XN000022-1996-01-10 — Page 70

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(b)

what is the definition of "gifted" in the context of this Centre;

(c)

what criteria are adopted in placing pupils in this Centre; and

(d)

how will "gifted" pupils benefit from the facilities of this Centre?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

"Gifted" children generally refers to those who show exceptional achievement or potential in academic performance, creativity, leadership, psychomotor ability, visual or performing arts. To ascertain the number and distribution of academically gifted students in Hong Kong, the Education Department has commissioned a research study by a team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University between 1992 and 1995. Using a sample of 81 primary schools, the initial finding of the study reveals that around 1240 students or about 2% of the students in these schools could be classified as academically gifted. This finding is in line with the percentage of academically gifted students identified in other developed countries. On this basis, we estimate that there are around 20,000 academically gifted students aged between 6-18 in Hong Kong.

In the context of Fung Hon Chu Gifted Education Centre. "gifted" refers to academically gifted students. i.e. those who show exceptional achievement or potential in one or more of the following areas:

(i)

high level of intelligence, as measured on standardised intelligence tests;

(c)

(ii)

specific academic aptitude in one or more subject areas; or

(iii) high ability in creative thinking.

The purpose of the centre is to provide students who are identified as academically gifted with enrichment programmes or extended learning programmes at the centre to supplement their normal curriculum in their own schools. Selection of students for a particular programme is based on the following criteria:

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