EDUCATION
performance in schools' self-evaluation and inspections. Existing performance indicators used in the inspections are being refined and new ones developed. From the 2000-01 school year, in addition to schools that have indicated their interest, the Government will also select other schools for inspection. In the 2000-01 school year, some 50 more schools will be covered. From the 2001-02 school year onwards, a good mix of schools with different academic achievements, school sponsoring bodies, and so on will be selected for inspection each year so as to more accurately reflect the present position of the school system.
Kindergartens
In September 2000, 160 900 children were enrolled in 789 kindergartens. Most kindergartens operate in half-day sessions.
The Government continues to promote the development of quality kindergarten education through upgrading the qualifications of kindergarten principals and teachers. From September 2000, all kindergartens will be required to employ at least 60 per cent professionally trained Qualified Kindergarten Teachers (QKTs). From the 2001-02 school year, the entry requirements of kindergarten teachers will be raised from two passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (including one language subject) to five passes, including both Chinese and English. All newly appointed kindergarten principals are required to have completed the Certificate in Kindergarten Education or its equivalent as from September 2002. Moreover, from the 2003-04 school year, all new kindergarten teachers must possess a pre-service QKT qualification.
A pamphlet has been published to advise parents on how they should choose a kindergarten. A list of 'do's' and 'don'ts' for kindergartens has been issued for reference by kindergartens in planning their curriculum. Profiles on key features of kindergartens have also been published in January for public reference. The first edition of the Performance Indicators for Kindergartens was issued to all kindergartens in July for self-evaluation. Starting from the 2001-02 school year, the teacher:pupil ratio in kindergartens will be improved by three phases from 1:20 (nursery classes) and 1:30 (kindergarten classes) to 1:15.
The Kindergarten Subsidy Scheme was introduced in 1995 to help kindergartens meet the required proportion of QKTs without having to increase their fees substantially. From the 1998-99 school year, the subsidy is disbursed on a per class. per annum basis to help minimise fluctuations in the level of assistance provided to kindergartens.
A joint working group between the Education Department and the Social Welfare Department is examining the further harmonisation of kindergartens and child care centres. The working group will complete deliberations by mid-2001.
Primary Schools
Schooling in government and aided primary schools is free and universal. About 9 per cent of children attend private primary schools by choice. Admission to Primary 1 in aided and government schools is through a centralised system, established to eliminate pressure on children caused by intense competition for entry to popular schools. In September 2000, 444 711 children were enrolled in 719 government and aided primary schools.
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