Hi Cadogan
I see you've nailed it down to 2 schools, good for you!
Not an easy decision. I think it's pretty safe to say that Kellett is considered a more nurturing/less academic environment than Canadian. The 3 friends I have who have sent their children there have found there have been really happpy with the school and the community. Their only criticism was that after 7 years in HK and assimilating back into Australian and UK schooling, they felt their children were behind? That's their storey anyhow, I'm sure people will tell you differently. But having a few friends that are teachers in HK have confirmed the stamdard is not great. So if you want an nurturing environement with English curriculum and outdoor space, but not so academic, then this would be a good fit for the family.
The Canadian school has amazing facilities, I agree. It is really good for sporty and artistic children I am told (good art program too). Also, the added bonus of learning Mandarin not offered at Kellett as fas as I know? The only issue (which may not be an issue for you) is that it is predominantly Asian. I think that could be a real gift to the children to have that ethnic diversity, but may be more difficult for western children to assimilate in to? One friend had her white blonde haired daughter there (dutrch family) for two years and said play dates etc. were tricky as was her assimilation into the school and ended up moving her to Bradbury in which she absolutely loves. What comes with a predominantly Asian school often is a tough curriculum and academic environment, one consideration.
I'm sure there are lots of Geokid readers that can give you their first hand experiene as parents with children in the school. But I hope this may be a start for you?
Good Luck.
