3.7
The curriculum in senior secondary forms is not suited to the aptitude and inclinations of everybody in the age range. While the curriculum in Forms I-III is now designed to meet the needs of children across the full range of the ability spectrum, apart from those educated in special schools and classes, the curriculum in Forms IV and V is designed to lead to the Certificate of Education examination. Most of those who are likely to complete successfully an academic course leading to an examination such as the Certificate of Education are within the top 40% of the ability spectrum. While motivation is also an important factor, it is not in the students' interest to press them into studying for an examination that is beyond the reach of their ability. As noted in Chapter 6, the Government proposes that the curriculum in Forms IV and V in subsidised secondary schools should become more diversified in the subjects of study and should be capable of meeting the needs of a broader range of students than at present. However it believes that the senior secondary course should retain its intellectually-demanding features and cannot therefore provide for everyone in the age group. Accordingly some students wishing to continue their education beyond Form III may find the technical institutes to be more suited to their needs.
3.8
Government has given considerable priority in recent years to the building of technical institutes. There are currently four technical institutes, three of which have opened since September 1975, and a fifth institute is under construction. Their courses are available on a full-time basis and also on a part-time basis, in conjunction with employment. Their craft-level courses, which form the principal part of their provision, have tended in the past to recruit a range of students from Primary 6 leavers up to Form III leavers, though once three years of secondary education is provided for all, they will recruit Form III leavers almost entirely this is considered to be the appropriate level of recruitment. Craft-level courses in
technical institutes can provide an interesting and challenging educational opportunity for Form III leavers drawn from a wide ability spectrum who have a practical and technical bent. When taken together with on-the-job training provided by industry, they can lead to qualification as a craftsman. It is of considerable importance to
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