Posted by
Mekk
12 yrs ago
Hi Everyone,
I am new to the website - thought I'd join as I am moving with my family to Hong Kong in July. Everything has happened very quickly. I have also realized that I have missed enrollment dates for the new school year of 2013. I have a 8 year old boy and 6 year old girl..We have looked into the Canadian International School and the Delia School but have heard mixed reviews - plus there is not room. I do not care in terms of location as long as its a good school and english as the main language. Any help with advise on schools and waiting list is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Cluck
12 yrs ago
Contact Ruth Benny of Top Schools HK if you need help.... She is very knowledgable in this field.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Cluck. Do you have conatct details?
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
how much does it cost and do you know if she can get the children into to school?
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No one can guarantee a spot but Ruth Benny is well known and very informed about schools in HK. She should be able to point out schools that are less popular (for one reason or another). You can also look on Geoschool forum and try to gather information on your own. Also, talk to your coworkers and friends who have kids around your children's age.
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There's also a FB page Hong Kong Schools that Ruth "runs". Plenty of information on there. CDNIS will be very hard to get into, Delia should be way better. It's less desirable, but many change once they get a spot elsewhere. It's more about getting into a school and go from there instead of getting into your preferred school, as that may not happen within the next 1-2 years.
Do you already know where to live? Or does it depend on schooling. There are quite a few schools in the NT where demand is lower, e.g. JIS, NIS, ICS, HLYIS, American International School, and on the island it's Korean International School (things have improved there with a new principal), Delia School of Canada, Harbour School ...
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Hi MommyT03
Thank you for all the informations - greatly appreciated. I check out Ruth's website. And have started to enroll the children hoping to get a bit. Delia seems to be the one who has gotten back thus far, though I have heard mixed things are the school.
As for housing we thought to best find a school and then look for a house...school seems like the hardest thing to find here in a timely manner. Thanks again for all your help. Warm regards. M
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frankly you should apply to any school that you come across with english language as medium of instruction. if delia offers to you, i would take it. you can't be too picky and would not be the first person to not have a spot for your kids AT ALL
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Cookie09 - of course we are grateful and will accept the offer, but as a parent you get worried when you hear some many mixed reviews. Having said that and as you mentioned...one school is better then none :)
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Thanks, all!
Mekk, your 6 year old is going to be more difficult to place than your 8 year old and you may need to have them in different schools, at least in the beginning.
However, let me assure you that, with careful research and guidance, you will find places for them. No time to waste, though...
All the best! Ruth
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Korean International is not a bad place to be at all if they have places. My son is there and loves it and we are very happy with the whole situation. Small classes, personal feeling to it and everyone knows everyone which counts for a huge plus in my book...
Delia isn't a bad place, but if you find something else, take it.
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I agree Korean international school is the best place for your children's , try to catch the school ASAP other wise summer vacations coming soon ,
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Hi All
THis has been so hopefully. I am flying in on the 22nd of June so that the last week of school (some) we can meet with. We are on a waiting list for Delia, Kellet, Harbor and Bradbury. The Canadian International also has us on a wait list...I am worried that I will have to home school them for a while!!! Korean school apparently has school the doors for application this year..
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Hi you can apply in Sears Rogers International School. Both your kids sure will be accepted anytime of the year. They never turn down any student so far. My two kids goes there for secondary and primary. And the fees and enrollment requirement are acceptable mostly inexpensive than other international school, no capital levy and debentures. Hope this help.
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Depending on where you will live, you could consider Harrow HK. It only opened this year so places may be available for next year. The big downside is that it is a long commute for the children as it is on the Gold Coast but it may be an option until somewhere more convenient comes along and there are school buses run from HK Island. The staff and facilities are very good and many staff have moved from the parent school in UK and bring a lot from there.
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There could be a possibility if you are interested in Waldorf-Steiner education as they are opening a new Primary School, Forest House, for class I this September which would fit your daughter and if enough pupils are found in the age of 8 (like my son) they will open a class 2. At the moment they only have two pupils and need another 5 to form a class. I am spreading the word as I would like my son to be able to attend and not many parents are informed as it is a new project. You can get in touch with "enquiry@waldorf.edu.hk".
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Not a chance at Harrow, I'm afraid.
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94RS
12 yrs ago
Hi Mekk,
Another option you may care to try is Hong Lok Yuen International School.
www.hlyis.edu.hk/
I can highly recommend this school, its Kindergarten and primary school, with its small class size, green field environment and caring native English speaking staff. In is located in the New Territories within a very pleasant and upmarket residential development, right on the doorstep of country park areas and only 30 minutes drive from the CBD.
