Change is in the air. Reform of Hong Kong's local education system has been developing apace, designed to transform schools from a culture of rote learning and humble compliance into a vibrant one consistent with a knowledge economy. Pupils, once spoon-fed facts, will soon be expected to be more inquisitive, creative and self-assured. That's the plan.
But reform of the senior secondary curriculum - part of Hong Kong's new 3+3+4 academic structure - is not issue-free, and there are many educators and commentators who wonder whether Hong Kong's students and teachers are ready for the changes.
The new Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, which will replace the HKCEE and HKALE examinations - is an attempt to consolidate secondary education and, by including a subject like liberal studies, which has no set texts and doesn't rely on rigid facts, move away from the rote-learning culture. Teachers have complained about the workload, about the uncertainties. Commentators have asked whether Hong Kong's teachers will be able to inspire rather than just teach facts.
An analysis of the new senior secondary curriculum and the issues involved can be found on Page 8.
But if liberal studies is controversial, it is matched by the 'fine-tuning' changes to the medium of instruction policy. Under the new scheme, more schools using Chinese as their medium of instruction will be able to teach in English. Not everyone agrees it is a change for the better and there are many who believe pupils learn best using their mother tongue.
An analysis of that issue is on Page 6.
Add to these the fact that many schools are now electing to use the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and it is clear that Hong Kong's education landscape is radically changing. All parents want the best for their children, but the huge expense involved will not necessarily produce the required results if the curriculum does not suit the child. It is argued, for example, that more able pupils fare best under the IB. Which curriculum should you choose?