tion. Public examinations must inevitably be maintained and we con- sider it vitally important that the search for better method be systematic- ally carried out along with the continuous process of curriculum development.
50. We first examined the feasibility of dispensing with the Second- ary School Entrance Examination. A number of the submissions received recommended this course, or proposed modifications to the examination. However, it appears unlikely within the foreseeable future that allocation procedures in respect of places in Government and fully- aided schools offering a 5-year course leading to a Certification of Education can be dispensed with and it is clear that for the next decade the elimination of a centrally administered system of allocation of places will not be possible.
51. Nevertheless, we consider that the increased scale of provision in both 5-year and 3-year places will in itself have the desirable effect of diminishing such pressures as the examinations may have had at primary level. We recommend that those responsible for administering the examination should at all times have as among their principal objectives the need to minimize deleterious effects of the examination on primary education and the need continually to modify the examina- tion with a view to widening the basis for the allocation of pupils to secondary schools.
52. In considering the role of the Certificate of Education Examina- tions, we welcome the announced intention of introducing a combined examination offering students a choice in the use of either English or Chinese. We recognize the need for students to gain recognition of high academic standards through the higher grades awarded in order to gain acceptance for higher education both here and abroad. We must stress, however, that the maintenance of high academic standards does not preclude the making of carefully considered attempts to extend the range of ability and achievement at present covered by the middle grades awarded as a result of the examination.
53. In the case of the Advanced Level and Matriculation Examina- tions conducted by the University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong respectively, we suggest that those responsible for these examinations should bear it in mind that any increases in their content will have immediate effects on the syllabus for the entire secondary sector.
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