My two children and several of my friends' children attended this school through the years and we are all exceptionally happy and satisfied with the high quality of care and education provided.
Hope this is of help and good luck.
Let me know if you need any further information.
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drew1
12 yrs ago
Hi
Forest House have a class that will definitely run in September. They have a healthy number of pupils now that have signed up.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Hi All,
Thank you so much for everyones feed back. We just got accepted into Delia and Harbour Front School. Anyone got any info or opinion on which one to pick?? We are a little nervous not lose the oppotunity since we have not heard back from any other schools (as they say beggers can't be choosers) ..
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Hi Strawblade,
I appreciate your feedback. OUr children don't have any special needs - thankfully, so do you think it would be better for them since there special needs program is not good. As for the teachers, I am not surprised we have been a part of International schools for many years and have had the same experience in some of the the most elite schools including the one here in Geneva. Education is horrible here period. We are just worried that no one will offer a place..and we have heard mixed things about Delia so I am feeling very stuck.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Strawblade
After I sent you the repy - my husband did further research and its defiantly not what we want for the children - the fact that the school has no library, sports centre or a play area put us off aswell. I do not want to think I drop the kids of for school and then they leave the school to play in a local park. For the amount of money they want I thought they would have more to offer. At this stage I would rather home school. We have applied to Kellet, so fingers crossed. Thanks your posting was a huge help and saved us ;)
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Strawblade
After I sent you the repy - my husband did further research and its defiantly not what we want for the children - the fact that the school has no library, sports centre or a play area put us off aswell. I do not want to think I drop the kids of for school and then they leave the school to play in a local park. For the amount of money they want I thought they would have more to offer. At this stage I would rather home school. We have applied to Kellet, so fingers crossed. Thanks your posting was a huge help and saved us ;)
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Delia isn't one of the best, so you might want to keep looking for alternatives to move to even after they start. See how they find it anyway, it would be interesting to see what you think. Harbour School is very small, but I don't know much else about it...
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Silviofisher,
Never did I think that my biggest stress about moving to HK would be schools!! We have been on the list for some of the bigger schools - so hopefully they come through...I dont want to start and then change the children half way through the year, the move itself is stressful to many changes...Thanks for your response.
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Island Christian Academy has only been open one year but they are are from the same team behind Small World Christian Kindergarten which has 25 years of experience in HK and a fabulous reputation. The feedback from current parents who have kids at ICA are similarly wonderful. Not surprisingly, they already have a wait list. They take kids up to Year 3. Good luck!
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Forgot to mention that ICA currently take kids up to Year 3 for the new school year but it is a full primary school that will eventually take kids up to Year 6.
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Just to add to what Mariposa27 has said, for the new school year, Aug 2013-June 2014, ICA will be taking children from Grade 1 to 4 inclusive. They are adding 1 grade each year so next year (2014-2015) those children in Y4 will be Y5 etc etc up to Grade 6. They have also set themselves a target to provide a secondary school by the time the current Y3 kids hit Y6 and given the dedication and drive of the management team I have no doubt they will.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thank you for the information on ICA. Do you know how much 'christain studies' there is for the children. We prefer religion not to be taught at school - its just a personal opinion. Thanks for your advise.
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It is a Christian school and therefore obviously there is a religious element so if you don't want any religion to be taught in school then I should probably look elsewhere. That said there are a lot of parents who are not at all religious or practice other faiths who attend the school as it is a fully inclusive establishment. The values formation and social development which the school teaches along with the academic programme are excellent and not often found in many schools nowadays. The christian element is not at all overbearing and is taught in a sensitive and inclusive way but if you have strong views against this kind of exposure then this would not be the right school for you.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
I appreciate your feedback. I am not against it so long as its not preached. I also attend an Anglican private school when I was a child - but I just don't want it to be preached in a forceful way. I believe that school is for academic education and the spirtual studies should be left for home, for my family anyway. Thank you I appreciate your feedback on the school and will look into it.
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aisk may have openings at it is mid year for them. We got in despite the waiting list because we started in term 4 and few people had left.
