Editorial | School dropout rate should be reviewed
- Reasons as to why there are 19,000 fewer pupils at a time when the national security law is having more of an impact on the education system need to be explained
The national security law continues to make its reach felt in the education system, with new government guidelines calling for more emphasis on national security and territorial integrity in the learning of history.
Topics will still include previous subject matter such as the unification of China under the Qin dynasty and the opium wars of the 19th century, but with a focus on how such events highlighted the importance of security.
It is part of a roll-out of guidelines for compliance with promotion of national security for four primary and secondary subjects, on top of recent directives for eight subjects.
A knowledge of history is fundamental to the depth of understanding of the present. There is no question that our younger generation should have a better grasp of the country’s history.
To make it relevant to today’s youth, it is important that it is taught in an inspiring way focused on substance, without entrenched or perceived bias driven by ideology.
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Hong Kong to teach new national security law in classrooms
In the current climate, there is a risk these changes could be framed as political. The best response to sceptics is to make the subject relatable to 21st century people and engaging.