Hong Kong set to replace general studies subject in primary schools with humanities curriculum that places greater focus on patriotic education
- Chief Executive John Lee also reaffirms goal of completing local national security legislation by 2024 in policy address
- He also rolls out series of measures to promote national awareness
Hong Kong authorities will replace the general studies subject in primary schools with a humanities curriculum that places significant focus on patriotic education from the 2025-26 academic year.
The measures were part of the government’s response to a new patriotic education law passed on Tuesday by the nation’s top legislative body the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.
According to the latest policy blueprint, the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, led by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, will extend its scope to cover patriotic education with a new working group to coordinate government efforts.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will set up a Chinese Culture Promotion Office to run programmes starting next year.
A new museum will be dedicated to the “development and achievements” of the country, while the existing Museum of Coastal Defence will incorporate new elements of resistance in World War II.
An important Education Bureau initiative to boost patriotic education is to axe general studies – launched in 1996 – in primary schools, and replace it with two subjects, humanities and science, from September 2025.