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EDB spokesman's response to teaching posts in secondary sector
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     In response to media enquiries today (September 13) on concerns raised by a teachers' organisation over the possible declining number of operating classes in secondary schools, a spokesman of the Education Bureau (EDB) urges the education sector to put aside their worries that the dropping student population would have adverse impact on their teaching posts.

     EDB had announced earlier that an additional recurrent expenditure of about $1.4 billion would be spent on a series of strategic measures to alleviate the pressure of student recruitment on schools.  EDB had also been striving to ensure stability of schools and the teaching force.

     According to the latest information, although the number of Secondary 1 (S1) students had dropped by about 5,000 in 2008/09 school year, there were now not more than four secondary schools which might not be able to enroll at least 67 students.  Besides, EDB would offer a number of development options for these schools to apply for in taking forward their development.

     EDB had also announced that the number of students to be allocated to each S1 class under the Secondary School Places Allocation would be reduced from 38 to 36 in 2009/10 and further reduced to 34 in the subsequent two school years.  The threshold of operating an S1 class would also be reduced from 33 to 30 in the coming school years.  This meant a minimum of 61 students for three classes with a further reduction of average class size to 21.

     2011/12 school year would be the double cohort year with two batches of students under the existing system and those under the New Senior Secondary academic structure.  There would be an increase in the number of operating classes.  Demand for teachers in the next few years would also be keen.

     Besides, EDB had pledged to review the demand and supply of teachers in 2011/12 and would consider adjusting the standard class size in the 2012/13 school year and thereafter so as to alleviate the pressure of surplus manpower.

Ends/Saturday, September 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:45

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