Hong Kong primary schools urged to avoid arranging exams after long holidays

Hong Kong education authorities have urged primary schools to avoid arranging exams right after long holidays to improve pupils’ mental well-being.

The Education Bureau issued a circular on Monday recommending all primary schools adopt a list of new measures for assignments and exam arrangements to foster a healthy lifestyle among pupils.

“In addition to helping students learn effectively, schools should create space for students to facilitate balanced physical and psychological development,” the circular said.

Schools were urged to avoid arranging tests and exams immediately after long holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, to “leave more space for students during the period”.

It also suggested schools assign “appropriate self-learning tasks”, such as reading, physical activities, online learning and site visits, to replace traditional written homework assignments so pupils had enough rest and relaxation time during long breaks.

Schools were asked to consider reducing the frequency of exams and dictations in each grade level and explore different modes of assessment in lieu of traditional written tests, particularly for the first school term of Primary One pupils.