Education in the 21st century

For all the theories, advice, books and apps dedicated to choosing the right school, it can still be one of the most anxiety-inducing, yet rewarding, aspects of being a parent.

There is the local system run by the Education Bureau, mostly leading towards the DSE, as well as more than 50 international schools offering various curricula based on what’s being taught in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United States.

Ruth Benny founded Top Schools to guide parents through the many choices available in the city, and the practical steps involved in selecting a particular school. For example, she advises expatriates working on a contract basis to think about possible future postings or the timing of a move back home, as these could have direct bearings on what schools will be available to them.

“If a child is at kindergarten age, we generally help parents devise a three to five-year plan based on family needs and preferences,” Benny says. “We include the need for flexibility to adapt to changing situations,” she adds.

Benny understands why parents may have reservations about the local education system and, as a result, are chasing places at the city’s international schools. However, she also has concerns about “local” students getting an international education, but not having the all-important Chinese language skills many employers require.

Anne Sawyer, co-founder of the International Montessori School, believes that motivation and the capacity to learn are the most important factors of educational success. “At every level, the goal is to create an environment that is intrinsically motivating, but where students are happy,” Sawyer says.