CO129-591-9 Policy directives 15-1-1945 - 15-1-1945 — Page 19

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HONG KONG

CIVIL AFFAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVE

EDUCATIONAL POLICY

General

1. As in the past, the educational policy of Hong Kong should be directed towards providing for the majority a liberal education in the pupils' vernacular, with sufficient English to serve as a medium of intercourse; and, for those who can profit by it, an education in English to a sufficient standard to satisfy cultural needs and the commercial requirements of a large entrepôt.

Schools

2. So far as may be practicable the previous system of (a) provided; (b) aided; and (c) subsidised schools, together with the compulsory registration of all schools of more than ten pupils, should be re-introduced.

3.

The principal modification of the system previously in operation should be the greater participation by Government in the provision of vernacular education both by direct provision of more Government Schools and increased financial support for the subsidised schools.

4. In the physical replanning of Hong Kong the fullest possible provision should be made for school playgrounds.

Teacher Training

5.

The training of teachers for vernacular und English schools should continue to be a primary concern of Government and the re-establishment of the Northcote Training College and increased provision of rural training centres should be undertaken at an early date. The Hong Kong University will continue to provide a limited number of graduates who will become teachers, but these should take a post-graduate course in teaching at the Northcote Training College.

6.

Efforts should be inade to secure the recognition by the Chinese Ministry of Education of the certificate granted to teachers trained at the College, particularly on the vernacular side.

The aim should be The cost should be

7. A residential hostel to accommodate students should be provided for the College as soon as possible. that all students should live in the hostel. kept to a minimum; if necessary by Government subsidy.

The curriculum at training centres in rural districts should be recust so as to be closely related to the requirements of an agricultural community.

B.

9.

Vocational Training The facilities for general training, previously given in the Trade Schools and the Junior Technical School, should be restored. Training should be based on the requirements of the public service and of the industries of the Colony and should, as far as possible, be carried out on the same lines as formerly. The Junior Technical School should alm at the provision of apprentices for engineering works and the building trades.