ENG-1993 — Page 166

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EDUCATION

ABOUT one-fifth of Hong Kong's population was engaged in full-time study, indicating the importance the community attaches to education.

To maintain Hong Kong's position as one of the economic powerhouses of Asia, education continues to be given high priority in the government budget, where it receives a larger share of resources than any other programme except social services.

With targets of provision almost fully achieved at the school level, and with the tertiary expansion programme well on course, attention during the year continued to be focussed on measures to ensure that schools can deliver the quality of education needed to sustain social and economic progress. Major recommendations in the Education Commission's fifth report, for improving the professional development of teachers and the working environment in schools, were accepted as government policy in February.

The Structure of the Education System

Educational opportunities encompass kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools (including technical and prevocational schools), technical institutes, and tertiary-level institutions. The great majority of places from primary school upwards are provided either free or at highly subsidised rates. All kindergartens are in the private sector. Other areas with strong private support include international schools and schools providing language, computer and business courses.

All children are required by law to be in full-time education between the ages of six and 15 (or completion of Secondary 3, whichever is earlier).

Pre-school education begins for most children in a kindergarten, at the age of three. Primary school begins normally at the age of six, and lasts for six years. At about 12, children progress to a three-year course of junior secondary education in a grammar, technical or prevocational school. After Secondary 3, most stay on for a two-year senior secondary course, leading to the first public examination, the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE). Others join full-time craft courses of vocational training; while a small number choose to leave formal education at this point.

Following the HKCEE, students may progress to a two-year sixth form course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE); to a two or three-year vocational course leading to a certificate or diploma; or to a three-year course of teacher training. Post-HKALE opportunities include a place on a degree or diploma course, or on a course of teacher training normally lasting two years. Those leaving full-time education

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