Over the past few months, International schools across Hong Kong reported record high applications and lengthy waiting lists.   Applications to the international schools across Hong Kong, have been rising for the past few years. This year, almost 2,000 children applied for 1,000 Year One places.  Applications have also increased in most schools such as the Canadian International School and the Australian Internatinal School.

How is Your Child Tested On?

It's not easy for parents to find out what had been asked and happened during interviews, but most interviews are similar to a mini class with around 5-6 children engaging in group activities conducted by around 2 teachers.

• Phonics:  children are often tested on phonics, numbering, listening and reading skills. For all grades at international schools in Hong Kong; fluency in English is a definitely requirement and and a child must demonstrate strong speaking and expressive skills. 

• Follow Simple Instructions:  The most important aspect of an interview is to judge if the child has an ability to understand and follow simple instructions. The teachers always check the thinking ability of a child along with the manner that he responds to difficulty and to reflect the child's confidence level. Parents should  understand that these are behavioral attributes.

• Two-way Communication:  During the interview, a teacher will often toss a question out to the group of children to observe who will respond. Some kids will be quiet, while others will be very excited trying to speak loud.  Children are sometimes asked their names, in some cases they are asked about their family members, where they live, what they do normally at the weekend and the teacher often asks about the puzzle or activity they are playing with.