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There is a dilemma currently facing senior second students in International schools  in Hong Kong.  This dilemma revolves around the problem of a second or subsequent language.  The change towards the International Baccalaureate IB  in the majority of International schools in Hong Kong means that a large number of students are faced with a problem when it comes to choosing a second language to study.  For example should a student choose to learn French , Spanish or to learn Mandarin.

The IB Diploma wants to create well-rounded senior secondary students.  To this end, the subjects which students must take during their final two years of secondary school are very heavily prescribed.  Students are required to take their first language, a second language, a maths, a science and a humanities subject.  In Hong Kong, the vast majority of students take English as their first language. However, the choice of a second language can be problematic, especially for students who are not ethnically Chinese.  Whereas those that are ethnically Chinese can easily find a private English tutor  to help them with their English.  Whether this is for school or to prepare for the IELTS  exam.

Hong Kong is a very homogenous society, with over 96% of the population being ethnically Chinese.  However, the populations of international schools are much more diverse.  The typical clientele of an International school includes non – Chinese children who have grown up in Hong Kong, as well as students whose parents have moved to Hong Kong from other locations and educational jurisdictions.  These students are also required to take a second language at IB level.  This is also a reason that many parents are now considering the local Hong Kong senior syllabus called the HKDSE .

A number of locally born students, even if they are not from Chinese families, will take Chinese, which in an educational context means Mandarin.  However, there are a lot of students who have limited or no exposure to Chinese.  These students can generally choose between French, Spanish, Italian and German.  However, the actual languages available can depend on the individual school and the staffing options that school might have when it comes to teaching a second language.  Students can take a second language as a B language (which means a non-native speaker) or as an Ab initio language, which is a new learner of the language.  However, many students who find themselves in this position worry that they will be disadvantaged by taking a language which they are relatively new at.  Many students supplement their language classes by taking a language holiday .

The desire for the IB to produce well-rounded students who have knowledge and learning in not only their own language but also a second language is an admirable goal.  Parents who have children who are concerned by their ability to pick up a second language at this level should be encouraged to work at the language in a systematic way, particularly trying to build up vocabulary in order to prepare for their exams.  More discussion of these issues can be seen at Hong Kong school news .  The information for this site is also available in Chinese.