EDUCATION
Apart from syllabus-based programmes, special programmes on curriculum-related topics are produced from time to time for broadcasting to schools. In 1988-9, special programmes on Anti-shoptheft, Safety Precautions in Physical Education, Viral Hepatitis, and a special series of three programmes on Computer Literacy were produced.
Television equipment, including colour television receivers and video-cassette recorders, is provided in all government and aided schools and private secondary schools with bought places. In the financial year ending March 1989, $1.8 million was spent on this equipment.
Hong Kong Examinations Authority
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The Hong Kong Examinations Authority, an independent statutory body, has admin- istered the HKCEE since 1978, the HKHLE since 1979, and the HKALE since 1980. In 1989, a total of 139 978 candidates entered for the HKCEE, 5 425 for the HKHLE, and 19 502 for the HKALE. Near the end of the year, it started work on translating HKALE syllabuses into Chinese, in preparation for Chinese-medium examinations in 1992. It also began work on developing syllabuses for new Advanced Supplementary examinations.
The authority conducts a large number of overseas examinations on behalf of various examining bodies in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. These examinations include the GCE, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 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 concerning the admission of students from Hong Kong to institutions in the United Kingdom. It also works closely with the Student Finance Section of the Education and Manpower Branch, Government Secretariat, in administering the United Kingdom-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme and the new United Kingdom-Hong Kong Scholarships.
The division monitored developments in education in the United Kingdom and, in order to promote the interests of Hong Kong students, established and maintained close relations with universities, polytechnics and colleges, British government departments, local edu- cation authorities, the British Council, welfare organisations and, in the case of trainee nurses, with medical authorities. It gave advice to on-course students who sought assistance regarding academic and personal welfare problems, and maintained close contact with the Hong Kong student community through college-based student societies.
Hong Kong Students Overseas
The Overseas Students and Scholarships Section of the Education Department gives advice to students wishing to further their education overseas and supplies information on educational establishments in Britain and other countries.
Altogether 4 539 students went to Britain during the calendar year 1989, 5 096 to Canada, 4 855 to the United States and 4 678 to Australia.
British Council
The aims of the British Council in Hong Kong are to promote an enduring understanding of Britain, its language, its education and its culture and to encourage the interchange of persons between Hong Kong and United Kingdom.
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