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(b)
Inspectors
There are 173 Inspectors in the Advisory Inspectorate responsible for subject inspections. Of these Inspectors, 55 are responsible for inspection of primary schools; 107 for secondary schools; and 11 for kindergartens.
Inspectors responsible for inspection of primary schools are at present required to possess a teacher's certificate from the Hong Kong Institute of Education, with at least five years' relevant post-qualification experience mainly in teaching. Inspectors responsible for inspection of secondary schools are required to possess a recognised degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or equivalent, with at least four years' relevant post-degree experience mainly in teaching.
Of the 173 Inspectors in the Advisory Inspectorate, only 11 (6.3%) responsible for secondary school inspection have less than five years' teaching experience. All inspectors for primary school inspection have at least five years' teaching experience.
The number of Inspectors for each primary and secondary subject and their qualifications as at mid March 1997 are at Anr.ex.
Education Officers and Inspectors are generally experienced classroom practitioners, particularly in the case of Inspectors, whose exposure to classroom situations is enhanced by their regular visits to different schools of various types. Inspectors are therefore well placed to advise and support schools on improving the quality of education and to disseminate good practices.
Inspectors also have ample opportunities to work with teachers. These include organising school-based seminars, taking part in subject committees/examination boards and advising on various inter-school projects involving students. Through the processes of organising and conducting such activities, both Inspectors and teachers stand to benefit and develop their professional expertise.
In addition, the Education Department has a multi-facet training programme to keep Inspectors abreast of new development in their subjects. Their training needs are regularly reviewed with a view to improving their services.