school news Generalist vs. Specialist Tina Wu compares generalist and specialist education
ESF sustainability partnership The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the English Schools Foundation (ESF) have partnered up to establish the Nature Works programme which aims to devise and execute a range of environmental leadership initiatives. Over 60 secondary school students across Hong Kong are involved in the initiative including all seven ESF secondary schools, Singapore International School, Australian International School, Hong Kong International Schools, ISF Academy, YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College and Li Po Chun United World College. Since March this year, ESF and TNC have held a series of talks, workshops and team-building activities for students with the aim of increasing awareness and generating discussion on five conservation topics - biodiversity, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation and waste reduction. On October 30, students were invited to present their proposed sustainability initiatives to a panel of expert judges. The three winning teams will be announced early this month and will receive $10,000 in funding so they can carry out their
projects. natureworkshk.esf.edu.hk
Visit Mighty Oaks International Nursery and Kindergarten’s Open Day on 13th November to experience their bilingual taster class. Join the Admission Seminar hosted by the School Principal/Vice Principal who will present valuable tips on kindergarten interviews. Followed by a taster class where you and your child can immerse in an enriched language environment and explore the school facilities. All parents interested in the PN and K1 Programme from 18 months old are welcome. Registration required. mightyoaks.edu.hk
For years, educators have debated when students should start to specialise. Specialising from a younger age may push students ahead of the curve in certain subjects, but research has shown that students learning a broader group of subjects turn out to be more creative and adaptable to changes in their careers. Choosing the right secondary school curriculum is crucial – UK curriculums such as A-Levels encourage specialisation early on, while US high school or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum offers more flexibility to students in broadening their educational experiences across sciences, social sciences, maths, arts and languages. The US system, in particular, is exceptional in delivering a generalist education, for example, students still take liberal arts classes during the first two years of university. Which one is better? That depends on each student’s personality, strength, passion, and ultimately his or her career ambition.
As a Senior Admissions Counselor, Tina has over 10 years of experience in assisting students gain admission to top boarding schools and colleges in the U.S. Contact her via tina.wu@kaplan.com
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