Since last summer, the English Schools Foundation has been mired in controversy over the government's review of its long-frozen subvention. Although a decision is not expected until later this year, the ESF's popularity with local and expatriate parents remains solid.
Set up in 1967 by the government as a provider of English-language education, the ESF serves 17,013 students, of whom 70 per cent have parents who are permanent residents. Children of more than 50 nationalities attend its five secondary schools, nine primary schools, one special needs school, four kindergartens and two through private independent schools.
One of its largest primary schools - Kowloon Junior School - is undergoing redevelopment at a cost of HK$417 million, of which the government contributed HK$155 million. To accommodate 900 students under one roof, rather than in split campuses, the school site will be turned into a seven-storey structure equipped with multiple facilities and two activity rooms for children with special needs by August next year.
Chief executive Heather Du Quesnay said ESF schools provided a joyful learning environment. 'We offer a particularly vibrant environment where children's all-round development is encouraged very strongly,' she said. 'The relationship between teachers and students in our schools is very relaxed. Children actually encourage each other to a remarkable extent. We do not ask students who are not succeeding to leave.
'At a recent science competition at West Island School, all the children were delighted when the winners were announced; they were just pleased that their friends had won. That is a fabulous environment for kids to grow up in.'
Student councils give pupils a say in school affairs and a taste of 'mini-democracy'. One primary school banned ball games in its playground after some younger children expressed fears of getting hit by bigger boys running around fast chasing a ball, said Du Quesnay, who plans to meet council members in the coming school term to listen to their experiences.
Involvement in school affairs is seen as part of students' character development, which is emphasised in the International Baccalaureate curriculum implemented at Year 12 and 13 at all five ESF secondary schools.