ENG-1991 — Page 170

EDUCATION

teaching and resource centres help to promote the quality of education by offering resources and advice to kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers in the areas of Chinese; English; maths; science; social and cultural subjects; computer education; technical subjects; civic education; religious, ethical and moral education; sex education; the activity approach, and kindergarten teaching.

Guidance services in primary schools are offered by the department's student guidance officers, who give personal and educational guidance, organise preventive programmes for pupils, and investigate drop-out cases to enforce compulsory education. Secondary schools designate certain teachers as guidance teachers. They are supported by school social workers employed by voluntary agencies, and by the Social Welfare Department. At both primary and secondary levels, educational psychologists offer professional services on a referral basis. During the year planning work continued in response to recommendations in the Education Commission's Report No. 4 for enhancing guidance and counselling

services.

Educational television is transmitted to schools through the two local commercial television stations. Programmes are produced jointly by the department and Radio Television Hong Kong. During the year syllabus-based programmes for students in Primary 3 to Secondary 3 covered the subjects of Chinese, English, maths, social studies, science, and health education.

The Hong Kong Teachers' Centre was established in 1989 to promote professional development and a greater sense of unity and professionalism among teachers. It functions under an advisory management committee with wide representation from schools, teacher organisations and educational bodies, and is staffed by the department. During the year, about 600 activities involving over 40 000 participants were hosted or organised, including three conferences with international participation. The centre maintains a professional library and publishes news bulletins.

The department's Educational Research Establishment (ERE) conducts research, develops tests and monitors educational standards. In 1991, the ERE conducted research into the continuity of curriculum and teaching practices between the various levels of education, effects of the change of medium of instruction in secondary schools, and curriculum patterns and subject streaming at secondary level. It participated in the international literacy study project of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Test papers were devised for Series 4 of the Hong Kong Attainment Tests (Primary) in the three basic subjects of Chinese, English and Mathematics at Primary 5 level. Work is in progress to construct tests for the same series at Primary 6 level.

The department operates 19 district education offices to help with the administration of schools within the district, advise and assist schools, teachers, parents and students, and act as a channel of communication between them and the department. Officers attend district board meetings to assist in discussions on educational matters.

The department's Careers and Guidance Services Section gives advice and information on educational establishments overseas. During the year, 4 395 students went to study in Britain, 4 655 to Canada, 5 899 to the USA, and 3 988 to Australia. Exhibitions promoting overseas education were staged by British, Canadian and Australian organisations.

The Students Division of the Hong Kong Government Office in London promotes the interests of Hong Kong students and monitors developments in education in the UK. It

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