Schools advice

Hello, I have been reading some of the other threads to try to gain some inspiration. We are looking for a school for our children, starting with our 3 year old (for when she is 4). We are not concerned about location, we are only renting, so can always move to be close to the right school.


We would like her to learn Mandarin to a decent level in a pleasant environment. It does not have to have a secondary school on site. I know that it is untrendy to say this, but academics are important (after all that is why we all went to school). Encouraging sport and arts is important, but I believe that it is our job to give them full back up with extra curricular activities after school and at weekends.


We have looked at a number of schools and came to the following conclusions. The problem is that I have not spoken to many parents, so am forming opinions based on half hour visits and know that some schools are better at marketing than others. So, I would be grateful for the advice of those of you with more 'hands on experience'.


Kellett - lovely atmosphere, outstandinmg headmistress. Possible to buy a debenture to overcome waiting list, but facilities limited (even after building completed) and do not want to leave children in same school until 13 (when places may become available at ESF). Mandarin programme weak. What are the academic results here?


GSIS - very academic. Good facilities. Mandarin almost non existent.


FIS - entertaining headmaster who children seem to adore. He was very evasive about relationship with French stream though and have heard that there are some issues there. Again, weak Mandarin programme.


HKIS - amazing facilities. Obviously very American, which is not a problem. Seemed committed to Mandarin. Came across as being very right wing Christian though (even have a church on site). I am Christian, and do not claim to be a liberal lefty, but was concerned about 'Bible bashing' and religious intolerance (not something to which I want to expose my children). Please shed spome light on this.


CIS - again, impressed by facilities. Obviously no question about commitment to teaching Chinese. Main concern is - how do Western children with absolutely no background in Chinese catch and keep up?


CDNIS - read earlier thread on this. Loved the building and was impressed by what seemed to be a very balanced programme. Mandarin programme seems very strong. All in all was pretty amazed, but have read some lukewarm comments by other parents on this site and would appreciate some specific feedback.


ESF - have not visited as would not be a possibility for another year.


OK - enough uneducated guessing, want to hear from your experiences. I seem to be in a minority of 1 being underwhelmed by Kellett and HKIS so need to know what I am missing. I know that the perfect school is different for every child. Thanks in advance.

HI mumof2


We are originally from UK, and have two children now FIS, we were at ESF before.

Each school has their pros and cons and it really is depending on your child's needs (or yours for that matter), your own background and how long you plan to stay in HK.


Personally - I prefer a British curriculum rather than a local (too restrictive) or American (too liberalised). In the long term we are going back to UK though not sure when, so naturally we thought this narrows down to ESF, FIS,CIS and GSIS.

GSIS and CIS are both seen more "prestigious" with best facilities. Correct CIS has more emphasis on mandarin though naturally they are more targetted for richer local chinese (though I may be shot are by saying this)

where as GSIS and FIS are more hand in hand in terms of secondary academic results though I know many parents from FIS would prefer GSIS (not sure why probably more "prestigious" but definitely more modern facilities )


ESF is more targetted as for all rounder with good facilities at secondary school though their academic wise at primary school at not as strong (personal point of view) as FIS or GSIS as my children studied there for a while - though their mandarin is a little bit stronger (spent a little more time)


Anyway in terms of mandarin, FIS /GSIS secondary school I know there are a number of western children who takes the foreign mandarin and pass the certificate with flying colours but though not much emphasis is put on during primary years - you may have to find a mandarin lessons as an extra curriculum to catch up - which is available at FIS.


Personally I would go for GSIS and find extra curriculum to teach your children mandarin, as for western I believe it would be easier for them to mix in their own culture.

Thank you cheu01. That is helpful advice. I did not know about the success of FIS/GSIS Mandarin programme at secondary level. As we are also planning on returning to the UK at some point, I agree re. the curriculum. The AP was one of the things turning me off the Canadian School, but now that they have introduced the IB, we have started to think wbout it again. I may be wrong, but am guessing that Britain will head in the IB direction by the time that our little ones are in secondary school.


GSIS advice very helpful. Thanks again.

Mum of 2, sent a PM to your mail box.

Thanks MC. Has not come through yet. Will keep checking.

Hi mum of 2, didn't think you would check that fast. still typing. will be done in 2 min.

Thank you for that!!!!

Agree with micky66 - you really have to visit with your child to get a true feel of the schools. Although no place available at the time preference was Kennedy - the use of the grass sports fields and swimming pool just accross the road was a great advantage and they had a very good Mandarin programme. Although a good school there tends to be continual building works around the Peak school - dust is a concern - so do check the environment around the school eg. main roads and traffic fumes etc. It's a hard choice - good luck.

CDNIS is a great school with very well balanced classes. there are different classes of mandarin classes, based on your knowledge in it, and it is a great way to improve mandarin. many non-chinese students are able to catch up with their mandarin as their classes are smaller and the teacher is more attentive on their learning.

i know a few non-chinese students in their high school and they all know quite a bit of mandarin. [they went into the school gr 6-ish] and are now gr 10/11s.

Hi Mum of 2 ~

I notice you did not mention several schools which are good for teaching Mandarin and am just wondering whether that was intentional (because you do not wish to consider them) or whether you've maybe not heard of them?


Singapore International School (located right next to CNDIS in Wong Chuk Hang) Primary Only; Reputation = Children have fabulous Mandarin skills by the time they've completed their primary years, a bit strict however.


Kiangsu Chekiang School: Located in North Point, I think they have both primary and secondary, also very good reputation for Mandarin.


For your 4 year old, up until she's aged 6, you could consider some of the pre-schools. For example, my son (nearly 3) is attending the bilingual class at Woodlands Montessori (Mid-levels). The class is conducted in English and Putonghua, but if you wanted to boost your child's Mandarin she could also attend the Saturday Putonghua activity.


Good to read: The School Book: A Guide to Children's English Language Education in Hong Kong and China 2006 - 2007; looks like a magazine, costs HKD88, available from Bookazine, produced by Playtimes. Despite title referring to English language education, it gives info on all the schools mentioned so far in this thread.


Setting Up In Hong Kong, by Fiona Campbell. A relocations book with a large, helpful section about schools. Costs HKD399. I got mine in Dymocks.

Thanks for that Snow Rose. Looked at SIS, but decided that it was not suitable for our 2; even though Mandarin is very important, I want them to have a bit more freedom and scope for extracurricular activities than SIS offered.


Must confess that I have never heard of Kiangsu Chekiang School. Will get on google right away.


Thanks for the book recommendations too. Have the Fiona Campbell one already, but will get The School Book. Thanks again.

what advice to you guys give about my sons coming from the usa. age 14 (entering high school) and age 11 entering 5th grade.