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The Education Bureau today (July 6) reminded parents that the results for Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) 2009 would be announced tomorrow (July 7).
"A total of 67,963 students participated in the SSPA System for this allocation cycle," a spokesman for the bureau said. "Taking into account the total number of students allocated discretionary places and the first three choices through central allocation, the overall satisfaction rate is 85%. Considering the number of students allocated discretionary places and the first choices through central allocation, the satisfaction rate is 70%."
The satisfaction rates for discretionary places and central allocation were as follows:
* Among the students allocated through discretionary places, 61% were allocated the first choices; and
* For students allocated through central allocation (including Part A for Unrestricted School Choices and Part B for Restricted School Choices), the percentage of students allocated the first three choices was 78%, and the percentage of students allocated the first choices was 55%.
"At the discretionary places stage, the maximum discretionary places quota is 30% for each secondary school, and students can apply to a maximum of two schools. At the central allocation stage, 10% of the central allocation places are set aside for Unrestricted School Choices in Part A, and students can choose a maximum of three secondary schools from any school nets under this category. As for Part B Restricted School Choices, students can choose a maximum of 30 schools within their own net," the spokesman said.
"While students are provided with discretionary places and central allocation choices in Part A which are unrestricted by school nets, about 85% have chosen schools within their own net as the first choices. This shows most parents wish to send their children to secondary schools within the vicinity."
"We hope parents and students can accept the allocation results with a positive attitude. The learning effectiveness of students does not rest entirely on the schools to which they are allocated; it hinges more on whether students are prepared to do their best and to learn with a positive spirit. In this connection, it is important for parents to give their children support and encouragement, rather than let their expectations become a burden on their children."
Taking into account the latest development of human swine influenza, the bureau announced on June 23 that there would be no resumption of classes in this school year for all primary schools. Primary Six students participating in this year's SSPA System are not required to return to their schools tomorrow (July 7) to collect the Allocation Slips and Admission Slips. Their parents/guardians/authorised persons could do it on their behalf. For registration which will take place on Thursday and Friday (July 9 and 10), students are also not required to register at their allocated secondary schools in person. Their parents/guardians/authorised persons could also do it on their behalf. A standard letter of authorisation for registration can be obtained from the primary schools.
If parents have genuine difficulties in reporting to the allocated schools in person or by an authorised representative during the registration period, they should inform their children's allocated schools or the School Places Allocation Section of the Education Bureau before the end of the registration period so that alternative arrangements for registration can be made. Failure to do so means they have chosen to give up the places allocated.
If the tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning signal is issued on the day for announcement of the allocation results or on the days for registration, all school heads and parents should pay attention to announcements on the radio or television for special arrangements.
For enquiries about the allocation results, please call the Education Bureau's School Places Allocation Section on 2832 7740 or 2832 7700 during office hours.
Ends/Monday, July 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:31
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