Hong Kong secondary education system HKDSE and university entrance guide for Missionary Kids / Third Culture Kids / Expats children

1. 1
My options for secondary educationMy options for secondary education
in HKin HK
 Local Subsidized SchoolsLocal Subsidized Schools 官校官校 // 津津
校校
 Direct Subsidized SchoolsDirect Subsidized Schools 直資學校直資學校
 International schoolsInternational schools 國際學校國際學校

2. 2
Local Subsidized SchoolsLocal Subsidized Schools
官校官校 // 津校津校
 Traditional-styledTraditional-styled
 Local curriculum HKDSE onlyLocal curriculum HKDSE only
 It can be CMI or EMIIt can be CMI or EMI (Chinese-medium of(Chinese-medium of
instruction/ English medium of instructionsinstruction/ English medium of instructions 中文學校中文學校
或英文學校或英文學校 ))
 Children with limited Cantonese may findChildren with limited Cantonese may find
difficult to fit-indifficult to fit-in
 Most have little experience in catering for TCKsMost have little experience in catering for TCKs
 Little or no tuition feeLittle or no tuition fee

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Direct Subsidized SchoolsDirect Subsidized Schools
(DSS)(DSS)
 DSS means government subsidized but with more freedomDSS means government subsidized but with more freedom
in curriculum and student-intakein curriculum and student-intake
 Local curriculum HKDSE but a few have westernLocal curriculum HKDSE but a few have western
curriculum as an option (e.g. IGCSE, IBcurriculum as an option (e.g. IGCSE, IB……))
 Can be CMI or EMICan be CMI or EMI
 A few are experienced in admitting non-locals and TCKsA few are experienced in admitting non-locals and TCKs
 Tuition fee - Most are under HK$20,000 (yearly), but a fewTuition fee - Most are under HK$20,000 (yearly), but a few
can be more than $30,000can be more than $30,000

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International Schools in HKInternational Schools in HK
 Most cost about HK$90,000-130,000 yearlyMost cost about HK$90,000-130,000 yearly
 American system: AIS, ICSAmerican system: AIS, ICS
 Canadian: CAIS, DeliaCanadian: CAIS, Delia
 British A Level system: Kellet, HarrowBritish A Level system: Kellet, Harrow
 Most of the rest, including those under EnglishMost of the rest, including those under English
Schools Foundation (ESF), use the IB DiplomaSchools Foundation (ESF), use the IB Diploma
 For a list of all intFor a list of all int’’l schools in HK, refer to:l schools in HK, refer to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_schools_in_Hong_Konhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_schools_in_Hong_Kon

5. 5
International Schools with more MKsInternational Schools with more MKs
(missionary(missionary’’s kids)s kids)
 International Christian School (ICS)International Christian School (ICS) ––
American system, in Shek Mun, ShatinAmerican system, in Shek Mun, Shatin
 Christian Alliance International School (CAIS)Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) ––
Canadian (Alberta) system, in Kowloon CityCanadian (Alberta) system, in Kowloon City

6. 6
A database for all HK secondary schools:
http://www.chsc.hk/ssp2013/eng/index.php

7. 7
The local secondary schoolThe local secondary school
curriculum in Hong Kongcurriculum in Hong Kong
New Senior Secondary (NSS)New Senior Secondary (NSS)
~~aan introduction for TCKsn introduction for TCKs

8. 8
Hong Kong Education SystemHong Kong Education System
Primary School
P.1 – P.6
Junior Secondary School
Form 1 – Form 3 (7th
-9th
grade)
Senior Secondary School
Form 4 – Form 6 (10-12th
grade)
University New Senior Curriculum
(NSS) 新高中
a.k.a. HKDSE
香港中學文憑

9. 9
 This new structure ofThis new structure of 新高中新高中 is also called 334,is also called 334,
NSS, NAS or HKDSENSS, NAS or HKDSE
 HKDSE program lasts for 3 years, and studentsHKDSE program lasts for 3 years, and students
normally cannot start at F.5 or F.6normally cannot start at F.5 or F.6
 Will completely replace the old system ofWill completely replace the old system of
HKCEE (HKCEE ( 會考會考 ) and HKALE (A-level) in 2012) and HKALE (A-level) in 2012
 The level of difficulty of HKDSE is reconsideredThe level of difficulty of HKDSE is reconsidered
to be between HKCEE and HKALEto be between HKCEE and HKALE
Senior Secondary School
F.4 – F.6

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What will I study in F.4-6?What will I study in F.4-6?
45-55% 20-30% 15-35%
(organized by school)
% of Time
Allocation :
* Different schools offer different electives. Check when applying to schools
* For the electives you’ve chosen, you’ll study them throughout your 3 yrs in
HKDSE program
Other Learning
Experiences
(OLE)
activities
organized by
school
4 compulsory
Subjects
Chinese Language
English Language
Mathematics
Liberal Studies
2-3 Elective
Subjects*
2-3 subjects chosen
from NSS electives

