The different between ESF and Phoenix

bbtung

Dear Members,

In fact, there are quite a lot difference between real ESF and Phoenix International School. The main different are :

1. Real ESF schools use British Curriculum.

Phoenix uses Canadian one as the former of this school is Canadian Overseas International School which is suddenly closed in few years ago.

2. The real ESF school is run by ESF under the Hong Kong Ordinance and subsidized by Hong Kong Government.

Phoenix and all ESF kindergardens are run by ESF Educational Services Ltd which is a private organization. This may be the reason why their tuition fee is higher.

There administration, various standards ,cirriculum, quality of teacher, resource are separated from the ESF. No need to say the school history.

I am not intend to look down Phoenix. I just want to tell the truth , the fact about this school for member's information. You may wish to know and take account of the above-mentioned points before sending your kids to Phoenix.
  
Best Regards,
bbtung

amywmlee

I just want to add some more info.  Phoenix will be moving to Ma On Shan in Sep 2006.  And they have the intention of moving to IB curriculum including the PYP (started at age 5 instead of age 3), MYP, as well as Diploma program.  

Is there anyone have any other comment on Phoenix in terms of :
- current facility in Cheung Sha Wan
- quality of the teacher
- student performance, etc.

leshita

你們好，可否講下

１）是否有朋友�子女在Phoenix讀緊？所以才有感而發？

２）ESF同Phoenix的分別，不是Phoenix 有得學埋國語，及，行IB嗎？

其實今時今日，大家都最好唔好考慮佢是那個funding 好些，因為政府好想cut 佢funding，所以，日後到我地的小朋友真係入小學時都不知道什麼世界了，可能，佢要同其他國際學校的學費看齊先至為到本，因為佢地用在好多錢係人工上面．而不是教育上，以至政府及外界人士質疑佢盤數．

bbtung

I have over ten friends and relatives who are studying or have studied in ESF and Phoenix schools.

Both ESF and Phoenix will teach  國語. ESF will have two lessions per week where Phoenix will have a bit more.

The school's curriculum of Phoenix is based on the curriculum of the Canadian province of Ontario. They only said they will change to IB later. In fact , to change to IB curriculum will involve quite a lot of money. The school need new teachers for new subjects and some expensive training for existing teachers. I cannot see taht they can change to IB in the near future.

Even ESF who recieive subsidies from the government cannot change to IB until 2006 after over eight years for the preparation works.   

amywmlee

What do you mean "ESF who receive subsidies from the government cannot change to IB until 2006"? Do you mean ESF will run the IB or they will not?

bbtung

Dear Amywlee,

I would like to further elaborate as follows :-

1.   ESF ( which receive subsides from the Government ) cannot switch to IB due to financial consideration. ESF planned to take eight years for the transition period. I wonder how can Phoenix change to IB in coming few years with good preparation.

2.   ESF has just told the parents that they intend to change IB in 2006, the earliest time frame. This transition includes a lot of training to the teachers and logistic support planning.

3.     Please note that Phoenix is the ex-Canadian Overseas International School. It is a private school which was bankrupt in a few years ago. Our Government forced ESF to take over this school including the teachers and students. ESF makes use of a limited company called ESF Educational Services Limited to hold this school and give it a very meaningful name Phoenix. Phoenix  --- a mythical bird which burnt itself on a funeral pile and rose from the ashes young again, to live for another cycle. In fact , most of the teachers and students of the ex-Canadian Overseas International School could be found in the Phoenix.

4.    Phoenix will not receive any subsides from the ESF or the Government. It is a private independent school.


bbtung

Mandy.Yip

What is meant by IB?

amywmlee

Dear bbtung,

Thanks for your info.  

1.  The info that Phoenix will implement IB in Sept 2006 is provided by the principal, Mr Cheung.  

2.  I have checked ESF web sites and discovered more about their consultation on moving to IB.  From the results of the questionaire they did, it showed that  majority of their staff disagreed on implementing the IB in ESF.  In view of this, ESF would implement IB-diploma program by phase.

3.  I know Phoenix is the ex-Canadian Overseas IS.  The principal of Phoenix is from West Island School.  He's a 'Mac' (Apple) fan.  That's why Phoenix is equipped with e-Mac.  


Reg