Editorial | New subject must be introduced carefully at Hong Kong primary schools

When the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee formally passed a new bill last month seeking to enhance patriotic education across the country, educators and parents in Hong Kong were wondering what more could be done. The city has, after all, been strengthening such education in schools and other sectors since the imposition of the national security law in 2020. But, to Beijing and the city government, patriotism is still a work in progress.

The latest law may not extend to the city, but Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his team have decided to replace general studies in primary schools with a new compulsory subject, humanities. The Education Bureau says it will enrich the curriculum with elements of Chinese culture, history and geography, and aims to “nurture students with a sense of country, affection for the Chinese people, and a sense of national identity”. It also includes sex education, financial management, economics, and green living.

National education is nothing new. From raising the national flag on campus to joining study tours across the border, local schools have played their part. But there are concerns that sections of the new subject may be too vague and difficult for young children.

For instance, Primary One pupils will learn that “without a country, there is no family”. Primary Two pupils will be taught that Hong Kong has been an inalienable part of China from ancient times, followed by teaching in the third year about the importance of the national security legislation as well as the role of the People’s Liberation Army and other activities.

Those in higher forms will learn about achievements under the Communist Party, such as the alleviation of poverty and advances in aerospace technology.

Some schools are worried that children may not be able to cope owing to their already packed schedules. After all, there are dozens of key learning areas in humanities, which will be phased in at all primary levels by 2025-26, at the latest. Given the education environment has been undergoing sweeping reforms in recent years, the last thing needed is more rote learning. The authorities should work closely with the sector to ensure the new curriculum can be implemented smoothly.

The city is still on a learning curve when it comes to enhancing national education and identity. The Post has stressed that patriotism should be induced rather than imposed. While there is still room for improvement, stakeholders should be fully engaged so that their concerns and any practical difficulties may be addressed as soon as possible.