The International Baccalaureate at Hong Kong International School: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Hong Kong's educational landscape offers a diverse array of English-speaking institutions, catering to both local and expatriate communities. These schools range from international establishments following global curricula to local schools that have adopted English as their primary medium of instruction.

english speaking schools hong kong

International Schools:

International schools in Hong Kong provide curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, and other national programs. They primarily use English as the medium of instruction and often have a multicultural student body. Notable examples include:

• American School Hong Kong (ASHK): Located in Tai Po, ASHK offers an American education program aligned with the US Common Core standards and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12.
• Kingston International School: Situated in Kowloon Tong, this co-educational bilingual school provides the IB Primary Years Programme, emphasizing both English and Putonghua (Mandarin) instruction.
• South Island School: Part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), South Island School offers the GCSE/IGCSE syllabus, IB Diploma Programme, IB Career-related Programme, and the BTEC qualification. The school boasts a diverse student body representing over 38 nationalities.

English-Medium Instruction (EMI) Schools:

In addition to international schools, Hong Kong has local EMI schools that use English as the primary language of instruction. As of recent data, there are approximately 100 EMI schools, accounting for around 30% of the total local secondary schools. These institutions are often perceived as elite schools, providing better preparation for students' future needs.

Challenges and Considerations:

Despite the prevalence of English-speaking schools, recent studies have highlighted challenges in English language proficiency among students. The English competency of Hong Kong's Form Three students has dropped to its lowest level in nearly two decades, a decline attributed to learning challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, discussions have emerged regarding the assumption that English is a second language for all students. Some argue that English should be treated as a foreign language in the curriculum to better address the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students.

Supplementary English Learning Centers:

To support English language development, several learning centers specialize in enhancing students' proficiency. For instance, the Brandon Learning Centre in Causeway Bay offers public speaking classes based on English Speaking Board assessments, aiming to develop confidence in spoken English and prepare students for overseas studies.

In summary, Hong Kong provides a broad spectrum of English-speaking educational institutions, each with unique curricula and philosophies. When selecting a school, it's essential for parents and students to consider factors such as curriculum, language support, cultural diversity, and the institution's approach to language instruction to ensure it aligns with the student's learning needs and future aspirations.