7 Tips for Preparing for School Applications in Hong Kong
Author: John Shooter
Principal at Oxbridge School
How to prepare your Child for the International schools admissions
The school application process in Hong Kong is a significant concern for parents, as it not only determines whether their child secures a place at their preferred school but also influences their future aspirations and dreams. Preparing for school admissions is a serious undertaking, and first-time parents may find it overwhelming. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in international schools in Hong Kong, we offer some guidance and tips for parents to consider when navigating the admissions process.
Tips to Consider Before the School Admission Process
You may have already made a preliminary list of primary schools or secondary levels based on elements such as location, values, teaching philosophy, strong curricula, education model, fees, and other important criteria. Once you have a shortlist, consider the following points:
- Learn About Application Deadlines
- Understand the Application Process and Supporting Documents
- Prepare for the Assessment
- Prepare for English Examination
- How to Prepare for the Interview
- Provide Emotional Support to Your Child
- Ensure Adequate Rest and Relaxation
Learn About Application Deadlines
The Education Bureau in Hong Kong states that during the 2023/24 year, over 329,000 students were enrolled in primary schools and more than 341,000 in secondary level. Many institutions for primary level will accept enrolments two years in advance of the academic year, and kindergarten institutions will even allow enrolment as soon as a child is born. It is advisable to plan ahead and be aware of the deadlines for applications or application period for your chosen institute. Applicants can contact the admissions team to understand their capacity and timelines, learn the process to submit applications and documents required. Depending on the institution parents can submit applications online.
Understand the Application Process and Supporting Documents
The admissions process for international schools in Hong Kong typically involves several stages regardless if the application is for primary or secondary levels. Institutions will require parents to complete an application form that includes general information about their child, such as name, date of birth, and any special learning needs. At this stage Applicants have to provide the necessary documents such as current school records, birth certificate, etc. for verIfication. Additionally, an assessment or examination is commonly part of the entry process, varying by age and the year the child will enter.
Once you submit your application, the institutions will invite you to book a date for the assessment and interview at the campus. For example, Oxbridge School can perform both physical and online assessment for applicants that are located remotely when these are necessary, and this can be performed for both primary and secondary schools.
Prepare for the Assessment
There is a wealth of online resources to back your educational journey and the entry assessments, including potential interview questions for the students. A useful general guide is the National Curriculum website from the UK, where you can consult the education program and goals for each year as reference. Parents and students can review the general information of the UK Curriculum and system, goals for each of the grades and aim to build their application based on the year they intend to apply. It is important to review the content so you familiarise yourself with the system and the equivalent years. Please note that the UK curriculum Year 1 programme is equivalent to Kindergarten 3 programme in Hong Kong this can be confusing for parents. The Year 2 programme in the UK is equivalent to Primary 1 in Hong Kong.
Prepare for English Examination
A crucial aspect of the admissions process is the English examination, which assesses a child's current language proficiency, understanding of phonics, and any additional help they may require. At Oxbridge School, we assist non-English speaking students through our English Integration Pathway programme, which provides dedicated time for students to reach the level of their peers, ensuring they can learn across all subjects.
How to Prepare for the Interview
Applicants can familiarise with the materials available for the assessment on each institution's website, which will provide insights into interview expectations. For younger students, assessments tend to be more casual and informal, requiring less preparation. From Years 3 to 6, or the equivalent to primary levels, the assessments typically focus on:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Mathematics
Interview performance is reviewed by the admissions team and evaluated by the corresponding teacher for the grade applied. For example applicants for Year 2 will be evaluable by Year 2 or Primary 1 teachers.
At this stage students can explore different topics and prepare part of the interview around their favourite subject, allowing them to be more relaxed during the interview.
Provide Emotional Support to Your Child
An important note to consider is that exams can be a source of significant stress for applicants, and your help is vital in helping them manage this pressure. Encourage the student to talk about their feelings and worries regarding the exams. Create a study-friendly environment, free from distractions, and help them develop a revision schedule that includes breaks for relaxation.
Remind them that feeling anxious is normal and can be channelled positively through practice and conversation with teachers. Physical activity, such as walking or cycling, can also help to alleviate stress.
Ensure Adequate Rest and Relaxation
Maintaining a healthy routine is essential, including a balanced diet and sufficient sleep, as these factors significantly affect concentration and performance. The night before the examination, ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. A little downtime before the exam will help them relax and prepare mentally for the day ahead.
The application process in Hong Kong is crucial for parents. It not only helps secure a place for their child at a chosen institution but also gives a foundation for their future aspirations. Students who arrive rested and focused tend to perform better in interviews and assessments.
International schools accept applications with a holistic approach and a system that considers multiple aspects, not only the exam result are evaluated, also students’ values, learning preferences, education background, interaction in the classroom, and personality are also considered in the process.
At Oxbridge School, we are here to be of assistance throughout the admissions process. If you have any questions or need guidance regarding our admissions procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions department at admissions@oxbridgeschool.hk. We look forward to assisting you and your child on this important educational journey.
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