EDUCATION
Reading Scheme
The Hong Kong Extensive Reading Scheme was in its sixth year of operation at the secondary level benefiting 89 240 students from 2 231 Secondary 1 to 3 classes. It was extended to Primary 5 and 6, by phases, from September 1995. A total of 17 480 pupils from 437 classes took part in Phase 2 of the scheme.
Hong Kong Teachers' Centre
The Hong Kong Teachers' Centre, set up in 1989 to promote professionalism and a sense of unity among teachers, is supervised by an advisory management committee with wide representation from schools, teacher organisations and educational bodies. It is staffed by the Education Department. During the year, the centre organised, sponsored or hosted 700 activities for 50 000 participants. It maintained a professional library and published newsletters. Another centre was set up in Kowloon and began to provide services in October 1995.
Educational Television
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Educational Television (ETV). The ETV programmes offer syllabus-based and enrichment programmes to support and supplement classroom teaching. Programmes on the subjects of Chinese language, English language, and Mathematics are offered to pupils from Primary 3 to Secondary 3. General Studies programmes are offered to pupils from Primary 3 to 6 while Science and Social Studies programmes are offered to pupils from Secondary 1 to 3. Teachers' and pupils' notes are also produced to help teachers fully utilise these programmes. All educational television programmes are jointly produced by ETV and Radio Television Hong Kong and are transmitted to schools by two local television stations.
Information Systems Strategy
A five-year information systems strategy was launched in 1993 to extend the use of information technology for the administration and management of schools. Computer systems and networks are being developed to link public sector schools and various sections of the Education Department. Teachers and school heads are also involved in the system development.
District Education Offices
The 19 district education offices provide advice and assistance to schools, teachers, parents and students, and facilitate communication with the Education Department. District Education Officers attend district board meetings to discuss educational
matters.
Careers and Guidance Services
The Careers and Guidance Services Section organises annual training courses, conferences and workshops for careers/guidance teachers and operates a guidance teacher resource centre to provide support materials for them. Its careers education centre provides a reference library on careers, local and overseas study opportunities for the public and a free advisory service on overseas studies. During the year, 2 506 students left to study in the UK (up to November 9), 2 607 left for Canada, 4 782 for the USA and 4 200 for Australia.
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