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EDB examines support measures for non-Chinese speaking students
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     The Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kenneth Chen, met the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (November 10) and reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students' early learning of the Chinese Language to facilitate their adaptation to the local education system and integration into the community.

     "We abide by the Race Discrimination Ordinance and ensure equal opportunities for NCS students in school admission, learning and further study pursuits.  Support measures have been put in place with due regard to their situation and needs," said Mr Chen.

     The Government has progressively implemented a series of support measures since 2006, including the issue of the Supplementary Guide to the Chinese Language Curriculum for NCS Students, development of learning and teaching resources, provision of school-based support, facilitating after-school extended learning for students' consolidation, strengthening communication with NCS parents, and others.  The Education Bureau (EDB) is now reviewing support measures for NCS students.

     "The support measures are developmental in nature.  With more NCS students enrolling in local schools, we have been examining the support measures, taking into account stakeholders' views, with a view to enhancing NCS students' learning effectiveness.  To facilitate NCS children's early adaptation to the local education system, we will continue to encourage NCS parents to send their children to receive pre-primary education and render professional support to pre-primary institutions," Mr Chen said.

     As regards enhancing NCS students' Chinese proficiency, Mr Chen said, "We have considered the EOC's views seriously.  While adhering to the common Chinese curriculum framework, we will consider how to enhance our support to schools to gear up the implementation of the different curriculum modes (including immersion in Chinese Language lessons, bridging/transition, specific learning purposes and integration) under the Supplementary Guide to cater for diverse aspirations, needs and learning pace of NCS students with articulation to multiple progression pathways through attaining different recognised Chinese qualifications.  The EDB will take into account stakeholders' views in considering the implementation details."

     For further study and career pursuits, the Joint University Programmes Admissions System will continue to consider the Chinese qualification attained in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (Chinese) examination for NCS students under specified circumstances.  

     "To enhance NCS students' competitiveness in the workplace, a pilot scheme on Workplace Chinese Language with programmes pegged to the Qualifications Framework will be implemented this academic year.  We also look forward to the synergy in this regard when the Vocational Training Council sets up one more youth college to provide specialised support for NCS students.  The support measures will bear fruit through concerted efforts.  We will step up publicity and parental education to promote our support measures to NCS parents," said Mr Chen.

Ends/Thursday, November 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:18

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