English language tutoring in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, all students are required to complete three years of junior secondary education, followed by three years of senior secondary education. Upon completing these six years of schooling, university-bound students will take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge they have acquired in the subjects studied over the previous six years.
This exam includes a five-hour section on knowledge and application of the English language, with portions assessing vocabulary, reading and comprehension, writing and speaking. Performance is rated on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the ultimate goal for ambitious students. It is essential to perform well on the HKDSE, including the English language section, to earn acceptance to a university, complete a higher education, and in turn, find gainful employment in Hong Kong.
The exam is considered to be thorough and difficult, even for those who speak English well. For most students, extensive practice and preparation are essential for success; and for this reason, many students find great benefit in employing the services of English tutors.
An English teacher vs. an English tutor
In Hong Kong, English teachers and English tutors differ in the type of learning support they provide in a few specific ways. Teachers typically lead relatively large, structured classes, which follow a scheduled curriculum and are not specifically tailored to the needs of any individual student.
Many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Hong Kong are employed as teaching assistants through the Native English-Speaking (NET) scheme, a program created by Hong Kong’s Education Bureau to increase the exposure of the English language to students by native English-speakers. Under the NET scheme, EFL teachers work alongside native Hong Kong teachers in public-sector primary schools, supporting the instruction of students aged 6-12. Teachers usually sign two-year working contracts and remain with one school throughout the contract.
Teaching English in Hong Kong requires a particular set of government-imposed requirements and qualifications that tutoring does not; specifically, teaching English requires a 120-hour Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, and often a degree from a Hong Kong University or equivalent, with some teaching jobs requiring higher-level degrees. Teaching also requires native English-speaking competency, a qualification with parameters including learning and developing fluency in the English language from infancy through adulthood, belonging to a community that speaks primarily English, and the ability to speak English spontaneously, creatively and correctly.
Tutoring qualifications, on the other hand, are less rigid. Tutoring jobs typically do not require a completed University degree, and tutors often have expertise outside of English or teaching. Tutoring is relatively less structured than teaching, with flexibly scheduled lessons that are more private - typically one-on-one - and developed around the specific needs of the individual student. Tutors generally provide additional academic support and study aid outside of regular school courses. Tutorial sessions can occur in Tutorial Centers, in private homes, or online and tutors often work independently.
Benefits of a private English tutor: Hong Kong
The emphasis on performing well on the HKDSE has led many parents and students to seek additional academic support in English language studies. Programs at Hong Kong universities are considerably competitive, and having an excellent grasp of the English language is essential for academic and career success. Coaching with private tutors is the key to achieving English fluency and obtaining the competitive edge required to be successful in Hong Kong.
As previously mentioned, tutorial sessions are often private, with the educational experience tailored to the needs of the individual student. This means that the lessons can move at a slower pace if necessary, allowing students the opportunity to overcome challenges in learning before moving forward. Communication skills are practised on a more intimate level in tutorial sessions, allowing these learning challenges to be identified and addressed as they arise.
Perhaps most beneficially, nuanced facets of language such as context, tone, idioms and slang can be practised conversationally between tutors and students, leading to the development of a more complete understanding of spoken English.
Having a private, native English-speaking tutor as a student in Hong Kong is essential to developing confidence and absolute fluency in the English language, and can give students the competitive edge they need to thrive; in preparation for the HKDSE, in business and life as a whole.
Finding an English tutor: Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, tutorial services can be obtained either privately from an independent tutor that is typically recruited via dedicated websites or word-of-mouth, or through small classes. These classes are often held in Tutorial Centers, sometimes known as “Cram Schools.” Tutorial Centers have become extremely popular in recent decades, particularly among students who are in preparation for exams.
What to Look for In a Private English Tutor
While some Tutorial Centers focus primarily on exam preparation for secondary students, our mission is to deliver the best quality English education to students at all levels and from all backgrounds; not only those in preparation for the HKDSE. We believe the most qualified tutors not only possess the certifications, knowledge, and background required to instruct, they also align with the prioritization of students’ growth. They are flexible, patient, encourage creativity and leave students feeling more confident than they were when they began.
We know that education is the single most important investment we can make in Hong Kong’s future, and because of this, we aim to nurture the creativity of all students through knowledge of the English language, allowing for the greatest artistic, personal and academic development possible.
If you’re looking for an English tutor to guide you through your English learning journey, Manhattan Elite is the place for you. Manhattan Elite Hong Kong is a state of the art english learning centre, which offers a range of english courses such as DSE english programs. We pride ourselves on delivering the best quality English education to your children while simultaneously nurturing their creativity. We offer maths and science programs as well.