Hong Kong is a melting pool of cultures. It is an international city that offers a variety of international schools for different families. Further, one of the best British international schools like Harrow is in Hong Kong to provide students with a good quality education.
Read this article to check what each international school curriculum looks like, how they compare with other curriculums in Hong Kong, and what kinds of students they are best suited for.
6 International School Curriculums In Hong Kong
Choosing an international school curriculum in Hong Kong can be easy due to the various options available. The first step to deciding which curriculum is right for your kid is considering their interests.
The principal systems available are American, English, International Baccalaureate (IB), and several other choices. The bottom line is international schools in this city offer a wide range of curricula to fit every student.
1. American Curriculum
Most American schools in Hong Kong offer a core curriculum that focuses less on academics. Instead, they concentrate more on engaging the holistic side. Note that there’s no one standardised American curriculum due to the decentralisation of the American system.
Some American schools in Hong Kong often offer Advanced Placement or AP courses to train the students for college-level work. Further, some of them place a strong emphasis on experiential learning.
Students learn various subjects, including mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, and physical education.
Schools that offer an American curriculum are as follows:
- The Harbour School
- Hong Kong International School
- Hong Kong Adventist Academy
- American School Hong Kong
- Stamford American School
- American International School
- International Christian School
2. English National Curriculum
English schools in Hong Kong often follow a three-term academic year and offer internationally-recognised qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels. The core subjects are math, science, English, history, foreign languages, geography, art and design, physical education, music, and citizenship.
Moreover, they focus on developing a student’s literary and numerical skills and thinking critically and creatively.
Schools that offer an English curriculum are as follows:
- Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong
- Discovery Bay International School
- Yew Chung International School
- Kellett School
- Anfield School
- Shrewsbury International School
- Harrow International School
- Nord Anglia International School
- Lantau International School
- Mount Kelly Hong Kong
- Singapore International School
- Island Christian Academy
- Norwegian International School
3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum
A school that offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program prepares its students for success in higher-level education and life after school. The IB curriculum is also for promoting international-mindedness. Further, this program is for both primary and secondary levels.
To be more specific, here is the list of different age groups that can enrol in the International Baccalaureate curriculum:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Diploma Programme (DP)
- Career-related Programme (CP)
It also operates on a holistic approach to education, focusing on developing students’ intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills. Students study various topics, including language and literature, science, social studies, mathematics, and the arts.
Schools that offer an IB curriculum are as follows:
- Canadian International School of Hong Kong
- ESF Sha Tin College
- ESF Renaissance College
- ESF Island School
- ESF South Island School
- ESF King George V School
- Japanese International School
- German Swiss International School
- Australian International School
- Hong Kong Academy
- ESF Discovery College
- ESF West Island School
4. Montessori Curriculum
The Montessori curriculum follows an educational ideology developed by Maria Montessori. It emphasises hands-on, experiential learning and encourages students to learn at their own pace. In addition, Montessori schools in Hong Kong typically have mixed-age classrooms.
The curriculum also focuses on practical life skills, mathematics, language, sensory exploration, and cultural studies. They use various specialised materials and activities to support children’s development.
Schools that offer a Montessori curriculum are as follows:
- Rosaryhill School
- Woodlands
- International Montessori School
5. Reggio Emilia Curriculum
The Reggio Emilia program pursues the educational principles developed in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy. Reggio Emilia academies in Hong Kong usually have open classrooms with several learning materials and spaces. It highlights collaboration, creativity, and inquiry-based learning.
The curriculum includes language, art, science, music, mathematics, and social studies. On top of that, this curriculum focuses on children’s interests and experiences by encouraging them to take an energised role in their own learning.
Schools that offer a Reggio Emilia curriculum are as follows:
- Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong
- Mulberry House Academy
- Fairchild Junior Academy
- Fairchild Kindergarten
6. Forest Curriculum
This program focuses on an outdoor-based education program that underlines nature-based learning and environmental stewardship. Forest schools help students connect with the natural world and create a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.
The curriculum includes science, social studies, mathematics, language, and physical education, all taught outdoors. Forrest schools in Hong Kong typically have outdoor classrooms and learning areas and offer a range of activities like gardening, hiking, and outdoor exploration.
Schools that offer a forest curriculum are as follows:
- Mulberry House International Kindergarten
- Discovery Bay International School
- Forest School Sai Kung
- Wilderness International Kindergarten
- Leapfrog Kindergarten
Conclusion
From the American curriculum to the Forrest curriculum, there is a school out there to fit every student’s unique needs and interests.
Whether you are a student, parent, or just curious about the international school options in Hong Kong, we hope this article has been informative and entertaining. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education, so take the time to explore all your options and find the school that is right for you.
