TNAG-0473-FCO40-538-Hong-Kong-government-policy-on-education-1974 — Page 124

C.S. 166

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For discussion

on 17th September 1974

PA & α.

18.1X XCC(74) 69

XCC(74)6932 Copy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

76

17c974 |

SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG

DURING THE NEXT DECADE

1 NKK 9/2

Introduction: The 1965 White Paper on Education Policy

The 1965 White Paper on Education Policy recommended that 15-20% of primary school leavers should receive a full secondary education in the Public Sector (i. e. 5 years, leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education). As this aim had been achieved by 1970, consideration was given to a further major expansion of secondary education. Honourable Members will recall that, on 2nd June 1970, after considering memorandum XCC(70)28, they advised and the Governor ordered that new aims should be endorsed. These new aims may be summarised as:

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(a)

to make available with Government assistance at least 3 years of secondary education to all children in the appropriate age group (12-14) seeking it;

(b) to achieve the first half of this target by 1976, by

providing for 50% of this age group and;

(c) to provide within the overall 50% figure for 18-20%

of the 12-16 year age group to continue their secondary education up to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education.

The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved these broad aims and the financial implications involved, on the understanding that the details would be examined by the Board of Education. The Board scrutinised and fully endorsed these proposals, and the Finance Committee therefore accepted on 26th May 1971 the financial commitments involved.

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By 1972, with free primary education already a reality, it was considered that there should be a full study of the future development of secondary education. Accordingly on 26th January 1973 the Governor appointed a new Board of Education with the following specific terms of reference:

"Having regard to the Government's objective of providing three years secondary education for all in the 12-14 year age group and doubling the percentage of

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