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This test covers only Chinese, English and Arithmetic. The competition for selection is such that these subjects have now assumed an undue import- ance in the primary schools to the detriment of the general education offered.
The result of this policy is, therefore, a tendency to neglect, in both primary and secondary education, the needs of children other than the academic minority who are capable of continuing their studies at universities.
In addition, children leaving primary school who are not selected through the test, and who cannot afford the fees of private schools, usually too young to be employed legally.
are
THE SUGGESTED SCHEME IN OUTLINE
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The Association, while welcoming the recent development of junior technical schools and vocational schools offering a three year alternative to the academic course usually followed in secondary schools, is convinced that the only genuine way forward is for the first three years of the secondary course in all Government and aided schools to provide for children of all abilities.
This would best be achieved through junior secondary schools providing a three year course, complete in itself, leading to a Junior Certificate of Education.
A junior certificate could provide a qualification for employment for those children who are unable to continue their education further, and it could be used partly for selection for all types of senior secondary education.
A junior secondary course should provide a balanced curriculum including considerably more emphasis on practical subjects than is usual at present. Such practical training is felt to be vital for "academic" children as well as for those with a more practical bent.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS SUGGESTION
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Junior secondary education in Government or aided schools will provide for all children who require it rather than for a select minority.
Thus all children will have equal opportunity both of receiving education up to the age of employment and of proceeding to higher studies.
The excessive influence of the Secondary School Entrance Examination will be removed from the primary schools which will then be able to restore a properly balanced general education, and to experiment with more stimulating methods of teaching than those commonly followed in preparation for the exam- ination.
The universal junior secondary course, with its emphasis on practical work, will result in a better preparation of all students for life in the environment of Hong Kong.
THE EXPANSION REQUIRED
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The present number of children between 12 and 15 years is about 290,000. By 1976 there will be 330,000 children in this age group, but thereafter the number will fall and is expected to be 263,000 in 1980.
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In September 1968 the number of children in the first three years of all secondary schools was about 160,000. Of these only about 40,000, or a quarter, were provided at public espesse in Government ór in aided schools.
In order to provide for three years of secondary education for every child an immediate programme to provide a minimum of an additional 100,000 places is necessary. If the programme is to be for aided education these places must be in Government or in aided schools and the programme must be followed or accompanied by a further programme to b:ing 120,000 existing private school places within the public sector.
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