The Task Force on Review of School Curriculum released its Consultation Document today (June 28) to solicit views from members of the public on its initial recommendations for two months.

     The Chairperson of the Task Force, Dr Anissa Chan, said, "In recent years, we have witnessed significant economic, technological and social developments in Hong Kong and around the world. The challenges and opportunities arising from the changes underscore the importance of fostering students' whole-person development and nurturing in them the values and qualities desirable for the 21st century. A more forward-looking approach to curriculum planning and implementation is needed to meet the needs of our students and society. In particular, the school curriculum should offer a variety of choices to cater for students' diverse abilities and aspirations, create space and opportunities for the development of different talents, and support students in pursuing multiple pathways."

     The Task Force was set up by the Education Bureau (EDB) in November 2017 to holistically review the primary and secondary curricula to better prepare students for future challenges, cater for their diverse learning needs, provide ample space and opportunities for their whole-person development, and better articulate learning at the primary and secondary levels. The Task Force has widely engaged key stakeholders to gauge their views on optimising the school curriculum. 

     The Task Force has formulated initial recommendations on various key aspects under six directions. They include:
 

• enhancing curriculum planning at the system and school levels to reinforce the importance of whole-person development and create space for a wider range of learning experiences conducive to students’ balanced development;
• according a higher priority to values education, strengthening life education in particular, and starting life planning education early in schools;
• introducing a differentiated curriculum and assessment design for the four core subjects at the senior secondary level to create space for students and cater for learner diversity;
• further promoting Applied Learning as a valued senior secondary elective subject, including enhancing parents' and schools' understanding of its importance from the perspective of vocational and professional education and training, and increasing students' incentive to take the subject;
• encouraging universities to exercise greater flexibility, especially through a new School Principal's Nominations 2.0 Direct Admission Scheme, in admitting students who demonstrate talents and competencies in non-academic realms; and
• strengthening STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools so as to develop students' capacity to apply knowledge and skills acquired in different STEM-related subjects to solve daily problems in an integrated and creative manner, as well as stepping up territory-wide support for STEM education in schools.

     The Consultation Document of the Task Force has been uploaded to the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/about-edb/press/consultation). Members of the public are invited to send their views and suggestions to the Task Force by post (Secretariat, Task Force on Review of School Curriculum, Room 1301, 13/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong), by fax (2573 5299) or by email (taskforce_cur@edb.gov.hk) on or before September 16, 2019.
      
     It is expected that the Task Force will submit its report with directional recommendations to the Government by the end of this year after consolidating and studying all opinions received.

Ends/Friday, June 28, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:52

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