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The release today (February 3) of "Review of Medium of Instruction (MOI) for Secondary Schools and Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) Consultation Document" by the Education Commission's (EC) Working Group has been welcomed by the Government.

"We support the broad direction of the consultation document," the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, said.

The document advocates mother-tongue teaching as the mainstream MOI for secondary schools and recommends a school places allocation system that refines the present arrangement through increasing parental choice and updating the instrument to scale the internal results of primary schools.

"The SSPA is an important interface between primary and secondary education and the MOI can significantly affect students' learning confidence and effectiveness. I therefore welcome the Working Group's approach in putting students' interest as the prime guiding consideration," Professor Li said.

"I encourage people to express their views actively to help identify a long-term arrangement that works best for our younger generation and can command community support."

Professor Li also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Chairman of the Working Group, Mr Michael Tien, and other members.

"It is not an easy review but they have worked hard and well, and have put up a good report as the basis for community discussion. I am most grateful to them," he said.

The consultation will run from February 3 to May 2. The consultation document can be downloaded from the EC's website at www.e-c.edu.hk.

Ends/Thursday, February 3, 2005

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