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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, at a media session after attending the opening ceremony of Po Leung Kuk Tong Nai Kan Junior Secondary College's new annex today (December 12):
Reporter: What if the schools failed to follow the instructions (about drilling)?
Secretary for Education: We are very serious and determined to stop the drilling of TSA (Territory-wide System Assessment) or excessive homework related to TSA. For this reason, we sent a memorandum on this subject to every primary school yesterday including the five key points and guidelines. Our education officers at the district level have already been in contact with each and every primary school yesterday afternoon, making sure they understand and will be implementing this new policy and measure. If there are any problems in this regard, our district education officers will have no hesitation to give direct instructions. If they are still having issues, we will go straight to the school sponsoring bodies and school management committees. Of course this step is extremely serious. I'm sure all the school principals and school leaders will be really attentive to quality education, teaching and learning. As such, I'm sure they would not want any particular jeopardy in their school operation record. If the situation is not rectified, we will consider issuing a warning letter. When you look at our measures, you know we are very serious.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, December 12, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:55
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