TNAG-1012-FCO40-1262-Address-by-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--at-t-1981 — Page 41

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introduced into secondary schools that provide a wider and more interesting choice, more suited to pupils with a wider span of ability. Twelve more pre-vocational schools will be built by 83/84, and more will be included in the future building programme, to cater for those whose aptitude is for practical and technical rather than academic subjects.

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68.

But your Government accepts that schools do need help with

extra services and extra staff in their new predicament. Expansion of

the School Social work scheme at both Primary and Secondary levels is continuing and it is hoped that by 1982 it will be adequate to the needs

of all schools that wish to use the scheme. But the added burden on

the schools understandably requires the provision of some more teachers. Your Government is already committed to the provision of two additional teachers for remedial language work for each standard school. In addition, it is considering whether more teachers could help in such areas as career counselling, remedial teaching and extra-curricular activities.

However, no decision has yet been taken and any such proposals could require more than 1,600 extra secondary school teachers.

69.

Obviously the introduction of so many new teachers into both the primary and secondary streams would require very careful phasing, additional training facilities, and of course there would be large financial implications. No decision has yet been reached; but your Government recognises that one is urgently needed, and the Secretary for Education hopes to be able to make definitive proposals before the end of the year.

/Overall Review of Education