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The Education Bureau (EDB) has produced the "Three valuable tools for 720: navigator, map and compass" to help Secondary Six graduates prepare for the release of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination results on July 20.
A spokesman for the EDB said today (July 13), "The three tools are the pamphlet Compass@720, the electronic tool e-Navigator and a consolidated checklist for graduates of key dates on admissions and registration of institutions.
"The Compass@720 pamphlet provides graduates with essential information for the results release of the HKDSE Examination, including admission arrangements at various institutions, important dates and telephone hotlines and other support services.
"Hard copies of the pamphlet have been sent to schools. And we have strongly advised schools to hold a briefing and distribute the pamphlet before July 20 so as to engage their students and parents and offer timely counselling and assistance," he said.
The "e-Navigator: Multiple Pathways under the New Academic Structure" is an electronic tool jointly developed by the EDB and the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters to help students search for programme information across different local institutions and levels, including degrees, higher diplomas and associate degrees.
The smart phone application (APP) has been available for download via smart phone or through the e-Navigator website since mid-May. Students can use this one-stop APP to search for over 3,000 local programmes available at JUPAS (Joint University Programmes Admissions System), iPASS (Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes) and on the Qualifications Register.
"They may also enter their expected or actual HKDSE Examination results to conduct an advanced search for programmes. This would enable them to make more desirable plans for future studies as well as other contingency plans if necessary," the spokesman said.
Students using smartphones are advised to regularly update the database of the e-Navigator APP, so as to obtain the latest information on courses offered by institutions, multiple pathways and statistics from the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.
The "map" is a consolidated list of key dates on the release of admission results, acceptance of offer, and registration of various universities and post-secondary institutions for students to use as a check list to remind them of the necessary actions to take before and after the release of exam results.
The spokesman said, "'Three valuable tools for 720' is now available on a designated webpage www.edb.gov.hk/720 launched by the EDB today.
"This webpage, which aims at providing the students and parents with easy access to the latest information on all pathways, has direct links to the webpages of post-secondary institutions and organisations."
The spokesman added, "While it is expected that most HKDSE graduates will turn to their teachers for guidance and counselling, as school teachers have the best knowledge of their own students, the EDB will nevertheless set up a call centre with 20 telephone hotlines at 2892 6661 from 8am to 8pm between July 18 and 27 (including Saturday and Sunday) to supplement school services in providing information and counselling to students and parents in need. Enquiry hotlines and information about many voluntary organisations are also listed out in the Compass@720.
"The enquiry service centres at the EDB's four Regional Education Offices will also provide face-to-face enquiry services from July 18 to 27, including Saturday and Sunday."
Meanwhile, to offer support and advice on career planning for secondary school leavers who desire to join the workforce, the EDB, with support from the Employees Retraining Board (ERB), will set up three service centres at Kwun Tong, Cheung Sha Wan and Tin Shui Wai from July 23 to 27.
These centres will offer one-on-one career guidance, preparatory workshops for employment, career talks on a wide range of industries, preliminary recruitment conducted by employers who have immediate vacancies, and a designated job corner for fresh school leavers.
More than 50 organisations across 18 industries will participate in this event, providing over 80 sessions of career talks and around 2,000 job vacancies.
Students are advised to visit the 720 webpage to make an appointment for the one-on-one career guidance service, and also to enroll for the career talks and preparatory workshops.
Ends/Friday, July 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:46
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