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EDUCATION
matters, teaching methods and the utilisation of resources. In-service training courses, seminars and workshops for teachers are offered, aimed at improving the quality of teaching. In addition, the inspectorate is responsible for curriculum development as well as evaluation of textbooks and instructional materials. To support curriculum development in schools, the inspectorate publishes reference materials in the form of syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, handbooks, newsletters and bulletins; operates teaching and resource centres for various subjects as well as a field study centre, and provides a number of supporting services such as audio-visual aids, educational television, and the school library service. It is also involved in developing and monitoring civic, sex and moral education in schools.
The Curriculum Development Council (CDC) and its co-ordinating committees and subject committees continued to advise on curriculum innovations at pre-primary, primary, secondary and sixth form levels as well as on special education. The school curriculum at different levels of education was reviewed with the aim of formulating new curriculum guides for the reference of schools. The CDC also studied a number of curriculum issues, such as strengthening literacy and numeracy in primary schools and strengthening the social awareness and language proficiency of students in secondary schools. Handbooks for 12 subjects with technical terms in English and Chinese were prepared to facilitate the adoption of Chinese as the medium of instruction at sixth form level. Curriculum research projects initiated by the CDC were undertaken by the Educational Research Establishment and the Advisory Inspectorate. With continuous support of the CDC and the inspectorate, 251 primary schools have adopted a child- -centred and less formal teaching method known as the Activity Approach.
The school-based Curriculum Project Scheme, launched in September 1988, provides grants for development of curriculum projects catering for the specific needs of students in individual schools. Under the scheme, 35 curriculum projects were completed in 1989 and 58 were being undertaken by educationalists including teachers, school heads and lecturers at the colleges of education and the school/faculty of education of the universities.
Technical and Commercial Education
Technical and commercial education continued to expand. Prevocational schools were restructured in the year to offer more senior classes. New and revised syllabuses such as Light Metalwork and Finishing, and Metalwork were completed. Chinese textbooks for Technical Drawing, Metalwork, Electrical Studies, Electronics and Electricity, Bookkeeping and Office Practice were being compiled under Phase II of the Incentive Award Scheme.
The Technical Teaching Centre continued to provide supporting courses for serving technical teachers. A teaching centre for commercial subjects was being planned, to open in 1990.
With the continued support of the Hong Kong Federation of Industries and the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society, the Hong Kong Young Designer of the Year Award and the Commercial Subjects Projects competitions were held to encourage students to explore the world of design, and to experience technical and commercial studies as an integral part of general education in the overall curriculum.
Computer Education
Computer Studies is available as a HKCEE subject to students in Secondary 4 and 5. Following the completion of a pilot project, plans were drawn up to extend the subject to students in Secondary 1 to 3 of any interested school.