Discover the Benefits and Our Unique Offering at Oxbridge School
Introduction
The international leadership of Hong Kong is also reflected in its international education environment, which includes private, international, and directly subsidised scheme schools throughout the city.
The government encourages private/international schools to promote academic excellence, which is evident in the city's high rankings in various international education assessments.
Understanding the main differences between school types, as well as the characteristics and benefits of international schools in Hong Kong, is crucial when choosing the learning path for your child.
What Are International Schools?
According to the Education Bureau, there are 53 international schools operating in Hong Kong. The main purpose of international schools is to cater for families seeking education in a foreign language, with a comprehensive international section on their websites describing the system and the different schools available. International education typically covers at least two languages, including English. Local families who do not wish to sit for local examinations also opt for international schools.
The system of international schools covers kindergarten, primary education, and secondary education programmes. The percentage of local students enrolled in international schools is about 34%, while non-local students represent 66%.
The Benefits of Attending an International School
Quality Education:
Hong Kong's international schools are renowned for inspiring excellence in their students by proactively involving them in local and international competitions, internal clubs, and championships. This is reflected in international competitions such as the PISA test, in which Hong Kong performed better than Japan, Korea and Switzerland in Mathematics on 2022.
Within the classroom, teachers are responsible for delivering the curriculum. Their professional backgrounds, experience teaching the English international stream, and relevant educational certifications bring quality education to life. At Oxbridge School, we ensure that our teachers have real national curriculum experience, cultivating the character of our pupils, encouraging students, and inspiring excellence.
Global Perspectives:
One of the significant benefits of an international environment in Hong Kong is the global perspective students gain, reflecting the realities of a globalised world. Although international schools typically follow specific national curricula, such as those from Korea, France, or the United Kingdom, this does not limit their global outlook. On the contrary, it allows students from various backgrounds to access this educational environment.
This perspective is valuable for future opportunities, as it enables parents and students to apply to higher education institutions worldwide. For example, we recently welcomed a Portuguese family from the United Kingdom, where the students were learning in an institution following the British curriculum. The transition to Oxbridge School will be smooth for these students, alleviating one concern for parents moving to Hong Kong.
Language Proficiency:
Language skills are another significant benefit of enrolling in an international school. Students learn a broad range of languages depending on the national curriculum the institution follows. At Oxbridge School, for example, we cover English as part of our British curriculum framework and also provide Mandarin and French as optional languages. This approach helps develop confident students in an international environment.
Understanding the Curriculum
The diverse national curricula offered in Hong Kong provide a variety of options for parents to choose from. From the local Hong Kong curriculum to German, Japanese, or British curricula, parents should select according to their goals and the benefits of each diploma programme.
Overall, the British curriculum is one of the best-ranked and most highly recognised worldwide, accepted not only by Commonwealth countries but also in other regions, including Asia. The National Curriculum of England is known for fostering academic excellence, balancing science and personal development, and encouraging global citizenship.
An important characteristic of the curriculum is its inquiry-based approach, promoting research and active questioning in the classroom. This proactive learning method is based on real-life examples, regardless of the students' age range. Compared to local streams, the programme appears to focus more on liberal education. This inquiry-based approach aims to develop confident, inquisitive students who are encouraged to undertake research and personal development.
Oxbridge School implements the British curriculum to foster academic excellence. We follow the Key Stages set, which cover the entire educational journey up to A levels:
Key Stage 1 (KS1)
Key Stage 1 is part of the lower school years, including Year 1 and Year 2, which is equivalent to Kindergarten 3 and Primary 1 in Hong Kong. Children can join Year 1 from the age of five.
Key Stage 2 (KS2)
Key Stage 2 also forms part of the lower school years, covering Year 3 to Year 6, which is equivalent to the second grade of primary school in Hong Kong to Primary 5. Graduates from Year 6 can move on to Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 3 (KS3)
Key Stage 3 encompasses Year 7 to Year 9, equivalent to Primary 6 to the second grade of secondary school in Hong Kong. It is important to note that secondary education levels commence at Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
Key Stage 4 covers Year 10 and Year 11, equivalent to the third year of secondary school in Hong Kong and Secondary 4. During this stage, students typically take GCSEs, after which they can continue with A levels.
Why Choose Oxbridge School?
Tailored Learning Experience:
Our deliberately small class sizes are among the reasons why many parents choose us. We can tailor the learning experience, allowing teachers to focus more attention on each student and making the experience more personal and dedicated. By limiting the number of students, we also foster a sense of community among different grades, providing opportunities for students to participate in various activities such as STEAM lessons, House Cup activities, and choir. Students from primary to secondary school can interact with one another, further enhancing this sense of community.
Holistic Development:
At Oxbridge School, our values are rooted in the British curriculum. Our ongoing commitment to academic excellence encourages students to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Our holistic approach emphasises extracurricular activities, the arts, sports, and personal development.
To help our students develop confidence, we offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including football, cooking, AI, coding, and fencing, among many others. We foster the development of both academic and personal skills to cultivate character.
Oxbridge School also organises various competitions, including our internal Chess Tournament, where students from different ages compete against each other in different sessions. Our school encourages students to participate in external competitions and tournaments.
Community Engagement:
Societal and community engagement are also of great importance to our institution. At Oxbridge School, we foster an understanding of the social realities in Hong Kong and the world among our students. To comprehend complex topics in our society, students analyse population situations in subjects such as Global Perspectives and participate in a variety of activities within our Enrichment Programme, including visits to different NGOs throughout the year, such as Crossroads Foundation.
Conclusion
Choosing an international school in Hong Kong, such as Oxbridge School, offers numerous advantages that cater to the diverse needs of families seeking quality education.
With a strong emphasis on academic excellence through the British curriculum and its inquiry-based approach, Oxbridge School not only prepares students for global citizenship but also fosters personal development, language proficiency, and inspires excellence. The tailored learning experience, facilitated by small class sizes, ensures that each student receives the individual attention they deserve, while the holistic approach encourages participation in a wide range of activities and cultivates character.
Moreover, Oxbridge School's commitment to community engagement and social awareness equips students with a deeper understanding of the world around them. By choosing Oxbridge School, parents are investing in a well-rounded educational experience that prepares their children for success in an interconnected global society.
Our teachers' backgrounds and education are among our greatest assets, as they transmit our values and their commitment to teaching the British curriculum, combined with their experience in the United Kingdom, brings the curriculum to life.
For families considering international education, Oxbridge School stands out as an exceptional choice, combining rigorous academic standards with a nurturing environment that promotes both personal and academic growth for a bright future.
For more information, you can contact our Admissions Team at admissions@obs.edu.hk or book a school tour here.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply to International schools?
International schools in Hong Kong have similar application processes, whether you are applying for primary or secondary school. The process usually includes:
- Completing an online application.
- Coordinating a visit to the school.
- Participating in an interview and assessment for the student.
- Receiving a response from the school. If positive, they will provide an offer for the requested year.
- Coordinating a meeting with the school for the student’s enrolment and completing the necessary paperwork.
What is the difference between an international school and a private school?
Private schools in Hong Kong also include international schools. However, one of the main distinguishing characteristics of international schools is that they follow non-local curricula, such as the British curriculum. Private schools typically offer the local Hong Kong curriculum.
What are the main benefits of attending an international school in Hong Kong?
Attending an international school in Hong Kong offers several advantages, including access to high-quality education, a diverse and multicultural environment, and the opportunity to learn multiple languages. These schools often follow globally recognised curricula, such as the British curriculum, which prepares students for higher education and fosters critical thinking skills. Additionally, international schools provide a holistic approach to education, emphasising personal development and extracurricular activities.
