Navigating the options in today’s global classroom
- Renowned for its rigorous standards, the British education system, including the IGCSE and A-levels, has been widely adopted by international schools
- The American curricula, which adopts a holistic approach with emphasis on extracurricular activities, has gained increasing prominence in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, with its dynamic global landscape, has emerged as a hub for international education. Families seeking world-class schooling for their children are presented with a plethora of choices, each offering their own unique approach. Each system applies a distinct pedagogical style to both teaching and assessment, offering different pathways for students pursuing higher education. Here we break down the most common curricula on offer.
British Curricula
The British education system is renowned for its rigorous standards and emphasis on critical thinking. The curriculum – including International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and Advanced Level (A-level) qualifications – has been widely adopted by international schools, including Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), Harrow International School Hong Kong and Kellett School, providing students with a solid foundation for higher education.
The IGCSE programme serves a pivotal phase, typically undertaken in years 10 and 11, culminating in externally administered examinations. It offers a broad range of subjects across diverse disciplines, before giving students the opportunity to focus on specialist subjects at the A-level stage.
The A-level curriculum opens doors to renowned universities and academic institutions around the world. According to Peter Roberts, deputy head of secondary at DBIS, A-levels are “highly reputable and valued by most higher education institutions worldwide”.
Students typically study just three or four subjects, allowing them to gain in-depth knowledge and undertake critical analysis. “Students have flexibility in subject combinations and can then study these subjects far more deeply,” said Roberts.
The globally recognised qualification is awarded on completion of a series of assessments and exams.
“DBIS graduates have gone on to study a breadth of undergraduate courses in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, to name a few countries – in subjects ranging from engineering to law, medicine, the arts and sports,” Roberts continued.
American Curricula
American curricula – celebrated for its holistic approach and emphasis on extracurricular activities – has gained increasing prominence in Hong Kong, being adopted by schools including Hong Kong International School (HKIS), the American School Hong Kong (ASHK), Christian Alliance International School of Hong Kong and American International School.
