TNAG-1388-FCO40-1859-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Sino-British-Joint-Declaration-1985 — Page 224

CONFIDENTIAL #3

Communist-controlled Schools

Introduction

Pretty

Severa

Communist-controlled schools are so designated

by the Director of Special Branch, on the basis of his assessment of the background and ideology of the management and staff. As at February 1985 there are 23 schools so

designated. Their share of overall student enrolment is

approximately 1%. These schools are registered under the Education Ordinance and belong to the category of private

schools. They conform to Hong Kong patterns in structure,

administration and curriculum. They are active in public

inter-school events (e.g. athletics, Schools Music Festival). In recent years, they appear to have been concerned with improving their academic standards rather than with ideology.

2.

The communist schools played an active part in the

1967 disturbances in Hong Kong, and one such school was

closed when it was found that bombs had been made on the

premises.

Current Policy

3.

The communist schools receive no financial assistance

from Government and are excluded from the Bought Place Scheme (whereby Government pays fees in respect of junior secondary places in selected private schools). Former pupils of these schools are not admitted to Colleges of Education for training as teachers, and teachers of these schools are not admitted to in-service training courses. The Education Department visits these schools for purposes of inspection only and invitations to school events such as speech days are not

accepted.

4.

In all other respects they are treated in the same way as other private schools. Thus, for example, they have access to sports facilities managed by the Education Department and to seminars and short courses organised for teachers.

G.F. 326

CONFIDENTIAL # 3

Communist