ENG-2020 — Page 167

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Education

professional training for teachers, learning and teaching resources, and funding for schools to enhance the support for NCS students' learning of Chinese and create an inclusive learning environment in schools. Applied Learning Chinese (for NCS students) is offered at senior secondary level as an additional channel to help NCS students obtain an alternative Chinese language qualification and prepare them for further studies and career pursuits. In addition to the HKDSE qualification, it is also pegged at Qualifications Framework (QF) levels 1 to 3. It is accepted for admission to UGC-funded universities and most post-secondary institutions as well as appointments to the civil service.

The Chinese Language Learning Support Centre offers support programmes for NCS students. and professional development workshops for teachers. It conducts workshops for parents to encourage parental support for their children in learning Chinese.

UGC-funded universities accept various Chinese language qualifications under specified circumstances as alternatives to the HKDSE so that their applicants may meet the general entrance requirements under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System. These qualifications include the General Certificate of Secondary Education, International General Certificate of Secondary Education, and General Certificate of Education AS-Level and A-Level. Similar arrangements are available for admission to sub-degree programmes. Eligible NCS students taking these Chinese language examinations are subsidised so that the fee they pay is the same as the HKDSE Chinese Language examination fee. Those with financial needs may also receive half or full remission of the subsidised examination fees.

The government works with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to hold district-based programmes, supported by the Language Fund, to motivate NCS children to learn Chinese through fun activities. For NCS school leavers, vocational Chinese language courses pegged at QF level 1 or 2 are offered.

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research advises the government on language education issues and on the use of the Language Fund as well as the policy and procedures governing its operation. The fund supports inititatives to improve the community's proficiency in Chinese (including Putonghua) and English.

Education of Students with Special Educational Needs

Students with more severe or multiple disabilities are referred to special schools for intensive support, subject to the assessment and recommendation of specialists and parents' consent. Others with special educational needs (SEN) attend ordinary schools. As of September, there were 61 aided special schools, 22 of which had boarding facilities, providing about 9,500 school places and 1,200 boarding places. Some 56,640 students with SEN were enrolled in public-sector ordinary primary and secondary schools. The government provides these schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training. Professional officers from the bureau visit these schools regularly to advise on school policies and support measures in implementing integrated education.

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