With secondary school admissions seminars currently in full swing, many schools are setting aside time for parents to ask questions. For new parents, what questions should you ask to help choose the right school for your child? As your partner in parenting, EdCity has compiled insights from experts across various fields and experienced parents to address the questions in different topics parents care about most. These questions/topics will help you better understand your preferred schools.

1. Interviews 

• Number of Interviews and Interview Formats: What is assessed in the first, second, third interviews? Do parents need to reserve time to attend? 

• Interview Method: Will the interview be individual, group, or both? 

• Assessment Methods: Does it include Chinese and English reading comprehension? Will in include introducing a book or movie, scenario-based questions, collaborative tasks, mental or rapid calculation? Are scratch papers provided? 

2. Administrative and Transportation Arrangements 

• The school’s start and dismissal time 

• Are there school bus services available? 

• Public transportation options for reaching the school. 

3. Lunch and Meals Arrangements 

• Are students allowed to go out for lunch? 

• Quality and pricing of school lunches. 

• If parents can deliver meals, what arrangements are in place? 

4. School Sports Teams and Sports and Arts Development 

• What school teams does the school offer? 

• Are there any music and/or sports related teams (e.g., track and field, ball sports, swimming)? 

5. Extra-curriculars (ECAs) and Uniformed Groups 

• What uniformed group options are available? 

• Are there Red Cross, Scouts, St. John Ambulance, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, etc.? 

6. Conduct and Academic Requirements, School Ethos 

• Conduct score requirements. 

• Minimum standards for Chinese, English, and Mathematics grades. 

• What is the school ethos like? 

7. Fees and Budget 

• Approximate budget for tuition and miscellaneous fees. 

• Costs for school uniforms and extracurricular activities. 

• Scholarship application criteria. 

8. Subject/Electives Selection Arrangements 

• Is a “package-style” subject selection adopted for transitioning from Form 3 to Form 4? 

• Approximate percentage of places allocated to Humanities, Science, and Business streams? 

• Requirements for English-medium or Chinese-medium classes. 

9. Further Education and Career planning 

• Percentage of students progressing to local universities. 

• Career pathways for graduates. 

10. Other 

• Are alternative pathways to further education offered besides the DSE? 

• Besides the on-site social worker, does the school have an education psychologist?  How does the school address emotional issues among adolescents? 

• How are students with learning difficulties supported? 

School life encompasses many aspects. Parents should not focus solely on grades and academic performance. The school's facilities, campus culture, and other factors also help parents choose a more suitable learning environment for their children. Let us encourage one another.