ENG-1976 — Page 110

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EDUCATION

fundamental and elementary education at primary level with special reference to adult needs and interests. Parallel to these are the adult education courses with practical background, offering training in cookery, sewing and knitting, and wood- work, to enable adults to learn certain basic practical skills for household use. Further up the ladder are three courses at secondary school level-the young people's course, the secondary school courses and the middle school course for adults. The three-year young people's course provides additional training in general education with a practical bias for young primary school leavers who do not anticipate further studies. Both the secondary school courses and the middle school course for adults provide full academic courses, in six and five years respectively, leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education examination. At the post-secondary level are the teachers' courses providing additional in-service professional training in the teaching of English in primary schools, modern mathematics in lower secondary schools, physical education in secondary schools, and the teaching of art, music, woodwork, handwork, gymnastics, rebound tumbling, modern educational dance, folk dance and oriental dance. English language courses are offered from Primary 4 to Form 5 standard, preparing adult students for the English syllabus of the Hong Kong Cer- tificate of Education. There is also a senior level class of matriculation standard providing more practical English for business use.

The Evening School of Higher Chinese Studies offers a three-year general arts diploma course at post-secondary level in Chinese literature, philosophy and sociology. As from September 1976, specialised one-term courses have been offered on Chinese calligraphy, the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tze, and the appreciation of Chinese lyrical and dramatic poetry.

Providing informal education, the 14 adult education and recreation centres organise a wide variety of cultural, social and recreational activities designed to stimulate individual awareness of the community, cultivate creative ability, and develop individual talents.

Total enrolment for the formal courses is about 22,000, and for the informal courses about 28,000. The Education Department's adult education section also assists both the Prisons Department and the Social Welfare Department in organising classes and providing professional expertise in general and practical subjects for inmates of various prisons, addiction treatment centres and rehabilitation homes.

Examinations

There are four local examinations for schools-one conducted by the Education Department, one by the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Board, one by the Matriculation Board of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and one by the Advanced Level Examination Board of the University of Hong Kong.

The secondary school entrance examination which will be set for the last time in 1977-selects pupils for places in government and aided secondary schools, and for assisted places in private secondary schools. It is conducted by the Education Depart- ment and an examination committee is appointed to give advice on general policy. All primary schools are invited to take part and are encouraged to enter all their