Dear Parents,
Welcome to the April edition of the SCMP Learn Parents Newsletter! In this issue, we bring you a curated selection of the best child-friendly activities taking place across Hong Kong in the coming weeks — from a first-of-its-kind youth architectural design challenge to immersive theatre experiences and a science-themed day out.
Plus, we’re sharing our pick of the key stories in education and parenting that caught our eye this month, helping busy parents stay informed without getting overwhelmed by the headlines.
Hong Kong students taking the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) English exam last week were surprised by familiar topics such as bubble tea and starting a YouTube channel. Both students and teachers praised the exam’s relatable themes, but tutors warn that an ‘easier’ paper may mean tougher scoring.
See what students, teachers and tutors are saying about this year’s DSE English assessment.
Read more
In response to declining enrolment numbers, four Hong Kong primary schools plan to shut down, while another nine are pursuing mergers. According to the Education Bureau, those schools facing closure will gradually wind down operations, or at the latest end their services by the 2029-30 academic year.
Which schools are at risk of closure? Find out below.
Read more
Public universities in Hong Kong admitted 65 non-local DSE pupils last year, representing a fivefold jump since 2022. By contrast, the number of local DSE candidates who qualified for those universities fell by 5% over the same period.
Take a closer look at the
figures, and find out why this trend is sparking concerns regarding social mobility.
Read more
The number of secondary school students diagnosed with mental illness in Hong Kong has doubled over the past five academic years. What's more, education authorities say this increase may be under-reported because of reluctance among parents and pupils to disclose health information.
Dive deeper into the official data and the three-tier process schools use for managing high-risk students.
Read more
Meanwhile, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin addresses the rise in cases and the ongoing efforts to support affected families.
Read more
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged to expand the government’s free after-school care programme for low-income families. Under the scheme, primary students from underprivileged backgrounds can participate in various on-campus activities after school hours at no extra cost. The city leader says the decision was prompted by positive feedback from families who vouch that the scheme gives them peace of mind to pursue their careers.
Learn more about the scheme in the Post’s report below.
Read more
Eight international school operators in Hong Kong have failed to admit enough non-local students this academic year, breaching their pledge to the government. According to the Education Bureau, the proportion of non-local students at some of the schools had fallen to as low as 39% this academic year, compared with targets ranging from 50 to 98%.
Unpack the full story with SCMP.
Read more
China has launched a national action plan to embed AI across its education system, in a strategic push to future-proof its workforce amid intensifying global competition in advanced technologies. At the basic level, schools will be required to offer courses that nurture curiosity and problem-solving skills. At the same time, universities will establish AI foundation courses to foster cross-disciplinary innovation.
Discover more about China’s national plan below.
Read more
Got a budding architect in your midst? Build A Dream HK, Hong Kong’s first architectural design competition for kids, invites the next generation of urban planners to reimagine the city’s skyline. Co-presented by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and Muses Education, this hands-on initiative challenges young creators aged four to 18 to "think like an architect" by designing community landmarks under the theme ‘Our City, Our Home’. Entrants are required to submit both a physical architectural model and a short 300-word design statement.
Make sure to register by 31 July to get involved.
Learn more
Mark your calendars for a day of bubble parties, paper-plane challenges and hovercrafts. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Hong Kong Science Museum is transforming its galleries into a sprawling laboratory filled with interactive booths and science-inspired crafts and challenges. Whether your little one is obsessed with animals or curious about how robots work, Science Fun Day is a brilliant way to spend a Saturday, offering a fun-filled deep dive into STEM that proves learning is often best done through play.
Science Fun Day will take place on 18 April.
Learn more
Storytime comes alive this month at the Spring Storybook Festival, which brings a series of immersive performances and workshops to the Hive’s various locations. Highlights include a spirited production of The Paper Bag Princess, based on the beloved 1980s children’s book, alongside interactive drama and musical theatre workshops centered on timeless classics like Alice in Wonderland and The Wind in the Willows.
This celebration of storytelling spans three weekends in April and May.
Learn more
That’s it for this month! Stay curious, stay informed and we’ll see you next month with more handpicked stories, opportunities and insights for you and your child.
In the meantime, make sure you're following us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Warm regards,
SCMP Learn Team
