Hong Kong Orientation Guide

allowing your child to jump the queue. However, these debentures are not available at every school and theschools thatdooffer them,have longwaitlists topurchase them.It isadvisable to applyassoonasyouknowofyourtransfertoHongKong.

Can I apply for a place for my child before we transfer to Hong Kong?

You can apply to most international schools prior to arrival.

What provision do international schools have for students for whom English is a second language? Some international schools in Hong Kong do provide support for children with English as a second language.Thelevelofsupportdoesvarybetweenschools.Theschoolswhichcaterinparticular forexpatriatechildrenfromEnglish-speakingbackgroundsacceptfewerESLpupilsthanother schools.It is important to check the level of ESL support and ensure that this is sufficient tomeet your child’sneeds.

Why do some schools insist on debentures or capital levies?

Debentures are lump sums payable on entry to the school, which are normally refundable when thechild leaves,or canbesoldon theopenmarket.Corporatedebentures are transferable to other children sponsoredbythe company thatowns them.Asdebentures usually requirean extensive capital outlay of at least HK$250,000 to up to over HK$1,000,000, some schools offer thealternativeofanannualnon-refundablecapitallevypayable inadditiontoschoolfees.The schoolsthatofferdebenturesorannualcapitalleviesuse theinterest fromthedeposits to fund thebuildingofnewschoolsorforthemaintenanceoftheexisting facilities.

Do I need to visit a school before selecting it?

It is strongly recommended that you do visit the school before choosing it, if this is possible. Only by visiting the school can you gain an impression of the school culture,theattitude of the teachers and the happiness of the pupils. Such a visit will help you decide if your childwill fit in the environment and if the school shares your educational values. If possible, visit the school with yourchildandlistentotheirimpressionstoo. International schools offer a variety of curricula and qualifications. How can I decide which isbestformychild? Consideryourownbackgroundandyourultimategoalsinsendingyourchildtoaninternational school. You are likely to be interested in a school matching your own background. For example, if youareCanadian youwill tend to look at theCanadian schools first,given that it ispossible you will return to your home country.Thiswill ensure that your child has no trouble adapting to your native educationsystem.

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