Education | 155
secondary schools in the 2011-12 school year. A supplementary guide on teaching Chinese language to NCS students has been developed and issued to schools alongside a series of curriculum resources including learning materials in the form of textbooks. Tertiary institutions have been commissioned to provide on-site support programmes, to run Chinese Language Learning Support Centres offering further support to NCS students and to train Chinese language teachers of schools with. NCS students.
Support Programmes for Needy Students
Under the School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes, 871 schools and 164 non-governmental organisations received subsidies in the 2011-12 school year for organising after-school activities to help some 228 200 needy students improve their learning effectiveness, broaden their learning experience outside the classroom and raise their understanding of the community and sense of belonging. Upon relaxation of the income threshold for full level of assistance under the means test mechanism of the Student Financial Assistance Agency, the funding has been significantly increased from $175 million to $204 million to further strengthen support for needy students.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Life-wide Learning Fund, established in 2002 by the EDB and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, provides financial aid to needy students to participate in life-wide learning activities organised or recognised by schools. In the 2010-11 school year, about $54.6 million was allocated to 956 participating schools, benefiting 204 950 students (Primary 1- Secondary 7).
Regulatory Framework and Governance Structure
Government's Role and Organisation
The Secretary for Education, who heads the EDB, formulates, develops and reviews educational policies, secures funds from the government budget, and oversees the implementation of educational programmes with the assistance of the Permanent Secretary for Education.
Education Ordinance
School education services are regulated by the Education Ordinance. School operators must comply with its provisions and its subsidiary legislation relating to areas such as registration of schools, teachers and managers, health and safety requirements, fees and charges, and teacher qualifications.
Vocational Training Council Ordinance
The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the council, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. Its members comprise representatives of industry, commerce, service sectors, employees and the Government.
Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance
The Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance governs institutions offering post- secondary courses. As at December 2011, there were five approved post-secondary
Page 195Page 196