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Understanding the New Senior Understanding the New Senior Secondary CurriculumSecondary Curriculum

Key Messages Key Messages What are the goals and features of the New

Academic Structure and the new senior secondary (NSS) curricula?

How is it different from the old one (AL/sixth form)?

What are the students’ subject choices & learning experiences?

What are the pathways of students? How is HKDSE recognised locally and

internationally?

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1. Develop whole-person and life-long learning capabilities

2. Opportunities for ALL students to succeed by enabling them to find themselves, and meeting their aspirations, needs, aptitudes

3. Promote diversified human resource development in HK

4. Maintain HK’s competitiveness as international city

Purpose of New Academic StructurePurpose of New Academic Structure

Old Academic Structure

HKCEE

NewAcademic Structure

Senior Secondary 3

Senior Secondary 2

Senior Secondary 1

Secondary 1

1st cohortof graduates

(2015/16)

2009/10

2011/12 1st HKDSEE

Secondary 2

Secondary 3

Secondary 4

Secondary 5

Secondary 6

Secondary 1

Secondary 2

Secondary 3

Secondary 4

Secondary 5

S6

S7HKALE

New Senior Secondary

Other pathways

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4-y

ear

Deg

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Other pathways

Other pathways

2006/07

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Comparison of Old and New Senior Secondary Comparison of Old and New Senior Secondary CurriculumCurriculum

Old

Senior Secondary Curriculum

New

Senior Secondary Curriculum

Core Subjects

Chi, Eng, Math in S4-S5

Chi, Eng in S6-S7Chi, Eng, Math, LS in S4-S6

No. of Subjects

7 – 9 subjects in S4-S54 – 5 subjects in S6-S7

6 – 7 subjects in S4-S6

StreamingStreaming into arts and science

Not limited by the arts/science streaming;

Choose 2 to 3 elective subjects from different KLAs, Applied

Learning and/or other languages

OLE no formal structureStructured and occupy not less

than 15% of curriculum time for ALL students

The New The New Senior Secondary CurriculumSenior Secondary Curriculum

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Seven Learning goalsSeven Learning goals1. To be biliterate and trilingual with adequate proficiency2. To acquire a broad knowledge base, and be able to

understand contemporary issues that may impact on one’s daily life at personal, community, national and global levels

3. To be an informed and responsible citizen with a sense of global and national identity

4. To respect pluralism of cultures and views, and be a critical, reflective and independent thinker

5. To acquire IT & other skills for being a lifelong learner 6. To understand one’s career/academic aspirations and

develop positive attitudes towards work and learning 7. To lead a healthy life style with active participation in

aesthetic and physical activities

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Values &Attitudes

Generic Skills

Core Subjects: Chinese Language,English Language,

Mathematics,Liberal Studies as core

subjects for ALL students

(45-55%)

Elective Subjects:2 or 3 elective

subjects chosen from 20 NSS subjects and a

range of Applied Learning courses

(20-30%)

Other Learning Experiences

moral & civic education, community service,

aesthetic and physical activities and career-related experiences

(15-35%)

P1- S3P1- S3

NSSNSS

Moral and Civic

Education

Moral and Civic

Education

Intellectual DevelopmentIntellectual

DevelopmentCommunity

ServiceCommunity

Service

Physical & Aesthetic

Development

Physical & Aesthetic

Development

Career-related Experiences

Career-related Experiences

General Studies

Communication skillsCritical thinking skillsCreativityCollaboration skillsInformation technology skillsNumeracy skillsProblem-solving skillsSelf-management skillsStudy skills

PerseveranceRespect for othersResponsibilityNational IdentityCommitment……

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NSS SubjectsNSS SubjectsKey Learning Areas Subjects (Core/Elective)

Chinese Language Education

• Chinese Language (core subject)• Chinese Literature

English Language Education

• English Language (core subject)• Literature in English

Mathematics Education

• Mathematics (core subject )including the Compulsory Part and 2

Extended Modules

• Liberal Studies (core subject)

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NSS SubjectsNSS SubjectsKey Learning Areas Subjects (Electives)

Personal, Social and Humanities Education

• Chinese History• Economics• Ethics and Religious Studies • Geography• History• Tourism and Hospitality Studies

Science Education

• Biology• Chemistry• Physics• Science (Integrated, Combined)

Technology Education

• Business, Accounting and Financial Studies• Design and Applied Technology • Health Management and Social Care • Technology and Living• Information and Communication Technology

Arts Education • Music• Visual Arts

Physical Education • Physical Education10

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Liberal Studies uses knowledge and perspectives from other subjects to study contemporary issues so that students have the opportunity to:

connect knowledge and concepts across different disciplines

expand their perspectives beyond single disciplines

study contemporary events not covered in single disciplines

Issues in Liberal Studies

English Language X2

Other LearningExperiences X3

Chinese Language

Mathematics

X1

Liberal StudiesLiberal StudiesInter-connectedness of Liberal Studies with Other Subjects:

