ENG-1994 — Page 182

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EDUCATION

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EDUCATION, one of the main engines of Hong Kong's economic and social development, continued to receive high priority from the government and to attract great public interest and concern.

The creation of the Hong Kong Institute of Education marked the beginning of a new era in teacher training and development.

Reports by two working groups of the Education Commission - on language pro- ficiency and quality in school education stimulated wide public debate.

A slight decline in the proportion of candidates achieving good results in school examinations underlined the importance of ongoing measures to raise the quality of primary and secondary education.

The Structure of the Education System

Educational opportunities encompass kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, technical institutes, technical colleges and tertiary institutions. The majority of places from primary school upwards are provided either free of charge or at highly subsidised rates. All kindergartens are in the private sector, as are international schools and schools providing language, computer and business courses.

All children must, by law, be in full-time education from the age of six to their 15th birthday (or completion of Secondary 3, whichever is earlier).

Most children attend kindergarten from the age of three. Primary school normally begins at the age of six, and lasts six years. At about 12, children progress to a three-year junior secondary course. 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 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 education. Post-HKALE opportunities include a place on a three-year first degree or diploma course, or on a two-year teacher education programme. Those leaving full-time education at the end of the senior secondary or sixth form courses have opportunities for part-time study or vocational training through to degree level.