The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

At its meeting today (November 22), the Education Commission (EC) discussed the progress of key areas of the education reform, including curriculum reform, language education, admission mechanisms, as well as the development of Basic Competency Assessments.

The Commission also noted the content of the 2000/01 Annual Report of the Board of Education and the progress of the three EC working groups on senior secondary to continuing education.

EC Chairman Dr. Rosanna Wong Yick-ming said, "We are pleased to note the favourable progress of curriculum reform."

She said that more than 170 secondary schools and 140 primary schools had participated in the "seed" projects to develop useful experiences and teaching and learning resources for enhancing the curriculum and improving teaching methods.

"It is also very encouraging to note that the Knowledge Fair on 'Learning to Learn - Assessment for Learning' which was held on November 12 received very good responses from frontline educators," Dr Wong said.

More than 3 500 principals and teachers attended the event to share good practices on assessments for learning. This is a positive indication of a collaboration and sharing culture in the education sector, which is crucial for the successful implementation of the curriculum reform.

On language education, Dr Wong said that the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) was conducting a review on language education with a view to exploring possible ways to improve the language standards of students in Hong Kong.

"It is expected that the SCOLAR will consult the public next year on its recommendations," she said.

The Education Commission will continue to work closely with various major education-related executive/ advisory bodies to coordinate the work in the seven key areas of the education reform. It plans to report to the public on its progress in January next year.

Ends/Thursday, November 22, 2001