122
EDUCATION
level in selected secondary schools. Computer Studies is being introduced into public sector secondary schools by phases. The first phase of the pilot scheme was launched in September 1982, when the subject was introduced in 30 government and aided secondary schools, and an encouraging pass rate was achieved by the students who completed the course. Under Phase 2 of the pilot scheme, the subject was offered in a further 75 government and aided secondary schools from September. The number of microcomputers and peripherals provided for each participating school has also been increased from nine sets to 11. It is intended to strengthen and expand the scheme so that all public sector schools can eventually include this subject in their curriculum. The principal aim of Computer Studies is to give students a basic understanding of the functions of the microcomputer and its application to the modern world, and the syllabus is intended to develop problem-solving skills and inculcate an awareness of data processing concepts.
The new Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (see Chapter 19), opened in September in temporary premises, has added variety to the tertiary education sector. It is an independent institution governed by its own ordinance and is financed by the government through the Recreation and Culture Department.
KindergartensTM
In September, there were 775 kindergartens in Hong Kong providing pre-school education for 226 450 children in the three-to-five year age group. These private institutions are supervised by officers of the Education Department, whose professional advice is freely available to school managers, teachers, parents and the public. In-service training for teachers is provided through seminars, exhibitions and training courses, including a two-year part-time course conducted at Grantham College of Education and a 12-week part-time course run twice yearly by the Advisory Inspectorate of the Education Depart- ment, with an annual intake of 120 and 360 teachers respectively. Other government assistance includes allocation of premises and reimbursement of rates and rents to non-profit- making kindergartens in public housing estates, and fee assistance to needy parents.
During the year, four kindergarten teachers were released from their teaching duties to serve on the Education Department's Kindergarten Curriculum Development Team for the production of curriculum materials. In July, the Guide to the Kindergarten Curriculum was issued to all kindergartens for reference.
Primary Education
Primary education has been free in all government schools and nearly all aided schools since September 1971. In the few aided primary schools where fees are charged, they may be remitted for up to 20 per cent of the total enrolment to meet cases of genuine hardship. To help needy parents further, an annual textbook grant of up to $135 per pupil is available to a maximum of 25 per cent of pupils enrolled in government and aided primary schools. A minority of parents continue to send their children to the 98 private primary schools, although places are available for them in the public sector.
In September, the primary school enrolment totalled 536 220 compared with 539 856 the previous year. In addition, 4 995 pupils attended primary-level night schools for adults. During the past year, 27 180 primary places were provided in new and developing schools and more are planned to meet the needs of developing areas, particularly in the new towns. Of the 76 769 children who took part in the second cycle of the Primary One Admission System, 44 696 or 58 per cent were allocated discretionary places in schools of their choice. The remainder were centrally allocated places in schools in their own district by the Education Department.