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depends on where you live, you may try the Norwegian international school.
http://nis.edu.hk/admissions/tuition-fees/
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Our family have had a very different experice to Strawblade. Strawblade I don't know the details of your experience but I am sorry to hear that you have had a bad experience with The Harbour School. Our experience has only been good. Our children have thrived there and we also turned down offers with several international schools for THS. I know several other parents in my children's years who have also done that. Yes, I agree the lack of facilities is a problem but one they are striving hard to overcome and they do make the most of what they have. Kids go to the library, have indoor and outdoor PE and play outdoors. Small class sizes and an individualised approach for our children have worked well. Children are broken up into small groups for a lot of their learning so they can work at their level. For many children this is above grade level. None of our children have special needs so I can not comment on the The Childrens Institute which caters for children who can not go into mainstream education but I can say that I personally love the integration between regular classrooms and TCI children. They usually only visit for short periods during the day but I can say that my children get a lot out of interacting with special needs children and this is the all inclusive attitude that we promote at home and that I want them to grow up with. Quite simply, it makes them better people. The school has a very happy and warm feel to it, the kids seem happy, mine certainly are, and most importantly for me, they love going to shcool and they love learning. It's not a school for everyone, it is a little different, but in my opinion and most of the other parents there, it works. I guess there is always going to be someone who has a bad experience, this isn't unique to THS.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thank you all for your advise and help. We are happy to aspect an offer this week at Kellet International School. We are very excited and happy the children have been aspected into a school with a good reputation for the most part :).
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That's great Mekk. Congratulations!
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Thanks Strawblade - your post helped me alot and made me look into thing with more detail. It's a huge relief that the kids have a school..know we arrive and start looking for a house!! :)
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Wow Strawblade, sounds like you really must have some exact figures. I don't have those figures, what can I say, just a happy parent with children there who have been there for over 3 years and sharing my personal experience. You clearly have a lot more experience with the school and very detailed statistics, so please do share. I look forward ot seeing that.
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Strawblade, thanking you for your personal attacks now. Lack of involvement? You don't know me. I am very involved. You act like you have all the answers, like you have all the facts. Please share the facts that back up the statements that you not I are making. If you can't... well that speaks for itself really.
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In fact Strawblade, you sound bitter and this just isn't going anywhere. I'm sorry for you. As I originally said, I am sorry you had a bad experience. I have not attacked or criticised you personally nor have I questioned your choices so I wonder why you feel the need to get so personal. I haven't questioned your involvement, I haven't insinuated your expectations are low and nor would I. We each do what we truly believe is best for our children. This is an advice forum, not a forum to attack others. I left my personal experience, if that positive experience has upset you somehow then so be it. I wasn't asking for an attack of it and wonder why you feel the need to do so. Leave your advice and information, it's an advice form, it's welcome. I'd certainly like to see all of these statistics you have to back up your statements. Please keep your attacks on others who also leave their advice and personal experiences to yourself.
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I am the Principal of The Harbour School. The temptation, of course, is to ignore this discussion, but Strawblade has made some statements and implications that might actually be believed and need rebuttal.
First, in terms of turnover, we are very happy to share our stats: This year, out of 24 teachers, 6 are not returning. Two of them are (tearfully) leaving because of spousal relocation. One is pursuing an advanced teaching degree and would love to return to the school. One was not asked back.
Two are leaving after more than five years at the school, but remain good friends and will remain involved with the school. Of our 22 co-teachers, only 2 are leaving, both to pursue advanced degrees in teaching, with the possibility of returning to the school as teachers. (Two of our former co-teachers have done exactly that.)
Overall, our teachers are extremely happy. Our parents are also extremely happy for the most part, which is why we know who Strawblade is. We are sorry her experience was not positive, but that is far from the norm. (We would encourage people who are interested to speak to any of our current parents. I do not know who illuka is, but hers is a much more typical opinion.)
As to the bus company, we use the same bus company as most of the other international schools in town and thus our bus experience is no worse, but no better, than would be true at any other school.
Finally, I have to lodge a strong objection to the cynical approach of applying to the school simply as a “waiting strategy.” This would obviously not be the best thing for your children or for the school.
Much more tragically, this would displace the children on our waiting list for whom THS is a first choice (or indeed the only school they are applying to, as is often the case) because they agree with the ethos and purpose of our progressive school.
People who would like to see some of what we do may look at thsdock.net, or our new Facebook page: TheHarbourSchoolHongKong. The proof is in the pudding.
If our kids were simply watching TV or if we were a “special needs school,” they would not be able to produce a 5th grade Global Issues Conference (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXVbbyjetww), or write, compose and script an influential video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlqi58MV3yQ), have their work featured at the Link Art Fair, run a Renaissance Faire, or any of the other amazing things our small school has produced.
