ENG-1963 — Page 163

EDUCATION

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Nevertheless, the seven-year primary expansion programme which increased the number of school places from 160,000 in September 1954 to 485,000 in September 1961, supplemented by renewed efforts to overtake the primary age population bulge in- dicated by the 1961 census, has virtually succeeded in meeting this challenge, and as a result the rate of primary school expansion is likely to decrease in future years.

During the year 78 primary school buildings and extensions were built, providing 59,800 additional places.

The success of the primary school expansion programme and the passing of the primary school population bulge into the secondary school age-group have, in their turn, stimulated a demand for an accompanying expansion of secondary school facilities. Enrolment figures in secondary full-time day schools of all kinds have increased from 89,615 in September 1961 to 112,705 in September 1962 and to 134,678 in September 1963.

During the year 12 secondary school buildings and extensions were built, providing 10,720 additional places.

PRIMARY EDUCATION

The majority of primary schools are Chinese schools where the medium of instruction is Cantonese. English is studied as a second language beginning in the third year, although some schools start earlier. At the end of the primary course a secondary school entrance examination is held. Five government primary schools cater for children whose normal language is English.

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 seven. These schools are registered with the Education Department and are advised by the inspectorate (kindergarten section). The enrolment increased from 35,663 to 37,711 in September 1963.

Special Schools. Sixteen special schools cater for the blind, the deaf and the physically handicapped. The special education section of the inspectorate provides training courses for teachers in these fields, and works in co-operation with voluntary bodies and other government departments in developing services and facilities for