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? Which exam system is best? A discussion of those questions can be found on Page 14. Education is about human development, learning to live in an increasingly internationalised world, and many schools now place as much emphasis on developing a caring sense of global responsibility as they do on academic excellence. It is the difference between simply educating children to do well and pass exams and producing imaginative, courageous and confident youngsters for whom the world at large is an opportunity rather than a challenge. Do schools foster a culture of inquiry and lateral thinking? Do they have student councils? Do they value pupils' views enough to allow them to have a say in the running of their school, perhaps even in the hiring of teachers? The reforms outlined above are designed to give pupils an 'all-round' education and move away from a strict exam culture. That's easier said than done in any system, and it takes expertise and inspiring, creative teachers to help make it happen. Choosing a school for your children will be one of the most important decisions you make on their behalf. It could make them or break them. Whether you send your child to an English Schools Foundation, private independent, Direct Subsidy Scheme or local school will depend partly on your budget and partly both on your children's ideas of who they want to be when they leave school and your dreams for them. The purpose of this guide is to help you make informed choices so they get the best start in life. Steve Cray Education Editor