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In other words,In other words,……
4 compulsory
Subjects
Chinese Language
English Language
Mathematics
Liberal Studies
2-3 Elective Subjects*
Chinese History, Economics, Geography,
History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Science (Integrated, Combined),
Business, Accounting & Financial Studies
(BAFS), Information & Communication
Technology (ICT), Technology and Living,
Design and Applied Technology,
Health Management and Social Care,
Tourism and Hospitality Studies,
Ethics and Religious Studies,
Music, Visual Arts,
Physical Education
** Generally universities require 2 elective subjects only, some only requireGenerally universities require 2 elective subjects only, some only require
one. More capable students may choose 3.one. More capable students may choose 3.
May notMay not
be offeredbe offered
by manyby many
EMIEMI
schoolsschools

12. 12
How do I find out which schoolsHow do I find out which schools
offer which electives?offer which electives?
This interactive map links to individual schoolThis interactive map links to individual school’’ss
NSS curriculum:NSS curriculum:
https://cd.edb.gov.hk/334map/https://cd.edb.gov.hk/334map/
Note: The way NSS is offered varies from school to school,Note: The way NSS is offered varies from school to school,
and schoolsand schools’’ curriculum may change from year to year.curriculum may change from year to year.

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University Entrance RequirementsUniversity Entrance Requirements
HKDSE → HK universitiesHKDSE → HK universities
 University undergraduate programsUniversity undergraduate programs
requirerequire 4 core subjects + 2 elective4 core subjects + 2 elective
(some specified, some are not)(some specified, some are not)
 Some undergraduate programs onlySome undergraduate programs only
requirerequire 4 core subjects + 1 elective4 core subjects + 1 elective
(specified/ unspecified)(specified/ unspecified)

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UniversitiesUniversities’’ minimum entrance requirementsminimum entrance requirements
Institution General Entrance
Requirements*
Faculty/Programme Entrance
requirements
City University 4 cores + 1 X** 1 X defined from a list of subjects
H.K. Baptist University 4 cores + 1 X 1 X (unspecified or specified)
Lingnan University 4 cores
Chinese University 4 cores + 1 X Most programs require 1 unspecified
X or 1 X specified
Hong Kong
Institute of Education
4 cores + 2 Xs 2 unspecified Xs
H.K. Polytechnic
University
4 cores + 1 X Preferred subjects only
H.K. University of Science
and Technology
4 cores + 2 Xs 1 unspecified X + 1 X specified from a
group of subjects
University of H.K. 4 cores + 2 Xs Most programs do not have specified
requirement.
*Individual programs may have additional requirements. **X = Elective

15. 15
Links to detailed university entranceLinks to detailed university entrance
requirements under the new system:requirements under the new system:
City University of Hong KongHong Kong Baptist UniversityLingnan University
The Chinese University of Hong KongThe Hong Kong Institute of EducationThe Hong Kong Polytechnic Univer
The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyThe University of Hong KongThe Open University of Hong Kong

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I want to study in a local school but theI want to study in a local school but the
compulsory Chinese language subject in HKDSEcompulsory Chinese language subject in HKDSE
is too difficultis too difficult……
Starting from 2008, JUPAS (HK’s centralized
university admission system) allows students under
‘specified circumstances’ to enter HK universities’
undergraduate programs with GCSE/IGCSE Chinese
INSTEAD OF the local Chinese language
qualifications.
‘specified circumstances’ means…
(a) have learned Chinese for less than 6 years during
primary AND secondary education; OR
(b) have learned Chinese for 6 years or more, BUT
under a simpler Chinese as a second language
curriculum not applicable to local HK students

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How do I certify IHow do I certify I’’m underm under ‘‘specifiedspecified
circumstancescircumstances’’??
Apply to your last school attended for certification and
provide relevant information by completing Annex A.
For certification under circumstance (b), also obtain
reference letter(s) (Annex B) from previous school(s).
Schools may also request applicants to provide relevant
documents (e.g. report cards showing history of
schooling).
School heads would certify the circumstances using
Annex C and return it to you for submission to JUPAS
Office (together with your certified true copies of the
alternative language qualification).

