Why more Hong Kong parents are shunning local schools
Regina Ip says officials must take a hard look at the local secondary school curriculum, which, by seeking to cater to the masses, is dashing middle-class hopesfor quality education
International schools, the single most glaring omission from the otherwise comprehensive chapter on education in the chief executive's policy address, continue to spark concern in Hong Kong's middle-class and expatriate communities.
Two cases in particular are arousing anxiety. The Montessori primary school in Tin Hau, a popular primary school offering an international curriculum with a strong dual-language (English and Putonghua) focus, is facing eviction from its campus when its lease runs out in July. Neither the landlord nor the government has been able to give an assurance about lease renewal.
Separately, the government is seeking to convert the abandoned Ap Lei Chau St Peter's Catholic Primary School into an international primary school. The plan was well-intentioned, to make good use of the vacant premises of an axed school. But the shortage of space to accommodate school buses and the resultant traffic hazards and congestion in the crowded neighbourhood is giving rise to local protest, which threatens to stall the project.
The secretary for education has confirmed that there will be a shortage of over 4,200 primary international school places by 2016. The government is planning to convert unused school premises to international schools and expedite other in-situ expansion projects to provide much-needed places.
Although overall statistics show that international school places are not fully taken up, closer analysis shows there is a severe shortage of places in international schools which offer strong English language and Putonghua education, and in the primary and special education sectors.
Of particular concern is that strong demand for international school places from local parents might be crowding out children of expatriate employees. Government statistics show the proportion of local students in primary international schools rose from 11.6 per cent in 2001-02 to 25.6 per cent in 2011-12; the proportion of local students in secondary international schools rose from 10.7 per cent to 22.8 per cent in the same period.
In information submitted to the legislature, the Education Bureau admitted that international schools are attractive to local parents because of the more interactive and flexible teaching methods, and the higher standard of English instruction.