TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 30

3.

As long as the traditional script remains the normal method of written communication in our community, we should be most unwise, and indeed be doing a great disservice to the pupils, to stop teaching it in the schools. The introduction of the simplified characters would then add an additional classroom task which can more conveniently be undertaken by individuals when they find a need for this specific skill.

With regard to the teaching and learning of the Chinese language, I can assure Members that the staff of the Education Department are very aware of the problems and are working towards their solution. Every effort is being made to emphasise the use of the language as an effective means of communication in daily life, to move away from the more traditional, expository, "chalk and talk" approach, and to recognise the full range of pupils' abilities and interests. These aims are reflected in recent revisions of suggested syllabuses, in steps to improve the quality of textbooks, and in the preparation of more effective teaching aids. In the forefront of this movement is the Chinese Language Teaching Centre which has been running regular in-service courses for teachers since its establishment in 1974.

At this point I should like to comment on what Mr. James Wu said about the Hong Kong Examinations Authority's decision to change the regulations of the Higher Level Examination regarding language requirements. The Authority's basic consideration was to keep entry restrictions to a minimum. Since the Higher Level Examination may be taken either in English or in Chinese candidates should be required to have obtained in the Certificate of Education Examination at least Grade E in either language. In making these examination regulations the Authority had no intention of prescribing what subjects schools should teach in their courses, since the Authority did not consider that the determination of the school curriculum was one of its functions. However, in view of the public interest in the matter, the Examinations Authority will be reviewing its earlier decision

/in the near

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