ENG-1970 — Page 107

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EDUCATION

In addition, there is a scheme of textbook and stationery grants for holders of free places. Grants are made to schools to the value of $20 per free place holder per annum to enable them to be supplied with free textbooks and stationery.

Government has also declared its intention to introduce free primary education in 1971. It is not proposed that attendance will be automatically made compulsory but it is likely that the Director of Education will be given powers to compel parents to send their children to primary schools where there is an evident need.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Thirty-one special schools cater for about 3,000 blind, deaf, physi- cally handicapped, mentally handicapped and maladjusted chil- dren. In addition, there are 24 special classes for 480 slow-learning children in 13 government primary schools, and two special classes for 20 partially-hearing children in two government primary schools. Over 300 mildly physically handicapped children have been placed in ordinary classes in government primary schools and government subsidised schools. These children are supervised regularly by the Special Education Section. The section also runs an audiometric screening programme and a speech screening programme in govern- ment primary schools. In addition, the section provides diagnostic services which include audiologic testing, psychological testing, speech screening and educational assessment, as well as remedial services in auditory training and speech therapy. During the year these services have assisted over 10,000 children. The section also runs in-service training courses for teachers of special schools and special classes. A development plan to cover the extension of services to an increased number of handicapped children during the next five- year period is under consideration by Government.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

There are four types of secondary schools: Anglo-Chinese grammar schools, Chinese middle schools, secondary technical schools and secondary modern schools. The 229 Anglo-Chinese grammar day schools have an enrolment of 172,569 pupils. They offer a five-year course in the usual academic subjects leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education (English) examination.