TNAG-0658-FCO40-807-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-1977 — Page 42

- 3.

(a)

(b)

in fact,

Every ten classes should be staffed by 13 teachers 11 teachers is the true figure at present. Each classroom should accommodate 35 students the correct number of students as per cach classroom is 45 and not 35. The afore- mentioned reveals what the Government override its freewheel in adopting policies which they consider favourable and totally ig- nore applicability and accuracy. We are of the opinion that -

(i) By the trading of Government Primary Schools to the Aided Sec-

tors, the Government evade its responsibility in developing and supporting education. A movement quite contradicted to the principle of Government and the public's will, as free edu- cation is being emphasized. Placing the Government Primary Schools to Aided Sectors is indeed a cutting of education fund and not an encouragement.

(ii,The rodevelopment of Government Primary Schools, if any, should

be expanded to Government Secondary Schools instead of turning- over to Aided Sectors. Bargaining the property and facilities of Government Primary Schools to the Aided Scctors is improper. Bearing in mind that with the existing teaching staff. (interchangeable for Government Secondary Schools and Govern- ment Primary Schools) and facilities, it is only constructive and advisable to revise neccssary Government Primary Schools to Government Secondary Schools. The said amendment should not be, in the meantime, recognised as an increase in numbers of Government schools. The following figures can well support our statements.

No. of Existing G.P.S.

3

71

No. of Existing G.S.S.

23

The " Sell-out" will terminate 21 Government Primary Schools while the other 7 be added to the list of the existing Government Secondary Schools (2 amongst the latter one will be annexed to the cxisting Government Secondary Schools). With reference to the aforesaid, there will be a net loss of 16 Government schools. This retreatment movement, when compared with the policy of the Education Department, is again contradicted.

3.THE GENERAL PICTURE OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND AIDED PRIMARY

SCHOOLS. THEIR FUNCTIONS TOGETHER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS

The Decrease in Number of Primary Students During Recent Years The dropping in number of students is undeniable and this situation is influenced by various factors, as well as the social structure, in which affects not only the Government Primary Schools but also the major aided primary schools. Of course, there are well- known Aided Sectors enjoying full capacity of students; meanwhile, it is noticcable that there are certain Government Primary Schools who carn excellent credit in education, living-up to similar reputation in this aspect.

The...