教育王國
標題: HKIS [打印本頁]
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-20 19:06 標題: HKIS
We just got an offer from HKIS Reception One. It's not an easy decision though. Really appreciate it if parents on this forum could provide some insights. We have two concerns. 1. HKIS's Chinese program. How is it compared to other IS? How well will the students be able to read and write Chinese? 2. HKIS is an expensive school. Are we getting what we are paying for? What are the advantages of getting into the school? what strengths the school processes that justify its high tuition? Many thanks!
作者: Radiomama 時間: 14-5-21 18:54 標題: 回覆：sh00 的帖子
The campus and facilities are excellent. Besides, the profile of the family background and the network in the future absolutely is a plus!
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-22 00:17
thank! does anyone know about the qualities of teachers?
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-22 02:01
本帖最後由 jolalee 於 14-5-22 02:05 編輯
Congratulations! It is a strong school. I know a mother whose son graduated from HKIS. It is the rival school with CIS, and they claimed the Chinese is comparable between the two (several years back, that is; I believe CIS has upped their game re Chinese the past few years). Academically it should be one of the strongest in HK because the graduates profile is excellent, going into top universities in the US (I believe it runs the American curriculum). Yes, the connections received should be good too; and it was ranked #1 in top ten private Int'l school although the list is a bit dated now (didn't rank CIS back then) http://www.at0086.com/rank/en-us/20080129210013968.html
作者: hkparent 時間: 14-5-22 08:22 標題: 引用：+本帖最後由+jolalee+於+14-5-22+02:05+編
原帖由 jolalee 於 14-05-22 發表
本帖最後由 jolalee 於 14-5-22 02:05 編輯
Congratulations! It is a strong school. I know a mother ...
作者: slamai 時間: 14-5-22 09:53
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The top 10 ranking is astonishing!
作者: wywy0b0j 時間: 14-5-22 13:40
It is an excellent school, esp for the senior high school level, the school is very resourceful in placement with US universities. However, Chinese level is relative weak, as I remember they only offer 40mins*2 per week at age 4/5 level. Kids would mainly speak to each other in English. Other considerations may include it is regilious school, and also it has more expat community (which may be perceived as plus or minus by different parents).
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-22 15:25
Thank you, everyone, for your input! Really appreciate it!
re hkparent: my partner has a postgraduate degree from an Ivy League university.
what is the reasonable percentage educational expenses should account for in the overall household income? We know education in HK cost money. And we are willing to pay for our child's education. But we want to keep it managable.
作者: hkparent 時間: 14-5-22 18:30 標題: 引用：Thank+you,+everyone,+for+your+input!+Rea
原帖由 sh00 於 14-05-22 發表
Thank you, everyone, for your input! Really appreciate it!
re hkparent: my partner has a postgraduat ...
作者: annie40 時間: 14-5-22 20:08
I don't know what to say. It is the only international school in HK that my hubby prohibited my daughter to go. Please don't mind his opinions. He did hang out with those teachers and students long ago (nearly 40years ago). He saw something very bad there at that time.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-22 22:40
slamai 發表於 14-5-22 09:53 
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The top 10 ranking is astonishing!
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-22 22:49
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I have the view same as yours.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-22 22:51
回覆 sh00 的帖子
Congratulation! So long as you can afford it, you will have the value back.
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-22 23:36
annie40 發表於 14-5-22 20:08
I don't know what to say. It is the only international school in HK that my hubby prohibited my da ...
作者: slamai 時間: 14-5-23 11:05
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One example is the ranking of GSIS being No.9 which I cannot figure out the criteria adopted in ranking the schools.
作者: hkparent 時間: 14-5-23 12:02 標題: 引用：回覆+jolalee+的帖子
One+example+is+the+
原帖由 slamai 於 14-05-23 發表
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One example is the ranking of GSIS being No.9 which I cannot figure out the cri ...
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-23 14:19
hkparent 發表於 14-5-23 12:02
GSIS should be top 3. What is Concordia?
作者: annie40 時間: 14-5-23 23:40
Nearly all IS receptions are alright in HK. It would be fine.
The stuff my husband saw were in high school , drugs, sex ,woman teacher seduced teenager boys etc. They were crimes, but seemed a norm within American circle at that time.
