ENG-2015 — Page 160

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Education

innovative teaching strategies. The NET Scheme has brought about positive changes in classroom practice and students have shown a more positive attitude towards learning English.

Support for Non-Chinese-speaking Students

The government is committed to encouraging and supporting early integration of non- Chinese-speaking (NCS) students into the community, including facilitating their adaptation to the local education system and mastery of the Chinese language. Starting from the 2014-15 school year, the bureau has implemented the 'Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Learning Framework' in primary and secondary schools to help NCS students overcome the difficulties of learning Chinese as a second language and to switch to mainstream Chinese Language classes. Enhanced funding support has been provided to schools for intensive Chinese language teaching for NCS students and to create an inclusive learning environment. In addition, Applied Learning Chinese (for NCS students) courses pegged at the Qualifications Framework Levels 1 to 3 have been provided in phases starting from the 2014-15 school year for NCS students at the senior secondary level. Other complementary support measures such as enhancing Chinese Language teachers' capabilities in teaching Chinese as a second language and provision of learning and teaching resource packages will continue.

The Chinese Language Learning Support Centre offers support programmes for NCS students after school or during holidays. It also develops teaching resources and organises professional development workshops for teachers, and conducts workshops for parents to encourage parental support for NCS students' learning of Chinese.

To help NCS students, institutions funded by the University Grants Committee accept various Chinese language qualifications as alternatives to the HKDSE, including the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), General Certificate of Education (GCE) AS-Level and GCE A-Level under specified circumstances for application under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System. Similar arrangements have been made for admission of NCS students to sub-degree programmes. The fees payable by NCS students taking these Chinese language examinations are subsidised so that they are the same as those for the HKDSE Chinese Language examination. NCS students with financial needs may receive half or full remission of the subsidised examination fee.

In collaboration with non-governmental organisations and with funding provided by the Language Fund, the government organises district-based programmes for NCS children aged three to nine to motivate them to learn Chinese through fun activities. Course providers have been invited to develop vocational Chinese Language courses pegged at Level 1 or 2 of the Qualifications Framework for NCS school leavers.

Special Education

Subject to the assessment and recommendation of specialists and with parents' consent, students with more severe or multiple disabilities are placed in special schools for intensive support. Other students with special educational needs (SEN) may attend ordinary schools. In December 2015, there were 60 special schools, 21 of which have boarding facilities, providing

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