TNAG-1073-FCO40-1323-Policy-of-the-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-including-1981 — Page 481

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There is also an upward trend in the proportion of the candidature

passing the Advanced Level examination: the proportion, passing the

Higher Level examination is, however, comparatively erratic.

'Passing'

in this context means (a) for the Higher Level examination, Grade E or

above in Chinese language and literature, English language and three

other subjects; (b) for the Advanced Level examination, Grade E or above

in three subjects at the Advanced Level or Grade E or above in two subjects

at the Advanced Level plus Grade C or above in two subjects (other than

English language) in HKCE. In practice much higher levels of attainment

are required for entry to the universities and the Polytechnic, this

being a reflection of the limited number of places available.

29.

The present situation in sixth forms is described in considerable

detail in the Report of the Board of Education's Committee on Sixth-Form

Education (June 1979), on which extensive consultation has been taking

place. The report points out that the picture of local sixth-form studies

is a very confused one. Two-year courses are normally provided in Anglo-

Chinese schools preparing students for the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination,

which is the main basis for selection for admission to the University of

Hong Kong; and one-year courses are normally provided in Chinese middle

schools preparing students for the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination,

which is the main basis for selection for admission to the Chinese University

of Hong Kong. However, students following the Anglo-Chinese two-year course

often also sit for the Higher Level Examination, usually during their Lower

Sixth year.

Many students also sit for other external examinations, the

most popular at this level being the overseas GCE 'O' and 'A' level examinations

set by the University of London, and some schools provide courses specially

designed to prepare students for these examinations. Many students following

a two-year course discontinue their studies at the end of the first (Lower

Sixth) year either to enter a tertiary institution or to take up employment.