18. 18
Is it OK if I donIs it OK if I don’’t studyt study
Chinese at all?Chinese at all?
Some HK universities would consider acceptingSome HK universities would consider accepting
other languages as alternatives to Chineseother languages as alternatives to Chinese.. SoSo
theoretically the answer is YES (again, only for thosetheoretically the answer is YES (again, only for those
under ‘specified circumstances’).under ‘specified circumstances’).
There are 6 acceptable language subjects under NSS:There are 6 acceptable language subjects under NSS:
FrenchFrench GermanGerman HindiHindi JapaneseJapanese SpanishSpanish UrduUrdu

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These programs must follow the syllabus at GCE AS-levelThese programs must follow the syllabus at GCE AS-level
offered by Cambridge International Examinations (offered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIECIE) and) and
administered by theadministered by the HKEAAHKEAA (( 香港考試局香港考試局 ).).
StudentsStudents’’ results in these international exams on otherresults in these international exams on other
languages will be shown in their HKDSE certificates inlanguages will be shown in their HKDSE certificates in thethe
same way as adopted by CIE.same way as adopted by CIE.
*NOTE: In either case (whether you’re using GCSE Chinese*NOTE: In either case (whether you’re using GCSE Chinese
or GCE AS-Level in another language to replace HKDSEor GCE AS-Level in another language to replace HKDSE
Chinese in your university admission), be aware that manyChinese in your university admission), be aware that many
local schools do not have this flexibility or resources to dolocal schools do not have this flexibility or resources to do
so. You are expected to register, study independently, and sitso. You are expected to register, study independently, and sit
for these international exams at HKEAA all by yourself.for these international exams at HKEAA all by yourself.
Inform and consult with your local school about this whenInform and consult with your local school about this when
applying.applying.

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For further informationFor further information……
 EDB website for non-Chinese speaking students:EDB website for non-Chinese speaking students:
http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=6499&langno=1http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=6499&langno=1
 Table of alternative language requirements byTable of alternative language requirements by
HK universities:HK universities:
http://www.edb.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_6536/aphttp://www.edb.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_6536/ap

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As of 2013, HKDSE is still very new to someAs of 2013, HKDSE is still very new to some
countries,countries, so DON’T be too surprised if overseasso DON’T be too surprised if overseas
universities haven’t set requirement for HKDSE.universities haven’t set requirement for HKDSE.
There are only tentative requirement guidelinesThere are only tentative requirement guidelines
set by a few overseas universities.set by a few overseas universities.
local HK diploma (HKDSE) →local HK diploma (HKDSE) →
Overseas universities?Overseas universities?

22. 22
Some tentative entrance requirementSome tentative entrance requirement
for HKDSEfor HKDSE
By system:By system:
 United KingdomUnited Kingdom andand UCASUCAS
 Australia and New ZealandAustralia and New Zealand
 United States and CanadaUnited States and Canada
By country/institution:By country/institution:
http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/ir/ircountry_hkdse.htmlhttp://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/ir/ircountry_hkdse.html
**DO CHECK FOR UPDATES FROM TIME TO DO CHECK FOR UPDATES FROM TIME TO
TIME, ESP. THE UNIVERSITIES YOU ARE TIME, ESP. THE UNIVERSITIES YOU ARE
INTERESTED ININTERESTED IN

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For reference:For reference: How is HKDSE graded?How is HKDSE graded?
Standards-referenced ReportingStandards-referenced Reporting
 For each subject, youFor each subject, you’’ll be gradedll be graded Levels 1-5Levels 1-5
 5* and 5** are to differentiate the best5* and 5** are to differentiate the best
performersperformers
 A set of descriptors indicates the typicalA set of descriptors indicates the typical
requirement at each of the 5 levels in eachrequirement at each of the 5 levels in each
subject (shown in HKEAA website)subject (shown in HKEAA website)

24. 24
overseas high school diploma →overseas high school diploma →
HK universities?HK universities?
This is getting more and more common!This is getting more and more common!
Students with non-HKDSE qualifications who aim to studyStudents with non-HKDSE qualifications who aim to study
in Hong Kong universities will need to enter through thein Hong Kong universities will need to enter through the
NON-JUPAS (NON-JUPAS ( 非聯招非聯招 ) stream.) stream.
Normally, students must have externally assessedNormally, students must have externally assessed
qualifications (i.e. qualifications obtained through publicqualifications (i.e. qualifications obtained through public
exams) e.g. AP, IB, A-Levels. Please note this is veryexams) e.g. AP, IB, A-Levels. Please note this is very
competitive as thousands apply every year for a smallcompetitive as thousands apply every year for a small
number of places.number of places.
http://334.edb.hkedcity.net/EN/overseas/inbound.phphttp://334.edb.hkedcity.net/EN/overseas/inbound.php

25. 25
overseas high school diploma →overseas high school diploma →
HK universities?HK universities?
Here are some useful links:Here are some useful links:
- City University - Hong Kong Baptist University - Lingnan University- City University - Hong Kong Baptist University - Lingnan University
- Chinese University of Hong Kong - HK Institute of Education- Chinese University of Hong Kong - HK Institute of Education
- Polytechnic University - HKUST - University of Hong Kong- Polytechnic University - HKUST - University of Hong Kong
http://334.edb.hkedcity.net/EN/overseas/inbound.phphttp://334.edb.hkedcity.net/EN/overseas/inbound.php