ENG-1979 — Page 100

EDUCATION

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to provide additional Forms 4 and 5 places within the next few years. A few private independent schools, with the necessary standard of management and facilities, were admitted into the assisted non-profit-making schools scheme (known as per caput grant scheme) to enable them gradually to improve their standards to a level similar to that of aided schools.

To provide an expanded and better co-ordinated library service for both students and teachers, from September, 1979, one additional teaching post was allowed in each govern- ment and aided secondary school with 18 or more classes. The schools were able to appoint a non-graduate teacher to take charge of their libraries on a full-time basis. More than 100 secondary schools are benefiting from this scheme and the number is eventually expected to increase to about 200 schools.

In 1979, two private approved post-secondary colleges - the Hong Kong Baptist College and Lingnan College - began receiving substantial recurrent financial assistance from the government in the form of a block grant in respect of students enrolled in their courses. This followed the restructuring of their courses under the terms of the White Paper on the Development of Senior Secondary and Tertiary Education.

Special education continued to expand during 1979 in line with the objectives of the White Paper on Rehabilitation published in October, 1977. An additional 3,562 places were provided, with major efforts being made to increase the number of places available for mentally-handicapped children.

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The Student Guidance Officer Scheme, one of the projects emphasised in the White Paper on Social Welfare, published in April, 1979, aims at providing educational, vocational and personal guidance to pupils. Student Guidance Officers former teachers who are given in-service social work training - provide special services in primary schools with the support of professional social workers from the Social Welfare Department and voluntary agencies. During the year, the scheme forged ahead and by 1980 it is planned that all primary schools will be covered by this service.

A number of consultative arrangements were announced in June, 1979, which aim at improving the channels of communication between the Education Department, aided school management committees and teaching staff. The arrangements, which are being introduced during the 1979-80 academic year, include seminars on management and curricula, small group discussions between teacher representatives and senior officers of the Education Department, closer and more regular contact between area officers of the Education Department and aided school teaching staff, and formal procedures for management-staff consultation in schools.

In July, the Board of Education presented the government with a special committee report on Form 6 education. Aimed at a broadened curriculum which would benefit all Form 6 students, whether or not they subsequently entered tertiary education, it contained recommendations to liberalise the way subjects are studied and to introduce a new language and communication subject. It also made suggestions for the restructuring of the curriculum framework and the setting up of mechanisms for curriculum development. The report is being studied by the government, and interested bodies are to be consulted before final decisions are made.

The greater numbers of immigrants from China arriving in Hong Kong in 1979 created an increased demand for social services provided by the government. The effect on the provision of education facilities was being carefully studied and measures will be taken to ensure that the increased demand for school places at various levels of education is met as it arises.