live, H.K. island? Kowloon? Pokfulam? I think the Habour School, AIS and Delia of Canada are easier to get in, like you said, you are just looking for a backup plan. Just make sure you kid has a school to go to so I were you, I would start calling up schools and see if you can schedule some interviews if possible. You may have to fly over for an interview, don't know if any of these schools is so accommodating to wait until you arrive in the summer. We had to move up our move because one school wouldn't postpone the interview, not even by few days. Do whatever you have to do, like you said, the most difficult part of the move is to find a school. Hopfully ESF CSS works for you, I heard some locations even close the CSS due to how oversubscripted this year.