Letters | Three reasons for Hong Kong secondary schools to reduce class size

Readers discuss the survival of secondary schools and the Covid testing requirement for primary schools

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A view of Kowloon Technical School in Sham Shui Po in 2021. The school is to be merged with another as student numbers fall. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 11:30am, 31 Dec 2022

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I refer to the report, “Hong Kong secondary schools hit by falling enrolments can raise quality through smaller class size, council chief says” (December 6). I urge the government to consider this advice on class size in subsidised secondary schools.

At present, each secondary school class has 31 students. Given the plunging birth rate, the student population is expected to shrink. Rightfully, the head of the Subsidised Secondary School Council has suggested reducing the class size to around 25.

Smaller classes can reduce the burden on teachers and create better learning environments. With a smaller teacher-student ratio, teachers could better cater to students’ every need. For example, spending more class time answering questions from students could ensure everyone is following the class.

Also, some schools might not have enough students. For example, two government-aided schools in Eastern district had fewer than 26 applicants in a recent admission exercise; it would be a waste of public funds if the subsidies to these schools were not fully utilised.

Furthermore, as long as students and parents prefer prestige schools, it will be harder for less competitive schools to admit students. If the situation persists, these schools might have to close, and it could further result in unemployment among teaching staff.

With the high turnover of teachers, the government should seize the opportunity to build teachers’ confidence in the education system.