ENG-2006 — Page 181

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compile profiles of kindergartens for public reference. At the same time, principals and teachers will be provided with financial assistance to upgrade their professional qualifications. The EMB will develop a quality assurance system. By the 2012-13 school year, only kindergartens meeting the prescribed standards will be permitted to join the scheme.

Establishment of Academy for Gifted Education

Gifted education is part of quality education. The existing services for students with exceptional talent include support in classes, school-based enhancement programmes and off-site enhancement programmes in collaboration with tertiary institutions and professional bodies. To meet increasing demand for a wider range of services and opportunities to cater for the diverse abilities, interests, and social and emotional needs of gifted students, the Government will establish an Academy for Gifted Education in 2007. The academy will function as a service centre to support research on gifted education and coordinate quality services for gifted students, their teachers and parents. Services will include programmes to help them develop their talents and attain all-round personal development, build up confidence in pursuit of excellence, and deepen their passion and commitment to serve the community.

Implementation of NSS and Higher Education

The Government is vigorously preparing for the implementation of the new academic structure from 2009, with the first public assessment for senior secondary students in 2012. Professional development programmes and school-based support are being expanded to enhance the capacity of teachers and principals to implement the new curriculum. The basis of assessment of student learning will be broadened by extending school-based assessment for the subjects of the HKDSE in phases so that students and teachers can steadily adapt to the new mode of assessment. The HKEAA is working closely with overseas examination authorities and universities to secure international recognition of the HKDSE. A working group comprising representatives from local higher education institutions, HKEAA, the UGC and the EMB will continue to ensure seamless interface between NSS and higher education.

Further Development on Qualifications Framework (QF)

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The Executive Council approved the establishment of a cross-sectoral Qualifications Framework (QF) in February 2004 to improve the quality of manpower through promoting lifelong learning. The framework is a seven-level hierarchy against which academic, vocational and continuing education qualifications can benchmarked. Subject to the enactment of the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Bill, the QF and its associated quality assurance mechanism will be formally implemented. The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) will be responsible for ensuring the quality of qualifications awarded by a wide range of education and training providers under the QF other than those awarded by the self-accrediting institutions.

The HKCAA will also be responsible for maintaining the Qualifications Register (QR), which is a web-based database on qualifications, learning programmes and providers recognised under the QF. Through the QR, learners can make informed