TNAG-1073-FCO40-1323-Policy-of-the-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-including-1981 — Page 165

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CONFIDENTIAL 機密

For discussion..

n 30th June 1981

Hien 2 10/1 ннн

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DESK OFFICER INDEX

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XCC(81)75. 35 Copy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

19ЯT

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1. Aukti

WHITSLAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND 2.PA

PA Action Taken PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES

⇒ Pas 812

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The Green Paper on Primary Education and Pre-primary Services (at Annex A) was tabled in the Legislative Council on 30th April 1980. The Green Paper was issued following reviews of primary education and of the care and education of children below primary school age by Working Parties guided by a Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary for Social Services.

LAST PAPER

2

The proposals in the Green Paper have been extensively reviewed, taking account of public opinion, the views expressed in the Legislative Council during the debate in June and July 1980 and the views of the Legislative Council Ad Hoc Group set up to study the provisions of the Green Paper. The proposed White Paper on Primary Education and Pre-primary Services (at Annex B), if approved, will represent the Government's considered views on the future development of these areas.

Principal Features of the White Paper

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The introductory chapter refers to the 1980 Green Paper, indicates the extent of public response to it and the manner in which comments from the public were processed. The chapter draws attention to those measures which represent significant improvements over the original Green Paper proposals, and refers the reader to related documents.

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Chapter 2 considers the structure of primary education and pre-primary services. It indicates the Government's intention to keep the primary course to six years with enrolment normally being at the age of 5.

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The Green Paper proposed the continuation of both child care centre and kindergarten services for the 4- to 5-year age group, the distinction being based on hours of operation. This was heavily criticised especially in terms of a comparable service being operated by two different departments. This chapter, therefore proposes that pre-primary services should most effectively be divided at the age corresponding to two years before entry to primary school, with children below that age attending an institution registered under the Child Care Centres Ordinance, and pre- primary children above that age attending kindergartens registered under a suitable amended Education Ordinance. It is intended that these arrange - ments will be phased in over a three year period starting in September 1982.

G.S. 166

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