Local school or ESF/International

[manjunathsamaga]

Hi janice,
Its nice to see your reply.. quite understanding from a student's perspective.
In fact, I am moving to HK by end of this month/beginning of next month. I have two kids (8 and 5 yrs - 2005 and 2008 born). I'm looking for their education - would you offer some guidance and help ? My family is expected to move to HK by Mar/April. My first child is a special baby (Downs syndrome) and is somewhat near normal. My wife is pursuing a course on special education and she would be willing to be associated with a school that also encourages special need babies (sort of inclusive education).

Would you please let me have availability of admission and schools you suggest....

Manju

 

[Gabriel ma]

Yes, usually pupils in local schools have very busy schedule. My friend's sons are going to an elite local schools. The kids have to go to tutor classes everyday

 

[Gabriel ma]

8~10 homework is very normal in those schools. But some kids seem to be okay to survive there.

 

[Gabriel ma]

I told her my kid did not go to any tutor class and only got 3~4 piece of honework everyday. That's really surprised her. And she said that's a very relaxing school life.
So, n

 

[Gabriel ma]

So, local school is relaxing or not really depends on your own value. I prefer to spend the time to enjoy the family life and help my kid to build up confidence and have the opportunities to explore the world. There is so many things to experience, to explore and it cannot learn from exercises worksheets.

 

[ychia76]

I have heard many horrible stories from parents who are local hong kongers with children who went to international kindergarten and starts primary school in the local school system and from expats who send their children to local school systems since kindergarten.

I also have a friend's daughter, age 8 having OCD because of the demands in local primary school system that she needs to take medication to calm down. And to save the child's sanity changed school and now a much happier child.

The teachers who are taught in the same local system will somehow aggravate the same "abuse" for the lack of a better term towards their students. Students are afraid to take a sip of water because raising hands to go to the bathroom will be an automatic "No" given. How can anyone one think without water? Brain cells need water to function and denying water and bathroom time that is the basic needs is just crazy. No wonder for the people I spoke with who are local Hong Kongers, I have asked them why they do not drink water considering the stress in such urban concrete jungle. Most of them replied that they do not like to go to the bathroom and it is a waste of time.

Second is the amount of movements, children learn through movements and 10 minute recess time is not enough to even create a social interaction among children to learn on their own and to play and to have an imagination.

I feel sadden when I hear another teenager just committed suicide by jumping off another building. Not enough water for one. Second no childhood and when they get to teenage suffering from depression and cannot voice out because they are too afraid... Living in a brain stem mode or survival mode for 13 - 19 years.

Very sad =( ... I hope some light will shine through ... what end justifies the means?

 

[Roger]

While the local system has its problems, it compares very well to other countries. In addition, when you move to a country you want to become part of its society and learn its language. Using the local education system helps in that area a great deal.

 

[Gabriel ma]

I have heard many horrible stories from parents who are local hong kongers with children who went to international kindergarten and starts primary school in the local school system and from expats who send their children to local school systems since kindergarten.

I also have a friend's daughter, age 8 having OCD because of the demands in local primary school system that she needs to take medication to calm down. And to save the child's sanity changed school and now a much happier child.

The teachers who are taught in the same local system will somehow aggravate the same "abuse" for the lack of a better term towards their students. Students are afraid to take a sip of water because raising hands to go to the bathroom will be an automatic "No" given. How can anyone one think without water? Brain cells need water to function and denying water and bathroom time that is the basic needs is just crazy. No wonder for the people I spoke with who are local Hong Kongers, I have asked them why they do not drink water considering the stress in such urban concrete jungle. Most of them replied that they do not like to go to the bathroom and it is a waste of time.

Second is the amount of movements, children learn through movements and 10 minute recess time is not enough to even create a social interaction among children to learn on their own and to play and to have an imagination.

I feel sadden when I hear another teenager just committed suicide by jumping off another building. Not enough water for one. Second no childhood and when they get to teenage suffering from depression and cannot voice out because they are too afraid... Living in a brain stem mode or survival mode for 13 - 19 years.

Very sad =( ... I hope some light will shine through ... what end justifies the means?

Yes, local school curriculum is pretty demanding. Students are busy with endless homework, dictation, tests and examination. An alternative could be those DSS or private schools which run IB / overseas curriculum. Kids might be able to enjoy their childhood.