Differences Between Local and International Education Systems in Hong Kong

The education system in Hong Kong offers two options: local curriculum and international curriculum. Most local primary and secondary schools use Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) as the primary language of instruction, following the curriculum standards set by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. Schools offering international curriculum (such as international schools, private independent schools, and private schools offering non-local curriculum) primarily use English as the language of instruction. Some schools may offer other languages as the primary language of instruction, such as the French section in French International School or the Korean section in Korean International School, catering to French and Korean students residing in Hong Kong.

Here are some differences between the two systems:

Language

Local primary schools primarily use Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) as the main language of instruction, requiring students to have corresponding Chinese language proficiency， while schools offering international curriculum usually use English as the main language of instruction and provide English language support. A small number of schools may use other languages as the primary language of instruction, such as French in French International School or Korean in Korean International School, catering to specific groups of students.

Education System

The local education system in Hong Kong begins at the age of six when students enter Primary 1. It consists of 12 years of study, including both primary and secondary education, and follows the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) system.

International schools in Hong Kong generally follow three types of education systems: British, American, and Canadian. Under the British system, students enter Year 1 at the age of five, and the secondary stage lasts for seven years, resulting in a total of 13 years of schooling from primary to secondary graduation. The American and Canadian systems align with the local Hong Kong system, starting at the age of six in Grade 1 and spanning 12 years from primary to secondary education. I

Curriculum

Local schools follow the local curriculum framework, such as the Hong Kong Primary School Curriculum Guide. These curricula emphasize academic subjects (e.g., Chinese, English, Mathematics, Science) and follow predefined subject content and teaching guidelines. Students need to complete prescribed textbooks and workbooks to prepare for examinations.

International schools and other private schools typically offer international curricula. International schools following the British system may offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) or A-Level examinations, while schools following the American system typically focus on the SAT exam, and those following the Canadian system may adopt OECD and Alberta examination systems. These curricula focus on fostering students' personal growth, holistic development, and global perspectives.

Teaching Methods

Local primary schools often employ more traditional teaching methods, with teachers primarily delivering knowledge through lectures and demonstrations. Students are expected to actively memorize and grasp the information and concepts provided by the teachers. In classrooms, teachers usually stand in front to impart knowledge, while students passively receive education, attentively listen, and complete assignments and workbooks assigned by the teachers. Local schools place significant emphasis on examinations, starting from the primary stage, and students need to prepare for various periodic tests, mid-term exams, and final exams.

Schools offering international curriculum primarily use teaching methods such as inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to ask questions and explore knowledge; project-based learning, which fosters collaboration and creativity; personalized learning, which tailors learning plans according to students' needs; technology-integrated teaching, which utilizes technology to enhance learning experiences; and cross-cultural education, which cultivates global perspectives and intercultural communication skills.

Teacher Qualifications

Local schools require teachers to meet specific qualifications and professional requirements in Hong Kong. Therefore, they primarily hire locally, even Native-speaking English Teachers (NETs) working in local schools are mainly recruited through the Hong Kong Education Bureau.

International schools and other private schools aim to recruit teachers with international backgrounds and expertise. In addition to local recruitment, they also conduct global recruitment. For example, Australian international schools may hire teachers with High School Certificate teaching experience from Australia.

Local primary schools provide the foundation of the Hong Kong local education system, while international schools offer an internationalized educational environment and curriculum choices. Parents should consider these factors holistically and visit schools, attend open days or consultations with their children to make informed decisions. If parents are interested in learning more about international schools and private schools, please feel free to contact us.