Our space is not yet ideal, so parents for whom that is a top priority will not be interested in THS. Others, who look at our 1:7 teacher/student ratio, our progressive curriculum, our incredibly diverse, creative, articulate and passionate students and our exciting, dedicated and enthusiastic teachers will.
We have no problem with that being a parental choice. I have no interest in a flame war and will not answer any further posts, but urge those who are interested to find out more about the school for themselves or from current parents.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
As the person who has started this particular discussion - never did I think a simple question would become so 'messy'. The whole point of the forum is to discuss and share experiences and opinions - you can take it or leave it.
Illuka - I think that its great you have shown your principle at THS the concerns and opinion of the school. In strawblade's defense this is not the only website that has a critical opinion of the school. I had receieved an offer from THS and then did extensive research on various site to see the opinion of other on the school. My concern is not the turn over of staff or student body as I am and always have been a part of an international community - so high turn over is expected. The breaking point for me was the negatives of other parents, but the fact that the school does not have efficent facilties such as a library, and also did not like the idea of my children being walked to the 'park' to play - when I drop the children off at school I want to know they stay there.
As for the 'waiting list' well, this is the culutre of all international school and they way the international community works - if that was not the case we would not be paying a fortune for our children's exducationn - as a cash personal paying client it is my right to pick and choose a school even if it means keeping one 'just incase' another does not go through.
I think is great that the principle has read and choosen to see the opinion of the school and I encourage to do further research to see what else is written so that you can better defend your place and make the improvements necessary. It is hard for families who can not visit before they apply, so speaking to another parent in person is difficult, hence the research we do online, which again is why I encourgae you to look into what else is written about the school. It is a hard discusiion to make when you are on the other side of the world.
I apologies for any stress this 'simple' discusion has caused. This is not a personal push to anyone or to the THS - this is a discussion we have to all agree to disagree on. It is important to remember that we all want different things in education for our children which is why one school might not be suited for another, and that is okay.
Everyone that has taken the time to help me and everything that has been said is greatly appreicate and wish everyone well.
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For the record I did not bring this to the attention of the THS Princpal, nor any other staff member, she does not know who I am as "Illuka" but does stop to say hello to me and my children regularly who she knows by name. That's what you get in a small school!
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
Well either way its good that she has heard about what is being said...and shows she cares about her school.
Thanks again illuka for your chats.
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This is Strawblade, under a different name, its a long story.
Please kindly disregard my previous posts.
I did not mean to upset anyone and apologise if I have.
I re-read the post and realised that the THS principal has pointed out several very valid points.
One negative experience does not make the school.
It seems, for the most part, many are very happy with the school.
From what I know, The Principal is a very reasonable, knowledgeable and kind person.
I wish her every success in her future endeavors.
Just to make a point that I was not prompted by anyone to make this apology, it is on my own accord that I have decided to do this.
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This is Strawblade, under a different User name. I mucked up the other a/c, hence...
It seems I may have ruffled quite a few feathers.
Why I wrote those previous posts, perhaps I was venting, perhaps it was because I was going through a personal crisis.
Either ways, we always tend to forget the good times and remember the bad ones. This is a skill many of us have yet to master - remembering the good days.
If I look back to previous years, I have to admit that THS has been a fabulous, supportive school. A small community where everyone genuinely cared about everyone else. It was lovely to go to the school, we were always made to feel so welcome and the open door policy was for real. Everyone was so supportive to each other and we were a very close knit community. That was what made THS so special, it was such a personal, intimate school.
This past year has been a little challenging for my case. I sat myself down and thought clearly, perhaps mine was an isolated case. Perhaps mine was a unique case where nothing else could be done. Perhaps I was the only one feeling that sense of helplessness. I don't know. It seems I am alone.
But I will safely say that if I looked at the vast majority, they are very happy with THS.
THS is a young and progressive school, even every established school, they all have their hiccups.
Which parent has not lamented about a teacher or school policy? Which parent has not thought that their child was faultless and immaculate?
If I had a choice all over again, would I choose THS?
Is space really important?
For me, what's important is that my child is cared for as an individual and has a sense of belonging.
That my child learns the importance of friendship, caring and giving.
That my child is in a safe and secure environment where he can thrive emotionally.
Would I send my child to THS, I will honestly say YES.
Everyone is entitled to choice. Everyone wants what's best for their child.
The Principal at THS is an exceptional person. She is a caring and approachable person. The sort that you feel so comfortable talking to and you know that she would not judge you. She is truly an amazing person.
Why am I writing this post?
Its because of my conscience. I felt that I had to right a wrong.
