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Special schools 'Action for the future' report released
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    The Education and Manpower Bureau today (August 22) published a report on "Action for the Future ¡V Career-oriented Studies and the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools" which charted the way forward for the implementation of Career-oriented Studies (COS) and the new senior secondary (NSS) academic structure of special schools.

     The report was the result of a three-month consultation on COS and NSS academic structure for special schools launched in January this year to gather views and feedback from stakeholders.  

     "We have the support of the school sector for the purpose and position of COS in providing a diversified pathway for students under NSS," a bureau spokesman said.  "For better positioning of COS under NSS and to facilitate understanding of parents and the community, we shall use 'Applied Learning' as a general term for all COS courses.

     "Measures will be taken to ensure the quality of COS and to promote its recognition. In the area of special education, research and development projects will be conducted in the coming years to provide insights on curriculum contents, resources and manpower requirements.  Our aim is to enable students with special educational needs to stretch their potential to the full so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the community."

     The spokesman added that the success of the COS and NSS academic structure for special schools hinged on the concerted efforts and collaboration of all members of the community. "The bureau urges all stakeholders to join hands in creating a better future for our younger generation."

     The report has been uploaded onto the "334" Web Bulletin on the bureau website (http://www.emb.gov.hk/334).  Hard copies of the report will be delivered to schools in September.  In addition, seminars and briefing sessions on the latest development of all NSS subjects, and the COS and NSS academic structure for special schools as outlined in the report will be held in September and October for stakeholders.

Ends/Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:16

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