XN000022-1996-01-31 — Page 64

- 45.

Closure of rural primary schools

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the closing down of rural primary schools, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

of the number of rural primary schools at present;

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

what is the total number of rural primary schools which have closed down over the past three years, and how many rural primary schools are expected to close down in the coming year; and what is the proportion of these schools to the total number of rural primary schools in the territory;

of the reasons for the closure of these schools;

of the arrangements made for the pupils and teaching staff affected by the closure of these schools; and

whether the Government has any comprehensive policy on rural primary schools, and whether consideration will be given to converting existing half-day rural primary schools into whole-day schools to facilitate the development of such schools?

Reply:

Mr President,

The 1981 White Paper on Primary Education and Pre-primary Services reviewed the continued existence of rural primary schools and noted that very small schools were by and large educationally inefficient. It therefore concluded that rural primary schools of less than six classes should be closed wherever possible. In accordance with this policy, we have over the years closed a number of rural primary schools and replaced them by larger schools serving a wider catchment area.