************************************************************
The New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education has made good progress, with all the important milestones reached following its implementation in September 2009. Preparations have been made to ensure the smooth running of the new public examination leading to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) qualification, which will take place for the first time in the coming school year.
A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (June 29) that through the concerted efforts of the school, post-secondary and employer sectors as well as the support of the community, the smooth implementation of the NAS has been secured.
The EDB issued a Circular Memorandum (CM No. 104/2011) today to update schools on the latest developments, major recommendations, university announcements and key information following the implementation of the NAS.
The Circular Memorandum is the fourth of the series and serves as a comprehensive document containing all the important milestones reached. It assists schools in implementing the New Senior Secondary (NSS) curriculum and assessment as well as preparing them for the release of the results of the 2012 HKDSE Examination in the coming school year.
The spokesman said, "The circular highlights the latest developments, which include the findings of the NSS Subject Information Survey; the latest development/arrangement of the Student Learning Profile; arrangements for the HKDSE Examination in 2012; admission requirements for undergraduate programmes or sub-degree programmes under the NAS; articulation to non-local universities; announcement of arrangements and timetable of 2012 Joint University Programmes Admissions System applications; recognition of HKDSE by the Civil Service Bureau and continuous support for teachers through professional development programmes."
He said that the circular had also listed the multiple study pathways for the last cohort of Secondary 7 students in 2012.
"We will continue to maintain close communication with schools and other stakeholders to ensure timely dissemination of information and support to schools," the spokesman added.
Interested parties are welcome to visit the NAS Web Bulletin (www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en) regularly for the latest developments.
Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:39
NNNN
