XN000022-1973-01-06 — Page 10

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Saturday, January 6, 1973

"The alternative is for pupils to sit a whole multiplicity of entrance

examinations held by individual schools and this would clearly be even more

undesirable.

The proposed increase of secondary provision will however take

much of the heat out of this examination and this will be to the benefit of

all concerned. I take a keen personal interest in this examination and it

has proved possible in recent years to reduce somewhat the complexity of the

questions asked. This process will continue.

This process will continue. It is my intention that this

examination will be as fair as is humanly, possible and will be so graded that

exéessive cramming, and coaching will not be necessary."

Referring to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, the

Director said steps were being taken to hold a joint examination where subjecta

jould be taken either in English or in Chinese. "The first joint examination will take place in 1974 when all question papers will be standardised," Mr.

Canning said.

Since 1972, the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination

(English) and the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (Chinese) have

been conducted by one and the same Hong Kong Certificate of Education Board.

Mr. Canning said there was a danger that the Chinese Certificate

might be thought to be inferior to the Certificate of Education (English).

This was certainly not the case.

Next year, both certificates would be known as the Hong Kong

Certificate of Education.

On curriculum development, Mr. Canning said two Senior Education

Officers were involved in planning a well balanced curriculum for primary and

secondary schools.

/Curriculum

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