TNAG-0473-FCO40-538-Hong-Kong-government-policy-on-education-1974 — Page 159

54. We agreed that some tangible form of recognition of the completion of three years of secondary education should be provided. We have considered various approaches to this problem. Amongst these have been the establishment of an appropriate public examina- tion; a form of accreditation of schools; and a certificate based on cumulative records of pupils' achievement. However, it has not proved possible within the time available to us to reach specific conclusions in this regard. It is intended that the Board should examine this matter further.

55. Finally, in the course of our deliberations on the matter of public examinations in Hong Kong, we have noted the main recom- mendations of the Working Party set up in 1969 under the chairmanship of Sir Charles HARTWELL to make a detailed study on the creation of an Examining Authority to conduct public examinations at 5th and 6th Form levels in Hong Kong. We endorse, as a ultimate objective, the recommendation of the Working Party that such an Examining Authority should be established. However, we advise that its establishment is a matter of great complexity, which will require the fullest co-operation and consultation with the two Universities and will probably be considerably more expensive than the present system.

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SUMMARY OF EXAMINATIONS

Efforts should be made to generate among students, teachers and all concerned a better understanding of the functions of examining, and to improve methods of learning assessment. (Paragraph 48)

The need to minimize the undesirable effects of the Secondary Entrance Examination on primary education and to widen the basis for selective allocation to secondary schools is stressed. (Paragraph 51)

Combination of the former Certificate of Education (English) and Certificate of Education (Chinese) Examinations is welcomed. (Paragraph 52)

4. Carefully considered attempts to extend the range of ability and achievement recognized by the middle grades awarded as a result of the Certificate of Education Examination should be made. (Paragraph 52)

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