Module 1 ：Personal Development and Interpersonal Relationships

Society and Culture

Module 2: Hong Kong TodayModule 3: Modern ChinaModule 4: Globalization

Module 5: Public Health

Module 6: Energy Technology and the Environment

Independent Enquiry Study (IES)

Suggested Themes:Media, Education, Religion,

Sports, Art, InformationAnd Communication

Technology

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Liberal Studies CurriculumLiberal Studies Curriculum FrameworkFramework

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Compulsory Part Extended Part

Three Strands: Number and Algebra Measures, Shape and

Space Data Handling

Module 1:Calculus and Statistics

Module 2:Algebra and Calculus

S4-S6

It is a foundation for all students and provides mathematical concepts, skills and knowledge which are necessary for students’ different career pathways

Students who have a strong interest in mathematics or wish to apply for Mathematics or related programmes (e.g. Engineering) at universities may choose any one of the two modules for more focused and in-depth study

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Mathematics EducationMathematics Education

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Science

• Combined Science

• Integrated Science

For students with a great interest in science who wish to pursue future studies or work in this field

For students with diverse interests who wish to take elective subjects from different KLAs

It comprises three parts with content selected from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics curricula. Students will have to take the two parts that are complementary to the single discipline in which they specialise.

This is designed for students wishing to take up one elective subject in the Science Education Key Learning Area. It serves to develop in students the scientific literacy essential for participating in a dynamically changing society 14

NSS Science CurriculumNSS Science Curriculum

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Fo

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Skills

Th

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kills

Pe

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kills

Va

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Creative Studies

Media & Communication

Business, Management & Law

Services

Applied Science

Engineering & Production

Differen

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texts

Applied Learning (ApL) CoursesApplied Learning (ApL) Courses

Area of StudiesArea of Studies Examples of CoursesExamples of Courses

Creative Studies Introduction to Theatre Arts, Taking a Chance on Dance

Media and Communication

Film and Video Studies, Radio Host and Programme Production

Business, Management and Law

Practical Accounting for SMEs, Understanding Hong Kong Law

ServicesHospitality Services in Practice, Child Development and

Care

Applied ScienceFundamental Health Care, Exercise Science and Health

Fitness

Engineering and Production

Automotive Technology, Aviation Studies

- ApL is an integral part of the NSS curriculum. Students can take ApL courses as elective subjects at S5 and S6 (180 hours).

School YearSchool Year No. of Course ProvidersNo. of Course Providers No. of ApL CoursesNo. of ApL Courses

2010-12 11 30

2011-13 12 35

2012-14 12 35

Applied Learning (ApL) CoursesApplied Learning (ApL) Courses

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Other Languages (OL)Other Languages (OL)

French German Hindi Japanese Spanish Urdu

OL courses should follow a curriculum leading to the examinations pitched at the Advanced Supplementary Level offered by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

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Other Learning Experiences (OLE) Other Learning Experiences (OLE) Under the NSS Curriculum, OLE is one of the three

components that complement the core and elective subjects

15% or more of the curriculum timeAiming to develop students’ whole-person

development, foster a broader scope of views and life-long learning abilities for students

Including learning experiences of Moral and Civic Education, Community Service, Physical Development,Aesthetic Development and Career-related Experiences.

• Each senior secondary student is encouraged to build up his/her own profile to reflect his/her learning experiences and achievements

• SLP broad framework:• Academic performance in school• Other Learning Experiences• Awards/Achievements gained outside school • Student’s Self-account

Student Learning Profile (SLP)Student Learning Profile (SLP)

Students telling their own “stories of learning”…

Students telling their own “stories of learning”…

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Implementation of the NSS CurriculumImplementation of the NSS Curriculum

November 2010 ： New Senior Secondary Subject Information Survey

Number of schools = 453

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Diversified Choice of Elective SubjectsDiversified Choice of Elective SubjectsDiversified Choice of Elective SubjectsDiversified Choice of Elective Subjects

Reducing early specialisation Over 1,450 subject combinations each in S4 and S5 are

offered Choices of elective subjects more diversified and not

limited to a particular Key Learning Area (KLA): 68% of S4 students and 70% of S5 students take elective subjects from two or three KLAs

All secondary schools offer an average of 11 to 12 elective subjects in S4 and S5

About 50% of students studying 2Xs and 50% studying 3Xs in both S4 & S5

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Most Popular Subject CombinationsMost Popular Subject CombinationsMost Popular Subject CombinationsMost Popular Subject Combinations

Secondary 5 BAFS & Econ Bio & Chem Bio, Chem & Phy BAFS, Econ & Geog

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The New Public Exam:The New Public Exam:Hong Kong Diploma of

Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination• 2012 HKDSE examination will be held in

late March to late May • Date of release of results is scheduled on

20 July 2012

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Main Changes in Public ExamMain Changes in Public Examone public examemphasize high order thinking and

application of knowledgeschool-based assessment (SBA)standards-referenced reporting (SRR)

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Reporting: Standards-referencedReporting: Standards-referenced

Standards-referenced reportingbased on level descriptorscandidates’ results indicate the standards

achieved in terms of knowledge and skillsindependent of the performance of other

candidatesenable stakeholders know exactly what the

candidates know and can do

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Student performance to be reported with reference to five defined levels:1, 2, 3, 4, 5Top Level 5

students awarded 5*, 5**

Standards Referenced ReportingStandards Referenced ReportingStandards Referenced ReportingStandards Referenced Reporting

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AttainedAttained

Attained with distinctionAttained with distinction

Reported in 2 grades:

Applied Learning SubjectsApplied Learning SubjectsApplied Learning SubjectsApplied Learning Subjects

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Marking & grading will be conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

AA

BB

CC

DD

EE

Other Language SubjectsOther Language SubjectsOther Language SubjectsOther Language Subjects

Implementation of Implementation of School-Based AssessmentSchool-Based Assessment

SBA is not an “add-on” element in the curriculum and should be integrated into learning and teaching.

SBA can assess skills/outcomes not included in public examinations, such as enquiry skills, laboratory skills and creativity in design.

SBA will firstly be commenced in 8 subjects and 4 science subjects (laboratory work only) in 2012 and progressively be implemented in other subjects.

HKEAA is now conducting a consultation on the SBA streamlining proposals and the final arrangements will be made known to schools by the end of February after endorsement by the Public Examination Board (PEB).

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Schools are required to submit marks in S5 and S6 and HKEAA will moderate SBA marks, after schools submit S6 marks in early 2012.

Moderation is to ensure the consistency of assessment standards across subjects. Two methods will be adopted:- Statistical moderation with an element of expert judgment- Expert judgment with an element of statistical adjustment

Moderation is conducted on school basis but not class-based/teacher-based and therefore, within-school standardization of teachers’ marking standard is also necessary

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Moderation of SBAModeration of SBA

Subject Assessment Requirements WeightingChinese Language

Reading activities; Coursework/other language activities; Electives modules

20%

English Language

Oral assessments 15%

Liberal Studies An independent enquiry study 20%Business, Accounting & Financial Studies

A study on business issues 15%

Chemistry Practical related tasks : Basic Chemical Analysis; Experiments 20%Chinese Literature

Creative writing; Reading report; Elective modules 35%

Design & Applied Technology

A design project 40%

Economics News commentaries or essays/reports 15%Geography A fieldwork study 15%

MusicSolo performance & viva voce; Ensemble performance; Sight-singing

20%

Physical Education

Assessments in two physical activities; Assessments in physical fitness

30%

Visual Arts Portfolios 50%

Subjects with SBA Implemented in the 2012 HKDSESubjects with SBA Implemented in the 2012 HKDSESubjects with SBA Implemented in the 2012 HKDSESubjects with SBA Implemented in the 2012 HKDSE

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Multiple & DiversifiedMultiple & DiversifiedPathways for StudentsPathways for Students

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Employment

[announcement by Civil Service Bureau in

June 2011]

New Project Yi Jin / Foundation

Diploma/Diploma in Vocational Education

Programmes

Bachelor’s degree programmes

[attain “3+3+2+2” in Chi, Eng, Maths, LS + 1-2 electives at Level 2 or 3 ]

Non-local courses offered in Hong Kong/Distance learning programmes

Sub-degree Programmes

[attain Level 2 in 5 subjects

(including Chin Lang and Eng Lang) ]

Vocational programmes(e.g. VTC TDC/

Youth Pre-employment

Programmes by Labour Dept)

Hong Kong Hong Kong Diploma of Diploma of Secondary Secondary Education Education (HKDSE)(HKDSE)

Multiple & DiversifiedMultiple & DiversifiedPathways for StudentsPathways for Students

Further Studies in Mainland China /

Abroad

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Electronic Advance Application (E-APP) System Electronic Advance Application (E-APP) System for Post-secondary Programmesfor Post-secondary ProgrammesE-APP (https://www.eapp.gov.hk), is an internet-based system newly developed by the Education Bureau for the HKALE and HKDSE candidates of current year to lodge advance applications for locally-accredited post-secondary programmes not covered by the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS)* before announcement of public examinationresults.

