Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of the Old School. It’s more than just old bricks and mortar. It is a testament to Hong Kong’s evolving education system.
The story of education in Hong Kong is deeply intertwined with its colonial past. The British missionaries first observed small village Chinese schools around 1843. These schools taught basic literacy and Confucian values. Wealthy families often sent their children to major Chinese cities for traditional education.
With the arrival of the British in 1841, a new chapter began. Missionaries started providing education as a social service. In 1843, Italian missionaries began educating both British and Chinese boys.
Frederick Stewart’s arrival in 1862 marked a turning point. He became the first headmaster of Queen’s College. It was the first school fully funded by the Hong Kong Government. Stewart championed a bilingual and bicultural curriculum. Half the day was devoted to Chinese language and Confucianism. The other half focused on English and Western studies.
One of the earliest debates was whether to teach in Chinese. Education was initially a luxury for the elite. The Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese opened in 1887. It was the first to bring Western medical practices to East Asia. Ying Wa Girls’ School was founded in 1900. St. Stephen’s Girls College offered a progressive science curriculum. It prepared women for social service in China.
Belilios Public School opened in 1890. It was the first government school for girls offering bilingual education. The push for Chinese education gained momentum after the 1919 May Fourth Movement. Educating the poor only became a priority when they became the majority.
Before 1997, education largely mirrored the United Kingdom system. It was mostly apolitical. The governor had the power to restrict biased political information in schools. However, this power was rarely used.
In 1997, Hong Kong introduced the Target Oriented Curriculum. It aimed to promote project-based learning. Teachers became facilitators. They encouraged active and experiential learning.
The imposition of the national security law led to families sending their children abroad. Between July and November, around 1474 students left Hong Kong schools. Many families emigrated. In 2023, reports showed that 3500 teachers had left their positions.
New textbooks began to exclude sensitive subjects. Foreign teachers were required to take an oath of allegiance. Textbooks presented Hong Kong as Chinese territory occupied by Britain. Protests were attributed to foreign influence.
In 2022, the Citizenship and Social Development subject replaced Liberal Studies. It focused on patriotism and national security. Students now take fully subsidised field trips to mainland China.
Today, universities are exploring the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in coursework. Hong Kong and Guangdong are strengthening education exchanges. This is to nurture talent for the Greater Bay Area.
Standing here at the Old School, you’re at a crossroads of history. It is a place where East met West. It is a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring pursuit of education.