I admit I was ranting and venting and I failed to think of all those times before when the Principal was there for me.
I failed to remember how she held my hand when I was thought all was hopeless.
Remembering the good things - a skill I have to learn.
I truly apologise if I have upset anyone, I never intended to do so.
Look at the big picture, THS is pretty good.
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Mekk
12 yrs ago
I don't think you need to explain yourself with this post. The whole point of this forums is to learn, and share thoughts. We as people, have to agreed to disagree - its that simple. No one should take offense for such talks, we are all entitled to our own opinion and should not be made to feel we need to change that to suit offers. I feel bad that you feel the need to explain yourself, you are not the only one out there who has expressed thought of this school or another.
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If there was a LIKE button, I would say 'LIKE' to Mekk's last comment.
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Hello. Sorry to "bump" this thread.
I am in a similar situation as the OP.
I have got a job in HK and will be moving there in about 6 weeks (work visa time dependent) My wife and 8 year old daughter, who's been in the Thai system but at an international school will be following me about 3 months later.
Is it still as difficult to get kids in a school?
I will set my roots to suit school rather than my work location (which will be all over HK anyway). I don;t mean this to sound like a "show off" but the financial side of the schooling is not an issue.
Any tips are welcome.
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If the financial side is not a problem then it is probably best to start at the top and work down. The International Schools are still tough to get in but not impossible. what sort of school are you looking for? British, American, Australian, Canadian, Chinese etc etc.
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I'm Scottish so i'd like to get her in a British school......but, any school will be better than the Thai education system, even the worst school in HK will be better than the best in Thailand.
One thing that i nodded my head at in this thread (or maybe elsewhere) was just get her in any school asap then get her on waiting lists to a "better" school. That was actually comforting (and logical) to read.
I know my office is near the Gold Coast. I was looking at staying over there. But, as i say, i don't mind getting up an hour earlier to go to work if it means she goes to a good school on the Island or somewhere else.
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Hi Frankybear
If you're looking at GC and Kowloon, you'll find the competition is not as intense as on Hong Kong Island.
I'd not waste any time and get your applications in. All schools will want to test your daughter before offering a place and some schools are already finished for the Summer.
All the best!
Ruth
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As i understand it Kellett School is one of the better British schools. I do not have a great opinion of ESF schools as my experience is that are a UK comprehensive education but for a premium price.
If you are located at the Gold Coast then take a look at Harrow School which may tick a few boxes.
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Thanks everyone.
I've been in touch with the company this afternoon. They put me in a hotel for a month to let me find a apartment. The HR girl has just this minute Emailed saying Tung Chung is a good area for families along with the gold coast.
I'd like a two bed furnished place. My Budget would be around 22-30K a month
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Smart people. This is the default Email i have been sending schools. is it "ok" and to the point?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m a British national married to a Thai national. We have an eight year old daughter who has been brought up in Thailand on their education system. Her English is “ok” but would need extra tutoring. She has been to Scotland twice and got on fine with the local children when communicating.
I personally will be moving full time to HK in around 6/8 weeks for a major engineering company in a management position. This position is permanent;. My family would then follow around 3 months later. Obviously schooling is top priority. I have looked through your website and i know it is a tough city to find a place for a child especially one who’s second language is English. I am looking for any advice you could give me? Would English being her second language hold her back applying for your school?
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Most schools would just reply and ask you to apply....or not reply at all!
If your daughter is needing ESL support, you can consider Delia School of Canada, The Harbour School, Think International School and a few others.
HTH!
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After spending time looking at Schools and then sitting talking with my daughter. I have to admit i am a tad worried about getting her in a school.
She is 8 and half Thai, and has been in the Thai education system which is bad to say the leat.....i am worried her reading and writing English won't be good enough for HK schools. Or are there specific schools that would take her in and help.
My company applied for my our Visas a week ago today. When i get to HK i will be on my own, the company are putting me in a hotel on Causeway bay for month giving me time to find a place to live.
Again....any advice welcome.are other options? Could i pay for home schooling for 6 months before applying.
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Hi Frankybear
Yes, some schools will offer ESL support. For international schools, you don't need to wait for visas before applying. In fact, I'd suggest that you don't wait and apply immediately.
I don't recommend homeschooling. I suggest school first; home second. Consider engaging a professional consultant to help you secure a place.
Ruth
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Thanks Ruth.
I'll get on to it now.
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Have you got a link to a professional consultant Ruth?
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I am one, but I'm not allowed to post the link. Google me!
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Found you on FB....i'll send you a message in the next few mins.
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