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EDUCATION

Kindergarten Schools. Kindergarten education is not included in the Government system of education, but there is an increasing demand for this type of school and many new kindergartens have been opened for children aged from four to six. These schools are registered with the Education Department.

Special Schools. There are 11 special schools catering for the blind, the deaf, the physically handicapped, and the mentally deficient. The recommendations of Dr L. T. Hilliard in his report on mental deficiency have been accepted by Government as a basic guide in dealing with the problem of mental deficiency.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

ECON

Anglo-Chinese Grammar Schools. These schools, of which there are 107 accommodating nearly 53,000 pupils, offer a five year course in the normal academic subjects leading to the Hong Kong English School Certificate. Instruction is given in English, and Chinese is taught as a second language. This type of secondary education is in demand because a good knowledge of spoken and written English is an asset for entry to higher education, the professions, Government service and employment in commercial firms. Education continues in the VI Form (two years) for success- ful School Certificate candidates, who enter for the Matriculation Examination of the University of Hong Kong or the General Certificate of Education (University of London) at ordinary and advanced levels. Pupils who succeed in these examinations may go to the University, teacher training colleges, or other professional institutions. In addition, there are 15,736 pupils attending tutorial or evening classes where instruction in secondary level subjects, mainly English language, is offered.

Chinese Middle Schools. These schools, of which there are 98 accommodating nearly 31,000 pupils, offer a six year course in the normal academic subjects leading to the Hong Kong Chinese School Certificate. Instruction is given in Chinese and English is taught as a second language. The course is being re-organized and many of these schools have embarked on a new five year course which will enable their students to take the School Certificate Examination in five years. Such students will sit the examination for the first time in 1965. For those who are successful in the Chinese School Certificate Examination further education is