The importance of getting good results in HKDSE* cannot be over stressed as getting into university is very important for youngsters in Hong Kong. Thus secondary students here have a very busy school life.
They start studying from 8 a.m but without a particular time to leave their school. They try their best to do revision and preparation in order to get a good result in public exam. Therefore it is not abnormal for every secondary student in Hong Kong to have a beautiful sunset view at school when they leave the school. This view may make an immense courage for them to keep studying.
This is the examination orientated culture in Hong Kong. It is hard to imagine in U.S., right?
* HKDSE : Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, a public examination sat by most of the young people in Hong Kong after their secondary education. Students can apply for different universities in Hong Kong mainly by the result of it.
In the United States, we also have a secondary education examination that permits students to apply for different Universities. Even though the exams are similarly structured, the difference between the two is the amount of students who actually pursue an education after completion of the secondary level. In the United States, attending a university to pursue an education is viewed as a gift or privilege, whereas in China it seems to be viewed as the norm, where everyone has equal opportunity to further their learning. As a college student enrolled at a University in America, I too watch the sunrise quite frequently due to studying. This part of the article can apply to any individual who is furthering their education. On the contrary, China’s strengths as a country are a direct result of the high expectations that the educational systems implement in their schools. This was a very informative and interesting article on how education is viewed in Hong Kong.
This is a very interesting and informative article on how students can further their education after the secondary level in Hong Kong. In the United States, our structure for the secondary education examination is similar. Where they differ is the amount or percentage of students that pursue an education after the secondary level. Students in the U.S. view attending a college or university as an opportunity or a privilege, whereas in Hong Kong, it seems to be implemented at an early age that students should attend a college or university as completion of their education. As a college student, I too have found myself watching the sun rise quite often due to studying. This part of the article could apply to any who attend a college or university. On the contrary, I do believe that the higher percentage of completion rates among secondary to college students is a direct result of China’s success as a country.
This is a very interesting read! Education is definitely valued in most cultures. Schooling at the secondary level in the United States is structured, with the student’s needs in mind. However, like Mr. Darsey stated, education that is any higher than the secondary level in the United States is considered a privilege. Some students at the secondary level do not study like students in other countries like Hong Kong. Students at this age in secondary school are more concerned with playing sports, playing in the band, hanging out with friends, and then studying later. I personally can say I have studied many times as the sun sets and much longer! The life of a student is definitely not always easy, but it’s rewarding when you get where you want to be in your life and it’s all because you studied!