1. HKIS's Chinese program. How is it compared to other IS?
-- below average in comparison with ESF, and others. The Chinese Head Teacher was a Taiwanese mom several years ago . I don't know now.
How well will the students be able to read and write Chinese?
answer Refer to above.
2. HKIS is an expensive school. Are we getting what we are paying for? ---Depends on what you want
What are the advantages of getting into the school?
-I don't know.
what strengths the school processes that justify its high tuition?
-could be network on good side and bad side.
Just remembered a friend was kind of suppler for HKIS. After the business conclusion, there was a PTA mom asking for a rebate. See , rich people really know how to grap all chances to earn money . My friend refused, walked away, and never deal with them.
Is the prmiray still at Repulse Bay?. If so, the facilities would not as good as secondary in Red Hill.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-23 23:56
回覆 sh00 的帖子
Things have been changed recently. The fierce competition for a place suggests that it is a very popular school and trusted by the parents. It is fair to say that drugs and sex problems have been reported in newspaper for the past few years. However I think such problems also exist in other IS and local elite schools. After all, school is an epitome of the society.
According to my knowledge, the Chinese program of HKIS is fine. They offer 2 streams of Chinese program's. If you can follow their near native speaker program, the standard is comparable to the local standard.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-24 00:04
回覆 sh00 的帖子
The liberal art styled education is complemented by a lot of opportunities (ECA) offered to the students. The school fee is high. However if you can make use of the opportunities, you will have the value back. You will be impressed by their annual college placements of the students.
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-24 14:13
本帖最後由 sh00 於 14-5-24 22:57 編輯
re annie40: due to campus redevelopment, some of the lower primary students in Repulse Bay are relocated to tai tam campus. Students staying in Repulse Bay are mostly walkers. Their families live in the neighbourhood.
re Shootastar: "After all, school is an epitome of the society." - can't agree more!
I believe in the end we can't rely on the fear of reprimand and punishment to keep a child away from troubles. It is the belief in the intrinsic value of a clear conscience which one needs for judgement and strength, and the power of self-control that steer a child from dangerous waters. Empowering a child with good judgement and self-control is one of the best gifts parents can give a child. After all, parents and teachers won't be around forever to teach a child right and wrong and oversee her/his every step in life. I know it is easier said than done. And we are still learning to put these thoughts into action (for our child and ourselves as well)!
And thanks a lot for sharing the programs in HKIS! What is ECA?
also, I did some digging. Looks like HKIS has hired someone from China to supervise their Chinese language and culture program. She came on board in 2012.
here is her profile
http://www.hkis.edu.hk/about/leadership-team/profile/index.aspx?linkid=22&moduleid=87
作者: emmamay 時間: 14-5-24 14:59 標題: 回覆：HKIS
Sh00 , please check pm!
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-24 22:25
回覆 sh00 的帖子
ECA means extra-curricular activities.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-25 00:41
Since we're on this topic, sh00 i hope you don't mind me hijacking a bit of space to ask a question :D Between CDNIS & HKIS, overall how should one choose if the main criteria are: 1) Academics 2) Chinese program 3) Character building [in that order of importance]
My son got CDNIS Reception this year and we accepted the offer already. Given my little bean is November born, he is not old enough to sit the interview for HKIS Reception this year. I've already submitted the application (along with the app fee!), so naturally he should have a chance at the HKIS interview next year. I even thought about skipping it now that my son got into a fair school, but then, it's already been paid for and HKIS does have good Uni placements 
, plus he will be one of the older child (which i prefer) instead of being one of the youngest. Should i just let him do the interview anyway next year? and if he is lucky enough to get in, is HKIS worth a switch from CDNIS?
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-25 11:27
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ICDNIS adopts the Canadian education curriculum until the last 2 years. I the last 2 years, it adopts the IB program.
HKIS adopts the liberal art styled (US) program.
It is difficult to say which school is better. I think you should compare the pros and cons of the two education systems before you make a decision for your kid.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-25 17:43
回覆 Shootastar 的帖子
Actually, CDNIS runs the full IB program: PYP - MYP - IB while giving the graduates dual certificates - OSSD & IB. I have my doubts about PYP & MYP, not sure if they are academically solid enough as a prep for the rigorous IB level, although I know the association is improving the MYP program as we speak.
