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The demand for high-quality Chinese language education, particularly Putonghua (Mandarin), has grown significantly in Hong Kong. This surge is not only driven by mainland Chinese families relocating to the city but also by local Hong Kong families and expatriates. Putonghua is increasingly crucial for communication and is often a requirement for various professions, reflecting its rising global significance.
Strong language skills, particularly in Chinese, are key to enhancing competitiveness in both the job market and broader global landscape. As a result, many parents now prioritize their children's Chinese language development. In response, several popular international schools in Hong Kong offer bilingual curricula, immersing students in both Putonghua and English to develop fluency and foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, which provides students with a competitive edge in a globalized world.
Curriculum & Focus: CIS offers a balanced bilingual program, emphasizing both English and Putonghua. Its curriculum blends Chinese and Western educational philosophies and includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). A distinctive feature is the Year 10 Hangzhou program, where students spend a year in mainland China, deepening their language and cultural immersion.
Admission: Highly selective, focusing on academic performance, language proficiency, and interviews. Families with priority, such as debenture holders, siblings, and alumni, are heavily favored.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 39.7; 63% of students scored over 40 points
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Curriculum & Focus: ISF integrates Chinese cultural education with a globally minded curriculum through the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and IBDP. Inquiry-based learning is emphasized, with a strong focus on Chinese history, language, and philosophy. In the primary years, the language split is 70% Putonghua and 30% English, transitioning to a greater English focus in secondary years.
Admission: Highly selective, applicants are assessed in both English, Putonghua, and Mathematics, with younger students evaluated for conversational skills, developmental readiness and curiosity.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 38.5; 35% of students scored over 40 points, and 65% achieved the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary:
Foundation Year to Grade 2: 30% English - 70% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Grade 3: 40% English - 60% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Grade 4 to 5: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Secondary:
Grades 6 to 8: 70% English - 30% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Grade 9 to 10: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Grade 11 to 12: Subject to subject selection
Curriculum & Focus: SIS combines the Singaporean primary curriculum with the IGCSE and IB Diploma Program for older students. The school’s emphasis on mathematics and sciences aligns with Singapore’s strong educational framework. Bilingualism (English and Putonghua) is an integral part of the program.
Admission: Admission is highly selective, with assessments in English, Chinese, and mathematics.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 39.2; 55.6% of students scored over 40 points, with 44% earning the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Simplified Chinese)
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Simplified Chinese)
Curriculum & Focus: VSA is an IB World School that offers the IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP), IB Middle Years Program (IBMYP), and IBDP, emphasizing bilingual education in both English and Chinese. The school aims to develop globally minded students while maintaining strong ties to Chinese heritage.
Admission: Highly selective, entry is based on academic tests, language evaluations, and interviews. Proficiency in both English and Putonghua is key.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 38.3; 44% of students scored over 40 points, with 49% achieving the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Curriculum & Focus: PLK CKY offers a bilingual curriculum blending a custom primary curriculum (Y1-8) with international education (IGCSE and IBDP), preparing students for an international minded education. The school emphasizes project-based learning and critical thinking.
Admission: Entry requires written tests in English and Chinese, followed by interviews. The school seeks students with strong academic and extracurricular skills.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 37.63; 39.51% of students scored over 40 points, with 72.15% earning the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese)
Curriculum & Focus: CDNIS offers both the IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The school’s bilingual Early Years program immerses students in English and Putonghua, with the goal of fostering language fluency and cultural awareness from a young age.
Admission: Selective, with assessments and interviews. Younger students are evaluated for language skills and developmental readiness.
IB Results (2024): Average score of 38.2; 38% of students scored over 40 points, and 9.7% achieved the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Bilingual Track, Traditional Chinese)
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese)
Curriculum & Focus: HKIS follows an American-style curriculum grounded in Christian values, offering a broad array of subjects, including 29 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Starting in 2025, HKIS plans to introduce a pilot bilingual program at the Reception level.
Admission: Admission is highly selective, with academic evaluations, interviews, and alignment with the school’s mission. Language proficiency and developmental readiness are critical for younger applicants.
SAT Scores (2024): Verbal: 700; Math: 730.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua (Simplified Chinese) (*2 bilingual classes, starting 2025 Reception 1)
Secondary: No bilingual curriculum for the time being
Curriculum & Focus: YCIS is known for its co-teaching model, with each class led by both a Chinese and Western teacher. The school offers the IGCSE and IBDP, focusing on bilingual education from early childhood, with the goal of developing proficiency in both English and Putonghua.
Admission: Moderately selective, entry is based on academic assessments and interviews, with a focus on language proficiency.
IB Results (2024): 27% of students scored over 40 points, with 62% achieving the Bilingual IBDP.
Primary: 50% English - 50% Putonghua
Secondary: 80% English - 20% Putonghua (Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese)
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