TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 345

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 11 May 1988

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length last week and on reflection I think perhaps it is not really necessary for me to speak on it again today.

Sir, several Members have spoken of the need for guidance work in schools. This is an area where we have made encouraging progress. To provide for this need we have provided additional teaching posts in all secondary schools since 1982. In 1986, we issued a suggested guide on guidance work, on which we have received extensive feed-back from schools. We conduct training courses for guidance teachers and in October 1986, we started a two-year pilot scheme to strengthen the professional support available to them.

I should now like to say a few words about how we introduce new courses and programmes in the schools. As a general rule, any innovation is first tested as a pilot project in selected schools. It is then evaluated and modified as necessary before being offered for adoption in all schools. The programme ‘On Becoming a Parent' mentioned by Mr. Edward Ho, is a good example of this, although this particular programme is remarkable in that it originated from the enthusiasm of a few committed individuals rather than through the normal curriculum development process. This programme is being run by eight professionals in relevant fields who share a conviction concerning the need of proper and timely parent education for future generations. Three years ago, they pooled their expertise and started to work in their own spare time and using their own resources on a parent education curriculum. Two years ago, they secured the sponsorship of the Hong Kong Society for Child Health and Development, referred to by Mr. Ho. This enabled them to initiate a pilot project in seven secondary schools. Once the pilot scheme has been completed, we shall have a tried and tested body of materials and ideas which will be available to all teachers in junior secondary classes.

Several Members have spoken on the importance of moral education. The Government recognises this and the general school curriculum has been revised to reflect greater awareness of the key importance of this subject.

In 1981, we issued general guidelines on moral education in schools. The Education Department prepares reference materials on moral education and circulates them to schools. Close contacts between schools and homes are promoted through various communication channels such as parents day, speech day and open day. Students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricula activities. The Education Department organises an exhibition on moral education every two years. This year's exhibition will be held in July and will be on the theme 'Caring and Sharing'.

Sir, I hope that today's debate will help to increase public interest in this subject and so help to increase our parents' support for activities designed to help the moral development of their children.

Sir, I support the motion.

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