Head of teachers' union supports more time on curriculum changes

The head of the Professional Teachers' Union has backed a delay in reforming the senior secondary school curriculum.

Cheung Man-kwong, also the lawmaker representing the education sector, said reforming the curriculum while introducing the new system would cause chaos in schools.

The proposed changes would usher in three years of secondary schooling, three years of senior secondary education and four years of study at university.

The number of subjects would be reduced from about 40 to 20 in 2008, while a course in the new subject of liberal studies would have to be completed to qualify for university.

Teachers would receive a minimum 30 hours of training in courses for each subject, while principals, vice-principals, department heads and career guidance teachers would receive a minimum 25 hours of training in the structure and management of the curriculum.

Mr Cheung said: 'Besides this intensive training, there are uncertainties in the liberal studies subject, including the syllabus, assessment guidelines and teaching approach.