I am not as familiar with the American curriculum, but I heard it's pretty solid. I was raised on the Canadian curriculum and obtained the OSSD & OAC myself, so having my child obtaining the OSSD would be comfortable for me. Some European expats I talked to thinks I am worrying too much, that kids in Scandinavia doesn't start school until age 7 and they all do well academically at tertiary education.
Anyhow I think both curriculums are fine, so it's more a comparison between schools.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-25 19:27
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If you compare the college placement lists of both schools, you will find the answer yourself.
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-25 20:44
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I think you should go to the interview to have a feel of the school. You've already paid the application fee. And remember the questionnaire? It sure gave us quite a headache when we tried to fill it out. For Reception One 2014-15, HKIS received over 400 applications competing for 144 seats. (just to compare: among over 800 applicants to CIS' reception class, about 2/3 were offered an interview. And 88 were offered a place in the reception class in the end). The children were interviewed in one of the reception classrooms. And there are silk worms in a corner! Some silk worms are busy making cocoons. Some are munching on leaves. I think it is very cool to let the kids have a "class pet" at school! This is definitely a plus in my mind.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-25 22:40
bobbycheung
It is true that legacy has a role in the application process to the US college. However I think it is no more than the case that if you are a legacy applicant, your application will have a second look by the admission committee in case of a tie.
作者: bobbycheung 時間: 14-5-25 22:52
本帖最後由 bobbycheung 於 14-5-25 22:53 編輯
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Shootastar
I know nothing about legacy admissions. I came across the article below by chance. Not sure if it's true though.
http://www.businessinsider.com/legacy-kids-have-an-admissions-advantage-2013-6
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-25 22:58
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bobbycheung
Thanks for your sharing. .
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-25 23:30
bobbycheung 發表於 14-5-25 22:52
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Shootastar
作者: HKTHK 時間: 14-5-25 23:38
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Legacy and US citizenship both makes a difference. Donation as well. But I haven't seen anyone being able to adjust college placements for these factors so I always take those data with a grain of salt.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-25 23:47
sh00 發表於 14-5-25 20:44
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I think you should go to the interview to have a feel of the school. You've alr ...
In terms of class pet however, I wouldn't judge a school based on them. Yes my son's Montessori school had giant fat silk worms too and the school is great, but another "elite local kindergarten" we once visit has quite a few bunny rabbits as class pets and honestly that school is pretty crappy. Anyhow it's great for kids to learn about life cycles and taking care of the living world around them.
作者: wiman 時間: 14-5-26 02:02
回覆 sh00 的帖子
Shoo, as u explained, CIS has a very low chance to grt the seat compared with HKIS. So do u know how many applicants do CDNIS and HKA have on average and the successful rate on getting the seat? Thx
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-26 10:25
本帖最後由 sh00 於 14-5-26 10:26 編輯
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sorry, wiman, I don't know about these two schools. Maybe some parents on the thread can help you with CDNIS? Or contact their admissions office. I am sure they have the numbers you need. Sorry!
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-26 10:29
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I guess i can help answer the CDNIS one:
I am not sure exactly hom many applications CDNIS has this year for Reception, but most probably somewhere between HKIS & CIS (400-800). They shortlist and interview under 300 potential applicants from that. 80 seats are available at Reception, 40 at Pre-reception (but even parents with sibling priority finds it hard to get into pre-reception due to the limited spots) so the best bet is still Reception. I know many applicants holding Cdn passports cannot get a spot, so the competition is quite fierce.
Given CDNIS & CIS has 105 & 108 students respectively by secondary graduation, i am guessing there's another minor mass intake of 20-30 students besides the mass one at Reception, probably whist entering primary or secondary? Anyone who can enlighten us about this?
作者: honeybunny7 時間: 14-5-26 10:50
本帖最後由 honeybunny7 於 14-5-26 10:50 編輯
回覆 HKTHK 的帖子
Legacy seems to play a significant role as I have been told.
For Penn, I was told that the acceptance rate of alumni kids applying during the Early Decision period was >40% this year.
For Harvard, my colleague who's an alumni said the acceptance rate of alumni kids getting accepted was >30% this year, and on average each year up to 60% of the class would be filled by alumni kids.
For Stanford, my other colleague who's an alumni said the the acceptance rate of alumni kids getting accepted was also >30%.
