Managing the transition from a local school to an international school

In recent years, international schools have been rising in popularity among Hong Kong parents, and it is increasingly common for children of all ages to switch from a local school to an international school. As the oldest international school in Hong Kong, French International School possesses extensive experience helping local students transition into international education.

At French International School (FIS), all students are well supported to thrive in a multilingual education environment. “Many of our local students become fluent in three or four languages by the end of their schooling,” states Ian Clayton, Deputy Head and Head of International Stream at FIS. “Not only do they gain an excellent command of English, many are also proficient in French, Mandarin, Cantonese, and sometimes even Spanish.”

With regards to English, primary school students follow a real book approach to foster a love of reading and language learning. Dedicated English lessons, based on the English National Curriculum, support students in areas such as phonics and guided reading. In secondary school, the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) places heavy emphasis on English speaking skills, offering local students ample opportunities to engage with English both inside and outside the classroom.

FIS also ensures that all students are empowered to aim for the highest level of French possible. Students with similar levels of French proficiency are placed into small groups of 12-14, where they are taught by native French speakers and trained specialists. “Many of our students are very successful, even if they come in at Year 9 and 10, in getting top grades at IGCSE French as a Foreign Language,” notes Mark Williams, Head of Secondary, International Stream at FIS.

Aside from English and French, Mandarin Chinese is available to students as one of the third language options at FIS. To help students develop or maintain their Chinese proficiency, dedicated Chinese lessons are provided to differentiated groups across each year level. Students are also supported to take IGCSE and IB Mandarin examinations at first language, second language, or foreign language level.

In addition, students at FIS receive comprehensive support in their academic and personal development. “We want our children to be confident, independent learners who can reach their full potential and become global citizens,” explains Jane Wakeman, Deputy Head of Primary, International Stream at FIS. “We help them achieve this by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. For example, we nurture essential attributes such as being a communicator, to have empathy, and to be a thinker.”

This holistic approach to teaching and learning is reinforced through the IEYC, IPC, IGCSE and IBDP curricula. Through encouraging individual and collaborative work, independence of thought, and creativity, students are empowered to become active learners and achieve academic excellence, with many gaining places among some of the most prestigious universities in the world.

At the same time, FIS provides a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed. “Happy students are successful students,” says Clayton. “And so we spend a lot of time and effort in making sure that students feel looked after, happy, and safe.” Each new student, for example, is paired with an existing student to aid their social integration. There are also extensive opportunities to meet and interact with other students through extra-curricular activities and house competitions.

Ross Armitage, Head of Primary, International Stream at FIS, further highlights the strong support network in place to promote students’ wellbeing. “Aside from class teachers and tutors, our school counsellors from St. John’s in Hong Kong play a big role in providing professional support to our children.”

FIS also assists parents in integrating into the school community. Parents are kept informed of school activities and events through regular newsletters, and the Parents Representative Association offers a platform for parents to approach and support each other.