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EDUCATION
matics in junior secondary forms; physical education in secondary schools; and the teach- ing of a variety of creative subjects.
English courses are offered from Primary 4 to Form 5 standard at which level adult students are prepared for the English language paper (Syllabus B) of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education examination. More classes of matriculation standard have been organised to provide further training and practice in the use of English.
The Evening School of Higher Chinese Studies offers a three-year general arts diploma course at post-secondary level in Chinese literature and philosophy. Specialised three- month courses on various aspects of Chinese classics and culture and short courses on the appreciation of Chinese antiques and art objects are also offered.
In providing non-formal education, the 16 adult education and recreation centres organise many cultural, social and recreational activities designed to stimulate individual awareness within the community, to cultivate creative ability and to develop individual talents. Various activities have been organised in collaboration with the Urban Council and Urban Services Department as well as Radio Television Hong Kong.
About 24,400 people were enrolled in the formal courses and about 63,200 in the non- formal courses. The Adult Education Section also helps the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, the Prisons Department and the Social Welfare Department to organise classes.
The 1978 White Paper on the Development of Senior Secondary and Tertiary Education proposed that more emphasis should be placed on adult education. As a result, the Adult Education Section of the Education Department has been strengthened by additional administrative staff and by the appointment of specialist advisers and co-ordinators. Even- ing secondary science courses have been improved by the provision of additional laboratory facilities and the necessary technical staff.
Many voluntary agencies provide a wide range of courses for adults. It is the govern- ment's intention to subvent non-profit-making organisations which have projects that complement and supplement the Education Department's own retrieval adult education courses. Detailed guidelines have been prepared for organisations intending to join the subvention scheme when it is implemented.
Advisory Inspectorate
The main function of the Education Department's Advisory Inspectorate is to promote quality in teaching. This involves frequent visits to schools by subject inspectors, the development of advisory services and facilities, and the provision of courses, seminars and workshops for teachers. The inspectorate also evaluates textbooks and instructional mater- ials, and carries out educational research and guidance and curriculum development. Close liaison is maintained with bodies such as the various local examination authorities, government departments, the British Council and the Consumer Council.
During 1979, the various subject committees of the Curriculum Development Committee continued their work in the preparation and revision of syllabuses and schemes of work for implementation at both primary and secondary levels. Courses, seminars, workshops and conferences relating to new or revised syllabuses were organised for primary and secondary teachers and heads.
A 'learning by doing' scheme, in which primary schools are encouraged to adopt a less formal and more child-centred approach to learning, is being gradually accepted by teachers. During the year, special programmes were organised for heads and teachers implementing the approach.
The inspectorate's Textbooks Committee continues to guide schools on the selection of books. A comprehensive list of recommended textbooks for kindergartens, primary and