EDUCATION
development of Series 4 of the standardised Hong Kong Attainment Tests for Primary 4 to Primary 6 in the three core subjects of Chinese, English and mathematics. Such tests are administered each year by primary and secondary schools. The results enable schools to diagnose areas of strength and weakness in these subjects, so that appropriate guidance, counselling and remedial teaching can be provided. Test results also help the department to monitor standards across years and levels. Research projects conducted by ERE in 1992 included studies into the continuity of curriculum and teaching practices between the various levels of education; the effects of the change of medium of instruction at junior secondary level; and the efficacy of different curriculum approaches. The ERE also participated in the international reading literacy study project of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
The department's 19 district education offices, each headed by a senior education officer, provide advice and assistance to schools, teachers, parents and students, and act as channels of communication between them and the department. District education officers attend district board meetings to assist in discussions on educational matters.
The department's Careers and Guidance Services Section gives advice and information on educational establishments overseas. During the year, 4 408 students went to study in Britain, 3 583 to Canada, 5 410 to the United States, and 2 866 to Australia. Exhibitions promoting overseas education were staged by American, Australian, British and Canadian organisations.
The Students Division of the Hong Kong Government Office in London promotes the interests of Hong Kong students in the United Kingdom. It maintains close liaison with universities, polytechnics and colleges, and also with official and unofficial bodies including government departments concerned with the welfare of overseas students. The division monitors developments in education in the UK. It works closely with the department to help students wishing to further their studies in the UK, and with the Student Financial Assistance Agency to administer the UK-HK Joint Funding Scheme. It also maintains close contact with the Hong Kong student community through college-based student societies.
Technical Education and Industrial Training
A comprehensive system of technical education and industrial training offers school leavers an alternative to further academic study, and helps to prepare them for specific careers. Publicly funded technical education is provided through the VTC, which operates seven technical institutes and provides industrial training for the major industrial and service sectors. Two other training authorities operate levy-funded training schemes for the clothing and construction industries.
The manpower needs of each economic sector are assessed by regular manpower surveys, conducted by the VTC training boards and general committees. During the year 14 sectors were surveyed. Based on survey findings, proposals are formulated for new or modified training courses. Other measures adopted by the VTC and its boards and committees to help employers meet their needs include assistance with in-house staff training schemes, organisation of out-centre training courses, training seminars and trade tests, and the preparation of job specifications, trade test guidelines, training curricula, and glossaries of common technical terms.
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