Bureau acts after star pupil's test success
The Education Bureau is to release a guide on grade skipping following interest in a 14-year-old star pupil's performance in the Certificate of Education Examination.
Ho Hoi-lam, from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lo Kon Ting Memorial School in Yuen Long, skipped two years of primary school and Form Two in secondary school on her way to scoring eight A grades, a Level 5* in Chinese and a Level 5 in English in the HKCEE.
A bureau spokesman said the guide would probably be available next year. It would give schools advice on issues related to grade skipping, including pupil psychology, peer relationships and how to handle parental demands.
The spokesman added that schools, parents and experts would be consulted.
Chan Pui-tin, the bureau's chief curriculum development officer for gifted pupils, said yesterday that grade skipping was only one of the strategies for bright children.
'It may not be suitable for some students. We have to consider many factors,' he said. 'These students, who are usually among the best in their class, may not do as well after skipping grades. Will they be able to accept failure? Many gifted students are unable to.'