EDUCATION
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Programmes are produced jointly by the Education Department and Radio Television Hong Kong, and are transmitted to schools by the two commercial television stations. They are based on syllabuses used in primary and secondary schools. ETV programmes for secondary schools cover Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science, at Form 1 to 3 levels, while those for primary schools are produced for Primary 3 to 6 in the same five subjects and in Health Education. Notes are provided for teachers in conjunction with ETV programmes which include suggested preparation and follow-up activities.
To facilitate reception and utilisation of ETV programmes in schools, TV equipment, including colour television receivers and video-cassette recorders, are provided and installed in all government and aided schools and private secondary schools with 'bought places?. In the financial year to the end of March 1986, some $3.7 million was spent on the provision of equipment for these schools.
School Library Services
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School library services expanded with the training of more librarians in secondary schools. In primary schools, the Class Library Scheme was fully implemented in Primary 1 to 6 classes in all government and aided primary schools. Each class was provided with an initial grant of $500 for bookcases and $10 per pupil per year for library books. A one-off grant of $300 was also allocated to primary classes with 20 or less pupils for acquiring an essential library stock.
Hong Kong Examinations Authority
The Hong Kong Examinations Authority, an independent statutory body, has adminis- tered the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination since 1978, the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination since 1979, and the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination since 1980. In 1986, a total of 156 519 candidates entered for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, 9 219 for the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination and 21 200 for the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination. For the Higher Level Examination, the drop in candidature was very significant, from 12 585 in 1985 to 9 219 in 1986. This was attributable mainly to the introduction of the Provisional Acceptance Scheme by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The authority also assumes responsibility for conducting a large number of overseas examinations on behalf of various examining bodies in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. These examinations include the General Certificate of Education, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations, and many others which enable students to acquire academic and professional qualifications.
Hong Kong Students in Britain
The Students Division of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is responsible for the welfare of Hong Kong students and nurses in training in the United Kingdom. The division liaises with the Education Department regarding the admission of students from Hong Kong to institutions in the United Kingdom and problems encountered by students currently studying there. It also works closely with the Secretariat of the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee, assisting in administering the United Kingdom-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme.
More generally, the division monitors developments in education in the United Kingdom and, in order to promote the interests of Hong Kong students, establishes and maintains