Pupils decry lack of information
Form Five pupils taking the last Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination this year are complaining they have not been given enough information about the new education system.
In a survey of 1,470 Form Five pupils conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service over December and January, nearly 70 per cent said it was unfair that the system had changed and that pupils who failed this year and needed to resit next year would not be able to move up to Form Six, like their predecessors.
Schools switched to six years of secondary education - three at junior level and three at senior level - in September under the new '3+3+4' education system. Universities will launch four-year degree programmes in 2012.
Next year will be the last chance for anyone wanting to retake the HKCEE. Pupils who pass the exams next year can carry on with senior secondary education under the new system or pursue other options such as an associate degree.
Of the respondents, 72 per cent said it was unfair that those resitting the HKCEE next year would need to study under the new curriculum if they wanted to stay at school. About 90 per cent of respondents said they were unsure of the content and admission procedures of the new curriculum.
Survey organiser Lee Wai-chung, who is a team leader of Hong Kong Christian Service's Kwun Tong Integrated Children and Youth Service, said the government should set up a hotline for those who had queries and offer bridging courses for resitters wishing to study the new curriculum.
Alex Ngan Chung-wing, 16, who is sitting the HKCEE next month, said he would not move up to Form Six even if he did well. 'Even if I get into Form Six, it doesn't mean I will pass my A-Levels and get into university,' he said.
The Education Bureau said it would not be too difficult for resitters to adapt to the new curriculum as the core subjects were the same.
