In this week's Education Post, editor Katherine Forestier uses her "What We Say" column to write about the International Baccalaureate (IB challenge for local curriculum) :
The problem, of course, is that not all children can cope with the IB Diploma (see earlier post and the comments from concerned parents) and some prefer A-levels for various reasons.Interest in the International Baccalaureate is bound to increase now that the first established elite local school has registered its intent to offer the diploma (IB diploma plan 'will stem the brain drain'), and English Schools Foundation schools take their final steps in becoming IB schools.
The IB is already highly regarded within international education circles as well as university admission offices, including in Hong Kong.
The diploma, which involves students studying a mix of native and foreign languages, maths, science, humanities and arts, spiced with theory of knowledge, research and creativity, action and service, has also been helping to set the pace for curriculum reform in many countries, including Hong Kong.
The diploma is bound to be popular in Diocesesan Boys' School, as it will be in other direct subsidy scheme schools that plan to offer it. However, the principal of this school, which is one of the most competitive to get into in Hong Kong, thinks it will suit only a minority of motivated boys.
This contrasts with the confidence of the ESF centre, that the vast majority of its intake, who are not selected by academic ability, will manage, as they have done in Sha Tin College, the first in the ESF to make the move
Also from this week's Education Post - International Baccalaureate inspectors descend on four ESF schools:
Authorisation visits from the International Baccalaureate Organisation are under way for four English Schools Foundation secondary schools, which they must pass before being able to offer the IB diploma programme from the next academic year.
The regional director of the IBO, Judith Guy, said: "We have standards that schools must meet regarding their philosophy, how they plan to deliver the curriculum, whether staff have been appropriately trained, whether the school has the facilities and ... structures in place to support the programme."
The visits to Island, West Island, South Island and King George V schools last up to three days.
IBO officials gave South Island School positive feedback about its preparations for introducing the IB programme when they visited the school this week, principal John Wray said. He said an IBO official, who had authorised 60 schools across the world, said South Island was one of the best-prepared schools he had seen.
I understand that the IB visit to Sha Tin Junior at the end of last term (in relation to the PYP) was also successful. Which makes sense, because the ESF and the IBO seem to have similar philosophies.
2 comments:
So , the 'only problem' are the minority who are unable to cope with the breadth of the IB. Choice is a crucial element here for schools that have a non selective intake. Children who wish to specialise will have to leave HK as schools take on this 'values based' education system that lacks flexibility for the students involved.
It is still very quiet for the students who are leaving with certificates and encountering problems continuing their education. Perhaps like at CIS, ESF will expect the 'problems' to go away and suggest that they leave and go somewhere more suitable.
As a tax payer paying for ESF, I hope EMB is looking at its major provider of English Language Education for HK children and asking the question. How do the 'problem' children get post 16 education that is suitable and flexible enough to allow them to continue on to higher education? eg Two A levels in subjects they are interested in. Whilst the IBD curriculum is so narrow in its subjects - no PE or Textile and fashion - other curriculum choices should be available. Of course ESF will not enter this debate and as IBO look at the money contribution to their organisation why would they not authorise schools that have always had such a great reputation as providers of high quality education for all students?
Choice is required until the evidence proves that the IBD really can offer all students, including the 'problems'in ESF schools, access to their educational dreams.
I have corrected my post, because I know that there are other issues with the IB Diploma and I should have mentioned them.
You are correct to say that the IB Diploma is inflexible in some ways (you have to study science, for example), and I realize that this doesn't suit everyone.
Personally, I think the ESF is right to go with the IB programmes. What I don't know is whether they should also offer A-levels as an alternative. It would be interesting to hear from the ESF on this subject.
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