ExplainerWhat you need to know about Hong Kong’s new school subject focused on national security, sense of belonging
- Government wants citizenship, economics and society introduced to all Form One students from 2024
- New subject aims to strengthen students’ understanding of China and role as responsible citizens
The subject will be renamed citizenship, economics and society and rolled out in two years. It will aim to strengthen students’ understanding of China and foster a sense of national identity, besides teaching them about their roles and responsibilities in society. The Education Bureau said the revision was timely as it was more than 10 years since life and society was introduced.
Here’s what you need to know about the subject and the coming changes.
1. Why is the subject being revamped?
Life and society was introduced in 2012 as an optional course schools could choose for students in Form One, Two and Three, or those aged 12 to 14. It covers everything from personal and social development to the economy and sociopolitical systems of Hong Kong, mainland China and beyond.
It was not popular, with only a quarter of secondary schools offering it in 2019-20. More schools offered liberal studies instead at the junior level.
Liberal studies, which was taught in senior forms, came under fire after the 2019 social unrest in the city, with pro-Beijing politicians saying it had radicalised young Hongkongers and led them to take part in anti-government protests.
Last year, the Education Bureau replaced liberal studies at the senior secondary level with citizenship and social development, a new subject focused on national security, identity, lawfulness and patriotism.