EDUCATION
To encourage the pursuit of excellence in teaching, the QEF Steering Committee is preparing to launch the Outstanding Teachers Award and the Outstanding Schools Award Schemes. A consultation document on the award schemes was issued in June 1998, and generated a great deal of public interest and discussion. Nominations will be invited in the first half of 1999.
Education for Newly Arrived Children and Youngsters
The Education Department subvents non-government organisations (NGOs) to operate an induction programme for newly arrived children (NAC) of school age from the Mainland to help them adapt to the local social and school environment. NGOs are commissioned to run English extension programmes to help NAC with their understanding and learning of English.
A set of self-learning packages on the English Language and a multi-media CD- ROM named 'From Simplified to Traditional Chinese Characters' (with guidelines) were produced and distributed to schools and NGOs concerned for use by NAC. Tests on Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics are provided to help schools assess the standard of NAC for admission to Primary 2 to Secondary 4 levels. Teachers are advised on tailoring the curricula in the subjects of Chinese Language and English Language for Primary 1 to Secondary 3 students.
A school-based support programme was introduced in September 1997. A block grant is given to public sector schools which admit such students, at the rate of $2,000 per pupil at primary level and $3,330 at secondary level to help NAC already admitted to schools overcome learning and other adaptation problems. Since the 1997-98 school year short-term but full-time preparatory courses for NAC have also been provided. To increase educational opportunities for newly arrived youngsters aged 15 or above, from September 1996 the age for admission to all adult education programmes and courses was lowered from 18 to 15.
Home-School Co-operation
The government encourages home-school co-operation in educating children and young people. The number of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) is increasing and reached 561 in the 1998-99 school year. PTAs are encouraged to form networks in their own districts and now there are three PTA networks. The Committee on Home- School Co-operation, which aims to improve communication between schools and parents, was established in February 1993. Its members include educators, parents and officials. Activities it organised in 1998 included a seminar on using Chinese as the medium of instruction, promotion activities for parents and PTAs, and a campaign calling upon parents to show appreciation for teachers' work.
Extra-curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of school life. The Education Department provides guidance and advice to teachers, subsidises some activities, and co-ordinates many inter-school programmes and activities. In 1998, these included the Community Youth Club, the Hong Kong Award for Young People, the Chinese Cultural Projects Incentive Award Scheme, the Schools Dance Festival, the Schools Drama Festival, sports and recreational activities, plus subject-based and interest- based activities.
149