ENG-1995 — Page 179

EDUCATION

kindergarten teachers was raised from completion of Secondary 3 to completion of Secondary 5 with at least two passes in the HKCEE. Secondly, a minimum proportion of 40 per cent trained teachers in each session of a kindergarten should be maintained. A new Kindergarten Subsidy Scheme was introduced in September to minimise the impact on parents of fee increases resulting from the government's new regulatory requirements on kindergartens. Under the new scheme, eligible kindergartens can apply for a direct subsidy at a rate of $695 per pupil per annum for the 1995-96 school year.

Primary Schools

Primary schooling, beginning at the age of six and lasting six years, is free. Although enough places are available in the public sector, about 10 per cent of parents prefer to send their children to private primary schools. Admission to Primary 1 in the public sector is processed through a central allocation system, which has helped to eliminate pressure on children caused by intense competition for entry to popular schools.

During the year, 467 718 children were enrolled in 860 primary schools. Most primary schools operate bi-sessionally. With effect from September 1993, the normal class size in public sector schools is being reduced from 40 to 35, starting with Primary 1 and extending upwards by one class level each year. In schools adopting the activity approach - a more lively, pupil-oriented approach to teaching -- the class size of 35 is being similarly reduced to 30. In September, this was extended to Primary 3.

A new school design for primary schools has been drawn up to provide more facilities for activities other than formal teaching and administration. The first school with this design is expected to be completed in 1997. The first phase of a school improvement programme, to bring existing schools up to the new standard started in 1994.

Whole-day schooling for all primary students is the long-term goal. Any primary school wishing to convert to whole-day operation is encouraged to do so if the supply of school places in the district will not be adversely affected. New primary schools are run as whole-day schools wherever possible. During the year, 17 half-day primary schools converted to whole-day operation, bringing the total to 162.

The first phase of the policy to upgrade 35 per cent of primary school teachers to graduate status started in 1994 with a provision of 180 graduate posts. Another 180 posts were provided for the 1995-96 school year. The intention of the policy is to upgrade the professional and managerial skills of staff in government and aided primary schools. The teacher-to-class ratio is 1.4:1 for whole-day classes (improved from 1.2 since September 1992). For bi-sessional classes, the phased improvement to 1.3 teachers per class began in September 1993.

Chinese is the medium of instruction in most primary schools, with English taught as a subject from Primary 1. Many schools teach Putonghua as a separate subject or during after-school activities. A few primary schools use English as the language of instruction.

The primary school curriculum aims to provide a coherent and well-balanced programme to promote the all-round development of the child. All public-sector primary schools adopt a core curriculum including Chinese, English, mathematics, social studies, science, health education, music, physical education, and arts and

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