Handbook provides information on multiple pathways for S5 graduates
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     The e-version of the "Careers Guidance Handbook for Secondary 5 (S5) Graduates 2010-2011" has been uploaded on the Education Bureau (EDB) website to provide easily accessible information on multiple study pathways for S5 graduates, a bureau spokesman said today (June 20).

     They can visit (www.edb.gov.hk/cgs) to gain comprehensive and accurate information on various study pathways that suit their needs and aspirations. Information on progression to S6, sub-degree programmes, Project Yi Jin and other vocational education or training courses are also available in the one-stop portal.

     "This year, to better prepare the last cohort of S5 graduates for the release of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) results and ensure their early access to relevant information, the e-version of the handbook was uploaded six weeks ahead of the release of the HKCEE results,"the spokesman said."Print copies will be available on July 9."

     The handbook, jointly compiled by the EDB and the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters (HKACMGM), provides comprehensive information on further studies, vocational education opportunities and career paths for S5 graduates.

     It outlines the Secondary Six Admission Procedure (S6AP), which will start from August 4 (the date of release of HKCEE results), and provides details on the following topics:

     * number of S6 places, subjects being offered and major school-based admission requirements of individual schools;
     * public sector schools that count the points of the Applied Learning Courses;
     * the recognition of alternative Chinese Language qualifications by all secondary schools under specific conditions in S6AP; and
     * schools that accept other schools' students to switch to study in S5 under the New Academic Structure.

     This year, secondary schools in Tai Po, North, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing and Islands Districts will organise Joint Admission Centres to admit students from other schools to their S6. The details of the respective Secondary Six Joint Admission Schemes will be available in early July.

     To further assist S5 students in their preparation for finding an S6 school place, since 2009 the EDB has enhanced its search functions for finding S6 places, e.g. students can find more information on their choice of schools and estimate their chances for admission to these schools by tracking their S6 admission information and number of S6 vacancies in the past three years.

     The handbook also provides information about the study paths for S5 graduates, private schools that offer courses for repeaters to re-take the 2011 HKCEE, professional and vocational education courses, sub-degree courses, Project Yi Jin, non-local further study opportunities as well as relevant information for non-Chinese speaking students.

     Also included are articles on student guidance contributed by EDB colleagues and HKACMGM members and a contact list of education and advisory organisations.

     From July 9, students can obtain the handbook for free from their own schools. Copies will also be available from the EDB's Regional Education Offices, the Labour Department's "Youth Employment Starts" and Job Centres, and the Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Service Centres.

     For further enquiries on the handbook, please call the EDB Careers Guidance Team at 3698 4222.

Ends/Sunday, June 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:31

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