* Except programmes offered by the Hong Kong Shue Yan University and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

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Date Event

9 Feb 2012 Launch of E-APPE-APP forwards applications to institutions

20 May 2012 Deadline for submission of applications via E-APP

29 Jun 2012 Announcement of the 2012 HKALE results by HKEAA

20 Jul 2012 Announcement of the 2012 HKDSE results by HKEAA

26 Jul 2012 Announcement of the 2012 JUPAS Main Round offer results for HKALE candidates

17 Aug 2012 Announcement of the 2012 JUPAS Main Round offer results for HKDSE candidates

E-APP Important DatesE-APP Important Dates

Vocational Education ProgrammesVocational Education Programmes

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By 29 Feb 2012

Submit on-line application and pay application fee;

Submit online application for Principal’s Nomination Scheme (PNS) or Self-Nomination Scheme (SNS) (if applicable)

4 to 8 May 2012 Programme Selection on Web

4 to 25 June 2012 Interviews (of applicable)

20 to 21July 2012 Announcement of Offer

Dates of Application ： 1 Dec 2011 to 29 Feb 2012

Application for 2012 / 13 Full-time Degree, Higher Diploma, New Foundation Diploma and Diploma in Vocational Education Programmes

http://www.vtc.edu.hk/admission/eng/course-ftps6-admission-procedure-key-dates.html

New Project Yi JinNew Project Yi Jin

• An alternative pathway for secondary school leavers under the NAS and adult learners to obtain a formal qualification for further studies or employment;

• Put in place from the 2012/13 academic year onwards;• A student will be awarded a full Yi Jin Diploma after he/she

has passed all eight modules of the programme;• The qualification will be deemed comparable to the

attainment of Level 2 in 5 subjects in the HKDSE including Chinese Language and English Language;

• Details of the programme will be available in the first quarter of 2012.

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63 Mainland Higher Education Institutions to exempt Hong Kong students from taking Joint Entrance Examination

On 28 November 2011, the Ministry of Education announced the detailed arrangements for the pilot scheme whereby 63 Mainland higher education institutions from 11 provinces and municipalities (e.g. Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University) will consider the admission of Hong Kong students based on their results in the HKDSE and the HKALE, thus exempting them from taking the JEE for Universities in the Mainland.

The pilot scheme is one of the supporting measures announced by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang ( 李克強 ), during his visit to Hong Kong in August this year.

Mainland Higher EducationMainland Higher Education(Pilot Scheme)(Pilot Scheme)

• Minimum Admission Requirement: - 4 core subjects: 3322- Elective subjects: Level 2 or Level 3 in 1 or 2 specified/

unspecified elective subjects- SLP: consider as a good reference for selection of students• Individual institutions may have additional requirements• Online application will be from 20 Feb to 5 Mar, with

confirmation of application at China Education Exchange (HK) Centre Limited ( 中國教育留學交流（香港）中心 ) during 1 to 15 Mar 2012.

• For details, please visit www.edb.gov.hk/expo 2011

Mainland Higher EducationMainland Higher Education(Pilot Scheme)(Pilot Scheme)

• Starting from 2012, students from HK can apply for Bachelor’s degree programmes of Taiwan universities using either their HKDSE, HKAL or HKCEE results. Students will be exempted from the “Joint entrance exam”.

• They can apply through the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese ( 台灣公私立大學校院海外聯合招生委員會 ) . For details, please visit http://www.overseas.ncnu.edu.tw/

TaiwanTaiwan

General Requirements

A combination of results in 5 HKDSE subjects

NSS subjects ： Level 2Level 2Applied Learning subjects (max of 2) ： ““ Attained”Attained”Other Languages ： Grade EGrade E

5 passes in 5 passes in HKCEEHKCEE

A combination of results in 5 HKDSE subjects

NSS subjects ： Level 3Level 3Applied Learning subjects (max of 2) ： ““ Attained Attained with Distinction”with Distinction”Other Languages ： Grade CGrade C

2 passes at 2 passes at HKALE plus 3 HKALE plus 3

credits in HKCEEcredits in HKCEE(2A3O)(2A3O)

Results in the HKDSE Examination that will be accepted for Civil Service Appointment:

Specific Subject Requirements

Chinese ／ English Language Subjects

Level 3Level 3

Level 2 Level 2

Level 3 Level 3 inin HKCEEHKCEE

Level 2 Level 2 in HKCEEin HKCEE

Other Subjects

LevelLevel 3 3 in NSS subjects in NSS subjects ／ “ Attained with Distinction” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects Grade E Grade E in HKALEin HKALE

LevelLevel 3 3 in NSS subjects in NSS subjects ／ “ Attained with Distinction” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects Grade C Grade C in HKCEEin HKCEE

LevelLevel 2 2 in NSS subjects in NSS subjects ／ “ Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects Grade E Grade E in HKCEEin HKCEE

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www.edb.gov.hk/nas/enwww.edb.gov.hk/nas/en