The initial results of the optimization measures for core subjects in high school are promising. The Director of Education, Choi Yeuk-lin, responded to written inquiries from the Legislative Council yesterday, stating that in the previous academic year, 56% of Form Four students took 3 elective subjects, an increase of 25 percentage points from the 20/21 academic year. Half of the Form Four students took 3 elective subjects, and principals believe that measures such as releasing class hours can reduce students' learning pressure, allowing them to take an additional subject. Some education experts suggest that students with slightly lower grades should choose applied learning courses to broaden their experiences and facilitate further studies.
The optimization of the four core subjects in high school, including Chinese, English, and Mathematics, has implemented various streamlined arrangements. Liberal Studies has been replaced by Citizenship and Social Development, and the proportion of compulsory subjects in total class hours has been reduced from 65% to 50%. Choi Yeuk-lin disclosed partial results of the latest "High School Subject Data Survey," indicating that in the first year of implementing the optimization measures in the 21/22 academic year, approximately 28,000 Form Four students chose 3 subjects, accounting for 56% of the total in Hong Kong, a significant increase of 25 percentage points from the pre-optimization 20/21 academic year. The number of students taking extended parts of Mathematics, applied learning courses, and Category C other language subjects also increased by 1 to 9 percentage points.
Choi Yeuk-lin pointed out that the optimization measures are still in the early stages of implementation, and preliminary data reflects the benefits brought to teachers and students. Teachers generally can follow the optimization measures, reduce and adjust the curriculum and assessments, and arrange diverse learning activities for students.
Mei Chi-yip, principal of the CNEC Lau Wing Sang Secondary School in Chai Wan, stated that the proportion of Form Four students choosing 3 subjects has doubled from 25% in the past to 50% in the current academic year. He agreed that the optimization measures, along with the simplified "pass" or "fail" grading for Citizenship and Social Development, make it easier for students to cope, allowing them more time to choose 3 subjects. He mentioned that students are generally more proactive, and with spare capacity, they can take an additional subject, making it easier to enter university. The school also recommends that students with outstanding grades choose 3 subjects, and the subject selection seminars emphasize making decisions based on individual abilities to avoid dropping subjects midway and wasting learning time.
At the CUHK FAA Thomas Cheung Secondary School in Tin Shui Wai, over 34% of Form Four students chose 3 subjects this year. Lee Shu-fai, the head of the academic affairs, mentioned that students are currently offered Travel and Hospitality as the third elective subject, and they plan to add Biology next year. The school also utilizes released class hours to provide enrichment courses for Chinese and English subjects.
Wu Po-sing, a student counseling consultant at the Student Friends Society, believes that releasing class hours provides an incentive for students to choose 3 subjects. "If Form Four students find it challenging after choosing an additional subject, they also have the option to drop one subject." He suggested that students with slightly lower grades should consider practical applied learning courses, learning skills related to professions to broaden their learning experiences.
