ENG-1951 — Page 78

Chinese primary schools and another is in preparation for use in secondary schools. For the first time, Civics became a subject in the Hong Kong School Certificate examination in 1951. Steps have been taken to ensure that the course is practical rather than theoretical and schools are encouraged to maintain their tradition of social service by organizing free schools for poor children during the long summer vacation. The training colleges not only direct their students towards a conscious appreciation of civic rights and duties but also assist the Social Welfare Officer in the training of youth leaders.

During 1951 the Hong Kong School Sports Association was formed to organize and conduct inter-school games; school association football and basketball leagues exist, inter-school swimming and athletic sports are held. An honour much coveted by schoolboy foot- ballers is selection for the school interport team against Manila.

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Two other extra-curricular activities merit comment. Schools Music Association has done much to develop interest in music of all kinds an interest clearly demonstrated at the annual schools music festival, while enthusiasm for dramatic art has found expression in the annual inter-school dramatic competition during which both Cantonese and English plays are presented.

Adult education is carried out mainly through the Evening Institute classes organized by the Education Department, and by private night schools. The Evening Institute provides for classes in commercial and technical subjects and in English, the course in Elementary English being extremely popular. Private night schools offer a wide choice of subjects, including foreign languages, economics, law and journalism, but the standard of teaching varies considerably. Adult classes aimed principally at the removal of illiteracy were organized in the New Territories.

Where technical education is concerned the Junior Technical School offers a general education in preparation for the work of the Technical College which gives full-time day courses in building, wireless telegraphy and mechanical engineering, and evening courses in building, engineering, surveying, shipbuilding, diesel fitting and wireless operating. Close contact is maintained with local employers and representatives of organized labour. The visit of Dr. F. J. Harlow, Assistant Educational Adviser on Technical Education to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and the formation of a Technical Education Investigating Committee have demonstrated the lively interest of the Government in technical and vocational training. The Committee, appointed in November, will collate information on all forms of technical training at present available in Hong Kong and will make recommendations for improvements.

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