ENG-1996 — Page 193

EDUCATION

aimed at adults. On behalf of overseas and local examining bodies, the authority conducts many examinations leading to academic, professional or practical qualifications.

During the year, 114 229 candidates sat for the HKCEE and 29 285 sat for the HKALE. A total of 42 subjects were offered in the HKCEE; 21 A-level subjects and 19 Advanced Supplementary (AS) level subjects were offered in the HKALE. The latter included two core language subjects: Use of English, and Chinese Language and Culture. AS-level subjects were offered for the first time in 1994 with a view to broadening the sixth-form curriculum. There was a 3.1 per cent increase in AS-level non-language entries compared with 1995 (a 23.7 per cent increase compared with 1994 when AS-level subjects were first examined).

Starting from 1995, the HKCEE English Language (Syllabus B) listening test has been conducted using a radio broadcast. Nearly 100 000 candidates took the test at the same time in 1996, each bringing a portable radio. The HKALE results of the day school candidates were similar to those of 1995, with the percentage of awards at grade E and above for A-level subjects being 72.3 (72.2 in 1995). Percentages at grade E and above in the two AS-languages and non-languages AS-level subjects were 81.7 and 71.7 respectively (84.1 and 72.0 in 1995). The percentage of grade awards at grade E and above for school candidates in the HKCEE was 63.0 compared with 63.5 in 1995.

Candidates sitting for overseas examinations totalled 209 000, of whom 64 700 sat for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry examinations, 48 600 for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and 18 700 for the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation

The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) is an independent statutory body with 19 members, comprising senior academics from Hong Kong and overseas, and local industrialists and professionals. It is managed by a full-time staff with expertise and experience in quality assurance and higher education, and supported by more than 1 000 local and overseas expert consultants.

The HKCAA reviews the non-university degree-awarding institutions of Hong Kong and validates the individual programmes of those which have yet to acquire self-accreditation status to ensure that the degrees meet internationally-recognised standards. Reviews were conducted at the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Institute of Education in 1996. The HKCAA also provided professional advice to a post- secondary institution, the Shue Yan College, in respect of its academic development. The HKCAA's advisory role has grown over the years. The HKCAA advised government branches/departments such as the Civil Service Branch, the Education Department, and the Social Welfare Department - and public bodies, such as the Hospital Authority, on the comparability of non-local with local qualifications for the purpose of appointment. It also disseminated information and provided professional advice to individuals on the standards of overseas educational programmes and on the comparability of qualifications.

The HKCAA will become advisor to the Registrar of Non-local Higher and Professional Education Courses when the newly enacted Non-local Higher and

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