ENG-1990 — Page 192

EDUCATION

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Hong Kong Examinations Authority

The Hong Kong Examinations Authority was established as an independent statutory body in 1977. It is self-financing and non-profit-making. In 1990, 136 500 candidates entered for the HKCEE, 4800 for the HKHLE and 17900 for the HKALE. In 1992, the HKHLE will be conducted for the last time and the HKALE will become bilingual (it is currently English only). In 1994, a new bilingual Advanced Supplementary Level Examination will be introduced.

The authority also offers proficiency examinations in Putonghua and English Language Speaking Skills. Basic Proficiency Tests in English Language, Chinese Language and Mathematics were conducted for the first time in 1990 and are open to persons who have reached the age of 17 years or who are studying in Secondary 5.

The authority conducts a large number of examinations on behalf of overseas examining bodies. The total number of candidates sitting for these examinations was 242 800 with the largest examinations being the London Chamber of Commerce (68 800 candidates), Test of English as a Foreign Language (40 600 candidates) and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (39 600 candidates). The great variety of overseas examinations enable students to acquire academic and professional qualifications and, in some cases, qualifications relating to practical skills.

- Hong Kong Students in Britain

The Students Division of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is responsible for promoting the interests of Hong Kong students in the United Kingdom. It maintains close liaison with universities, polytechnics and colleges, and also with official and unofficial bodies including government departments which are concerned with the welfare of overseas students.

The division monitors developments in education in the United Kingdom, works closely with the Hong Kong Education Department, and the Student Finance Section of the Education and Manpower Branch, Government Secretariat, in administering the United Kingdom-Hong Kong Joint-Funding Scheme in Britain. It also maintains close contact with the Hong Kong student community through college-based student societies.

Hong Kong Students Overseas

The Overseas Students and Scholarships Section of the Education Department gives advice to students wishing to further their education overseas and supplies information on educational establishments in Britain and other countries.

During the calendar year 1990, 4 344 students went to Britain, 5681 to Canada, 5 840 to the United States and 5 258 to Australia.

The British Council

The British Council in Hong Kong aims to promote an enduring understanding of Britain, its language, its education and its culture, and to strengthen links with Britain in these areas up to and after 1997.

English language teaching is the major programme of the council in Hong Kong and over 30000 residents attended courses at the English Language Centre in 1989-90. In addition, a summer school for over 6000 secondary school students was held. Language improvement courses were provided for 225 primary English teachers.