Contrasting the Primary School Education System

in England & Hong Kong

By Jolanda Chow

Introduction

England vs Hong Kong Similar?

Very different!

H.K. was once a British colony

6 years in primary school 7 years in secondary school 3 years in university

How different?

3 main areas:

1. Learning environment

2. Teachers’ educational level

3. Method of teaching

1. Learning Environment

1. Larger school ground Usually only have 1 building!

2. Average class size:

27.1 32.2

3. More modern resources: Less modern resources:

- Interactive whiteboard - Computer suite - Overhead

projectors

England Hong Kong

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=7730&Pos=6&ColRank=2&Rank=272

(Independent school: 12~15) (International Schools included)

2. Teachers’ educational level

• All state school teachers must be graduates

• Teachers hold either BEdu degree or Master in Education

• 20% primary school teachers are NOT graduates

http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno=2&nodeid=1038

England Hong Kong

• 24.4% primary school teachers are NOT professionally trained

3. Method of teaching

Science lessons General Studies

Demonstration / Experiment

More theory base

England Hong Kong

Summary

Other important issues…

Mixed school? Single-sex school?

Teachers’ own experience

Further investigation

“Through-Train” mode

1. Learning environment

2. Teachers’ educational level

3. Method of teaching

Thank you!