Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
EDB introduces policy for credit accumulation and transfer (with photos)
***********************************************************

     The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, announced today (July 22) the introduction of a policy and principles for credit accumulation and transfer (CAT) under the Qualifications Framework (QF) to further support learning pathways for learners.

     The policy and principles for CAT assists education and training providers in developing or refining their CAT systems. It also facilitates the recognition of a learner's assessed learning outcome and minimises the need for any repetition of learning already achieved.

     Mr Ng said, "This is an important milestone signifying the Government's determination and continued efforts in encouraging lifelong learning and enhancing the quality, professionalism and competitiveness of the overall workforce.

     "Countries with a QF in place, such as those under the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, have established and gradually implemented a CAT policy. The introduction of a similar policy under our QF today proves that QF development in Hong Kong is on par with that in advanced economies worldwide."

     Mr Ng said that the CAT policy and principles are applicable to QF Levels 1-7 and learning across the academic, vocational and continuing education sectors, and would bring significant benefits to different groups of stakeholders.

     He said, "For learners, CAT gives proper recognition to the learning achieved and minimises repeated learning as well as the time and money involved, thereby providing learners with seamless pathways and helping them move along the ladder of progression pathways.

     "For providers, the CAT policy encourages a more holistic approach to programme planning and development which should result in better communication and co-operation between providers and across sectors. It also enables institutions to attract new pools of learners.

     "For society as a whole, CAT enables more effective use of education resources, and enhances the integrity and coherence of the education system."

     Mr Ng hopes that education and training providers who have already established a CAT system will review and refine their existing system, especially by increasing the transparency of the relevant information, with reference to the policy and principles promulgated by the Education Bureau (EDB). As for education and training providers who do not have a CAT system in place, they may establish a CAT system that suits their own circumstances.

     He added, "This will benefit millions of learners and practitioners."

     The CAT policy and principles have been uploaded onto the QF website (www.hkqf.gov.hk/CAT). The EDB will write to various education and training providers to explain about its policy objective and relevant support.

Ends/Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:51

NNNN

Photo Photo
Print this page