TNAG-0251-FCO40-287-Education-policy-of-government-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 64

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Wednesday, August 5, 1970

The implications were being examined, and he would submit detailed

recommendations through the usual channels as soon as possible.

Mr. Canning was answering a request by the Hon. Wilson Wang to

elaborate on the Government's plans on post-primary expansion in education.

He said: "The new aim for the post-primary sector receiving

assistance from Government is as follows:-

(i) In the full expectation that it will bo possible to

offer, by 1971, an aided primary education to all children desiring it, the next main aim will be progressively to make available with Government assistance at least three years post-primary education to all children in the appropriate age group (12-14) seeking it.

(ii) It is intended to achieve the first half of this goal, that is to say, to provide for 50 per cent of the age group, as determined from census information, by 1976: provided funds and the availability of teachers and other resources permit.

(iii)

In the meanwhile, within the 50 per cent figure, provision will be made for the 18 per cent - 20 per cent of the 12-16 year age group to proceed on to aided courses leading to a Certificate of Education, in substitution for the present aim of providing for 15 - 20 per cent of primary school- leavers, It is to be emphasised that this figure of 18 per cent 20 per cent calculated on the new age group basis represents a considerable increase in the numbers to be provided for, since although 16.8 per cent of school-leavers are currently being aided in this sector, this figure represents only 10 per cent of the 12 16 age group. At present the primary school-leavers currently account for only some 70 per cent of the appropriate age group. It is to be expected, however, that this figure of 70 per cent would increase with time, thus in any case drawing the numbers to be provided for on the old and new basis progressively closer together.

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