XN000022-1996-09-28+29 — Page 11

- 10 -

The working group noted that while the cost to provide each successful NGTQA candidate in 1995 was $99,159, the number of registered candidates and the reported success rate of successful NGTQA candidates obtaining teaching appointments have been on the decline.

There were 191 registered candidates in the NGTQA scheme in 1993, and 135 in 1996. The reported success rate of successful NGTQA candidates obtaining teaching appointments has dropped from 79 per cent in the 1993 cycle to 52 per cent in the 1995 cycle.

The working group also noted that according to statistics projected for the coming 10 years, there will not be a significant shortfall of trained non-graduate teachers in primary schools.

The working group therefore did not see that there is a strong need to maintain the scheme as a means to relieve the problem of teacher shortage in primary schools.

According to the working group, the rather low preference school heads have given to successful NGTQA candidates may be due to a number of factors, including the candidates' lack of knowledge about the local school system.

The working group agreed with the view of ACTEQ that to improve the quality of education in schools, there should be in place an all-trained profession familiar with local curriculum development and with the needs of local students.

It considers that holders of overseas qualifications intending to enter the teaching profession should receive local teacher training.

Meanwhile, it is noted that there are various teacher education courses or degree courses at local tertiary institutes which are available to potential NGTQA candidates, completion of which should qualify them for a teaching appointment.

End

HK '97 definitive stamp sheetlet to be issued

The Hong Kong '97 definitive stamp sheetlet series No 3 will be issued on October 16, the Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, announced today (Sunday).

This series is one of the products issued in relation to the Hong Kong '97 Stamp Exhibition to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 12 to 16 next year.