No info on MIT yet, another colleague will start interviewing for them this coming cycle so we'll know more.
But, what we know are just some numbers/stats, I would not claim to know the true effect of legacy. Because I and my colleagues just started interviewing for our schools, we are NOT "senior" enough to see the stats ourselves. We got the info from the committees, and we do NOT know how these stats were calculated, and we do NOT know how being kid of an alumni affect the acceptance evaluation committee's decision.
Also, we need to take into account that alumni parents are probably more self-selective than other parents, meaning we kinda know what it takes to get into our schools so we would not push our kids to apply to our schools if we know they aren't up for the challenge.
And note the stats probably include children of professors - I heard that children of professors at Ivy League schools are automatically considered as alumni kids at any Ivy League school. i.e. if your mom teaches at Penn, you are considered an alumni kid when you apply to any of the Ivy League schools, not limited to just Penn.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-26 12:06
For Ivies, the percentage of students who receive financial aid each year amount to 60% to 70%. Some Ivies would not give financial aid to international students. If the applicants' parents are alumni of Ivies, I am quite surprised that their kids need to apply for aid. Although the admission process is never transparent, based on the figures, I am really surprised that the legacy admission of a particular college may amount to 30% or more.
Harvard says it clearly that being a legacy, the admission committee will have another look on your application only if your application tie with others in the pool. Again, it is up to you whether or not you believe what Harvard says.
作者: foolish.mom 時間: 14-5-26 14:14
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For CIS, after the reception intake, another mass intake will happen at year 7. There are 120 students at year 7, heard that the student body at year 7 will increase because year 10 at Hangzhou frees up some student space for the whole secondary school.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-26 14:49
回覆 foolish.mom 的帖子
Thanks for the info! Just wondering why student going to Hangzhou at year 10 will free up space for the whole secondary school, i mean they will return to HK after a year. Are you referring to the amount of physical classroom space?
作者: foolish.mom 時間: 14-5-26 15:30
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When the year 10 returns to HK at year 11, the year 9 will become year 10 and go to Hangzhou. Thus in the secondary school, there are always 120 students less than before. When there is no Hangzhou campus, total student population is 120*7 years. After Hangzhou campus in operation, student population in HK becomes around 140*6 years. It will happen when the whole year 10 goes to Hangzhou on a compulsory basis.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-26 16:07
jolalee and foolish.mom
Thanks for your clarification. Given the "small number' of successful legacy applicant each year, I feel the admission list of each high school could tell us how good that high school is.
作者: jolalee 時間: 14-5-26 16:18
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Do you mean the small percentage of parents actually studied in an Ivy League/ Oxbridge school? True enough, but what about donation to schools? They don't have to be an alumni to donate...
作者: foolish.mom 時間: 14-5-26 16:37
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I think it must be a really substantial amount of donation, if it can influence the admission decision of a top US university. Within the circle of parents I know of, no one made donation to the top US universities but their children still got an offer.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-26 16:39
本帖最後由 Shootastar 於 14-5-26 16:44 編輯
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jolalee
When my two kids applied for admission to the US colleges several years ago, I had bought and read several books on admission for reference.
According to the authors of the books (who previously worked in the admission offices to read the applications), the odds of applying under the legacy category is relatively higher, but the total number admitted under the legacy category, depending on the schools, ranged from several ten to a little bit more than one hundred.
Again the successful applicants under the donation category (Development Office Cases) would be around 5 to 10 each year. Having said that no body knows the exact figure. In any event, I know many of my kids' classmates whose parents are not alumni were also admitted by Ivies or other respectable colleges such as MIT, CIT, Duke, Stanford, Northwestern. I think the most important factor is whether you are a citizen of US or a green card holder. If you are, you will be placed in the queue solely for them. If not, you will be placed in the international applicant queue. The number of international students admitted each by Ivies ranges around 7% to 8% of the total number of spots.
作者: Shootastar 時間: 14-5-26 16:43
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There was a rumour amongst my son's classmate that one of his classmates was admitted to an Ivies by making a donation of US$8 million some several years ago. But I do not know how true the case is. Anyway, I think if you want to study at top top top US college, the odds are better if you are an US citizen or a green card holder.
作者: sh00 時間: 14-5-26 17:19
Shootastar 發表於 14-5-26 16:39
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jolalee
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