EDUCATION
in 1999 included an exposition, five roving exhibitions, 98 experience-sharing sessions, 11 seminars and two issues of the QEF Newsletter.
To commend and promote outstanding education practices in Hong Kong schools, the QEF Steering Committee launched the Outstanding School Awards Scheme in June 1999. Over 300 nominations were received and the results will be known in tranches starting from mid-2000.
Education for Newly Arrived Children and Youngsters
The Education Department subvents non-governmental 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 self-learning package on the English Language has been produced and distributed to schools and NGOs 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. The resources are used 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 723 in the 1999-2000 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 1993. Its members include educators, parents and officials. Activities it organised in 1999 included a seminar on parent education, various promotion activities and training programmes for PTAs as well as 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 1999, 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, recreational and various subject-based and interest-based activities.
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