EDUCATION
Secondary Education
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In education the immediate priority is to provide 9 years of education, including three years of secondary education, for all and within
the means of all. The social and economic consequences of our inability hitherto to do this have been a matter of deep concern; however the three years from 1978-80 will see an end of this. By '78 the extra places will be found for all primary school leavers
by building or conversion to create 48 new schools, by flotation and extended day
classes, and by the purchase of places in private schools. All this expansion, change and novelty present a daunting challenge to the Education Department and school managements and staff alike. But they know the urgency of the need and I am sure they will meet it. Herculean efforts have also been made to provide educational television services for secondary schools, so as to assist quality during this period of expansion.
These arrangements to get secondary education for all started
as soon as possible include expedients that should not become permanent. So, subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of this Council, the construction of a further 35 new schools will be undertaken in the coming two years to improve the quality of junior secondary places.
In this field of providing secondary education for all, I do not think it possible to make more rapid progress towards our target than now planned.