ENG-1999 — Page 215

EDUCATION

different systems have been combined to form the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. The targeted full implementation date of 2002 is expected to be achieved. With the implementation of a series of initiatives to upgrade the quality of the vocational education provided, VTC will be able to provide courses that can meet the evolving manpower needs of Hong Kong's industry and commerce, and will also help promote vocational education and training as an appealing alternative to traditional academic education.

Hong Kong Examinations Authority

The Hong Kong Examinations Authority (HKEA) is an independent and self- funding statutory body, with members drawn from the teaching profession, tertiary institutions and the business community. Its main function is to operate two local public examinations: the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) and the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE). It also helps conduct examinations for overseas and other local examination bodies.

During the year, 140 589 candidates sat for the HKCEE and 34 085 sat for the HKALE. The percentage of awards at grade E and above for day school candidates in A-level subjects was 74.4, which was the same as 1998. The percentage at grade E and above for day school candidates in the HKCEE was 67.5 compared with 65.6 in 1998. The percentages of grade awards at grade E and above for school candidates in the subjects of Chinese Language and English Language (Syllabus B) were 64.8 and 61.5 respectively (62.4 and 60.3 in 1998).

Following an initiative announced in the 1997 Policy Address, HKEA commissioned in May 1998 a consultancy study to examine whether and how school- based assessments should be introduced into the public examinations. The consultants submitted their report to the HKEA in December 1998. The HKEA has now formulated some initial proposals based on the consultants' views, and the government will examine these recommendations in the context of the EC's overall review of the education system.

Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation

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

One of its major roles is to review the non-university degree-awarding institutions of Hong Kong and validate the individual programmes of those who have not acquired self-accreditation status to ensure that the degrees offered meet internationally-recognised standards. In 1999, programme validations were conducted at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

The HKCAA also advises the Civil Service Bureau, other government bureaux and departments, public and private organisations as well as individuals on the comparability of non-local qualifications with local standard for the purpose of staff appointment. It also disseminates information and provides professional advice to

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