Covid-19: How Well Are Hong Kong Schools Coping?
Schools worldwide are well-equipped to deal with weather-related closures and other emergencies – and these vary by country.
In Hong Kong, there are procedures for typhoons; UK schools have snow and bad weather polices; Thailand has action plans for smog days; and Australian schools have bushfire management plans. In each of these countries, schools will have varying degrees of emergency planning in place that prepares them for evacuation, unexpected closures, and early pick-ups.
The unforeseen Coronavirus situation could not have been planned for though – and it has really put schools around the world to the test.
In Hong Kong, where schools have been closed since the end of January until at least April 20, educators find themselves in the very unique situation of having to teach students who are off campus for at least 12 weeks. It’s proving to be a lesson in delivering online learning – and Hong Kong is setting the example for countries including Thailand, Vietnam, the UAE, and Italy, where schools have also since closed.
There are more than 70 international pre, primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong with a community of over 40,000 students. So, how are they suspending classes without suspending learning, how are students adapting to this remote style of education, and what are the long-term effects of home study?
Inside this feature:
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: What is online learning?
Page 3: How are Hong Kong's international schools delivering online learning?
Page 4: Is online learning working?
Page 5: The cost of school closures - to parents and to schools
Page 6: How are students taking IGCSEs, A Levels and the IBDP affected?
Page 7: How are students being supported in terms of wellbeing?
Page 8: What is happening beyond the classroom?
Next page: What is online learning?
