Class Notes

Expos offer overseas study options

Three major events for students seeking places at schools and universities abroad are taking place. Nearly 100 schools, colleges and universities have staff explaining courses to prospective students at the Australian Education Festival, which continues today and tomorrow.

The China-Hong Kong International Education Expo, which runs from Monday to Thursday, has representatives from more than 130 schools, colleges and universities in eight countries, including the mainland and Taiwan. And next Saturday the UK Education Enrolment Interviews begin. More than 50 universities and 34 further education colleges will be recruiting students for degree and diploma courses.

All events take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Entry is free. The Australian festival runs from 12noon to 6pm and the two others from 11am to 5pm. For details visit www.studyinaustralia.com.hk, www.newayfairs.com and www.educationuk.org.hk/exhibition.asp

Results improve behind bars

Young inmates taking HKCEEs at correctional institutions have seen an 11 percentage point improvement in their scores over the past year. The 38 young offenders, who took a total of 162 exams between them, had a pass rate of 60.49 per cent compared with 49.51 per cent last year.

Adult inmates taking HKCEEs also saw their results improve. A total of 62 prisoners from 10 institutions had a pass rate of 48.18 per cent compared with 39.86 per cent last year.

ChineseU gains general support

History professor Leung Yuen-sang, a staunch supporter of university general education, has been appointed as head of Chinese University's Chung Chi College, taking over from Professor Rance P.L. Lee at the beginning of this month.