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The Education Bureau (EDB) today (October 29) launched a series of publicity activities on the New Senior Secondary (NSS) Academic Structure which will be implemented in September, 2009, to enhance communications with parents.
Speaking at a launch ceremony at Sha Tin Town Hall this evening before a regional parents' seminar on the NSS academic structure, the Principal Assistant Secretary for Education (Curriculum Development), Dr Chan Ka-ki, said successful implementation of the new academic structure depended on the concerted efforts of EDB, schools and teachers and, more importantly, the support of parents.
She said that the publicity package included two sets of radio and TV APIs, a booklet and a set of DVDs on topics of interest to parents, a new webpage named "New Senior Secondary School Information Network" on EDB's 334 Web Bulletin (www.edb.gov.hk/334/infonetwork) as well as a series of parents' seminars and 334 exhibitions.
"The two sets of APIs convey the messages on the roles of parents and teachers under the new academic structure and how they should prepare their children and students respectively for self-learning," she said.
The first API - "Parents' roles" - points out that self-learning is encouraged under the NSS curriculum and parents should give appropriate support for their children. They should also be a good role model for their children and enhance communication with schools.
The second API - "Teachers' roles" - highlights the multiple roles played by teachers nowadays - a facilitator for learning inside and outside classrooms, a friend and a counsellor to students as well as a student pursing professional development programmes themselves.
"We are well aware that parents are eager to learn about what NSS subjects will be offered by schools. We therefore set up a 'NSS School Information Network' on EDB's 334 Web Bulletin to provide an easy access to NSS information on school websites," Dr Chan said.
To reach out to parents who are interested in knowing more about the new academic structure, EDB will organise a series of parents' seminars and exhibitions in the 2007-08 school year. The first roving exhibition will be at Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing from November 2 to 4. Details of the parents' seminars are on the EDB website www.edb.gov.hk/parentstalks.
Ends/Monday, October 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:18
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