XN000022-1995-07-12 — Page 74

62

Heavy workload on extra-curricular activity co-ordinators

Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Michael Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

A recent survey indicates that over 40% of the extra-curricular activity co- ordinators (ECACs) in secondary schools feel they are under heavy work pressure. Will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a)

(b)

consideration will be given to reducing the number of teaching periods per cycle for the ECACS and increasing the number of clerical staff in these schools to help the ECACs with the clerical work, so as to alleviate their heavy work pressure; if so, what the details are and when will such measures be implemented; and

the Government will adopt other improvement measures; if so, what those measures are and when will they implemented?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

Schools are given adequate staffing provision in accordance with the The extra-curricular activities co- number of operating classes. ordinator's post is a functional post similar to other functional posts such as subject panel chairmen. These functional posts carry a higher salary than normal teaching posts because the post holders are expected to carry higher responsibilities and heavier workload. School principals can deploy their own staff in the light of their own circumstances and requirements, for example, to reduce the number of teaching periods per cycle for the ECACS as necessary or to redeploy their clerical staff to assist the ECACS.

We consider the present staffing provision in schools to be generally adequate, and that the flexibility now given to school heads to deploy their staff is working effectively.

End/Wednesday, July 12, 1995