A range of initiatives was introduced during 1995 to improve the quality of education. They included a kindergarten direct subsidy scheme, support for immigrant children from Mainland China, and school curriculum reform. Proposals for a comprehensive language improvement strategy were unveiled in the Education Commission Report No. 6 issued for public consultation at the end of the year.
Two reviews on schools offering non-local curricula in Hong Kong were completed during the year. One concerns the funding arrangements for the English Schools Foundation; the other focuses on provision of international schools places.
The Structure of the Education System
Educational opportunities encompass kindergartens, primary and 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. Kindergartens are run by private organisations, as are international schools and commercial 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 and a few leave formal education at this point.
After 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. Most primary and secondary schools are publicly-funded. The government directly manages some primary and secondary schools, but most are operated by non-profit- making voluntary organisations which receive public funds under a code of aid. Tertiary institutions are autonomous statutory bodies. Seven of them receive public funds through the University Grants Committee. A comprehensive, publicly-funded
131
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.