ENG-1985 — Page 125

EDUCATION

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Chinese grammar schools had enrolments totalling 370 615 compared with 375 673 in 1984. They offer a five-year secondary course in a broad range of academic and cultural subjects leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), with the medium of instruction mainly English. Students with satisfactory results in the HKCEE may enter a two-year sixth-form course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination for admission to the University of Hong Kong and other tertiary level courses) Many also sit for the United Kingdom General Certificate of Education Examina- tion at both ordinary and advanced levels. Some Anglo-Chinese schools also offer a one-year sixth-form course preparing their students for the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination for admission to the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

In 1985, there were 57 Chinese middle schools accommodating 35 295 pupils, compared with 63 and 36 841 respectively in 1984. Pupils at these schools also take courses leading to the HKCEE. Instruction is mainly in Chinese with English taught as a second language. Most Chinese middle schools also offer a one-year Middle 6 course leading to the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination for admission to the Chinese University.

Secondary technical courses are provided for 22 123 students in 22 schools; 10 of these schools are run by the government and 11 are government-aided. Secondary technical schools prepare their students for the HKCEE with emphasis on technical and commercial subjects. Suitably qualified candidates can continue their studies in Form 6 or at technical institutes, the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong or the Hong Kong Technical Teachers' College.

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Prevocational schools are government-aided secondary schools which provide students with a general education and an introduction to a wide range of technical skills upon which future vocational training may be based. The curriculum is made up of about 50 per cent technical subjects and about 50 per cent general subjects in Forms 1 to 3. The technical content is reduced to about 30 per cent in Forms 4 and 5. After completion of-Form 3 a high proportion of prevocational school students enter approved craft apprenticeship schemes with associated part-time day-release courses at technical institutes. Credit units are given by the institutes for technical subjects which have been studied in depth at school. In addition, direct entry into the second year of an approved craft apprenticeship may be given.

At present, there are 15 prevocational schools providing 11 960 places. A further nine schools of this type have been included in the School Building Programme for completion in the next five years.

The Junior Secondary Education Assessment (JSEA) System, which selects and allocates Form 3 leavers to Form 4 places in the public sector, completed its fifth cycle in July. Of the 73 322 pupils presented for assessment, 54 375 or 74 per cent were allocated either aided Form 4 places or one-year full-time craft course places. Of those allocated Form 4 places, 85 cent were allocated back to their own schools.

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As a first step in implementing the recommendation of the Education Commission on the phasing out of the JSEA in 1991, a working party was set up in March to review the operation of the existing system with a view to reducing the administrative burden upon participating schools, and to devise a new method of placement for Form 3 leavers after 1991. The Careers Education Section of the Education Department continued to work closely with the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and the Labour Department to provide a comprehensive careers service to young people. The section also provides administrative support for the newly established Guidance Division of the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters.