ENG-2016 — Page 170

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Education

Curriculum Second Language Learning Framework, implemented since 2014-15 in primary and secondary schools, helps NCS students overcome the difficulties of learning Chinese as a second language and to switch to mainstream Chinese Language classes. Schools receive enhanced funding to provide intensive Chinese language teaching and create an inclusive learning environment. Applied Learning Chinese (for NCS students) courses pegged at the Qualifications Framework levels 1 to 3 have also been provided since 2014-15 to NCS senior secondary students. Other complementary measures include enhancing teachers' capabilities in teaching Chinese as a second language and the provision of learning and teaching resources packages.

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

UGC-funded universities accept various Chinese language qualifications under specified circumstances 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, for application under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System. Similar arrangements are available for admission to sub-degree programmes. NCS students taking these Chinese language examinations pay subsidised fees which are the same as the examination fee of the HKDSE Chinese Language examination. Those with financial needs may further receive half or full remission of the subsidised examination fee.

The government collaborates with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to hold district- based programmes, supported by the Language Fund, for NCS children aged three to nine to motivate them to learn Chinese through fun activities. For NCS school leavers, 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. These courses started in early 2016.

Special Education

Students with more severe or multiple disabilities are placed in special schools to receive intensive support, subject to the assessment and recommendation of specialists and with parents' consent. Others with special educational needs (SEN) may attend ordinary schools. As at September 2016, there were 60 aided special schools, 21 of which had boarding facilities, providing about 8,850 school places and 1,100 boarding places.

In September 2016, some 42,890 students with SEN were studying in public-sector ordinary primary and secondary schools.

The government provides these schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training to help them cater for their students with SEN. Professional staff members from the bureau visit these schools regularly to advise on school policies and support measures in implementing Integrated Education. Educational psychologists and school-based speech therapists conduct case assessment, and provide consultation and support services for schools.

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