'New humanities curriculum to help HK become IT hub'
Secretary for Education Christine Choi on Saturday said the new humanities curriculum for primary schoolchildren is aimed to support the city's strategy of becoming a hub for innovation and technology. As part of the proposed changes, the general studies subject will be split into two sections: humanities and science.  Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Choi said the government will provide training to address the shortage of primary school teachers with a science background. "We will offer 30-hour or 15-hour specialised training to enable teachers to guide students in exploring ... these subjects. When it comes to scientific knowledge, I believe that teachers who have an interest in or background in science will be able to handle the new curriculum after further study." said Choi. The education chief told another radio programme that the authorities are considering scrapping paper-based tests and examinations for humanities and science subjects for Primary One and Two pupils. She expressed hoped that these pupils can learn via diverse methods. Choi also urged people not to overinterpret the low percentage of pupils meeting basic competency levels in this year's Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA). She attributed the decline to the adverse impact of the pandemic, as the assessment had been suspended for three years due to Covid-19. Meanwhile, Choi revealed that the three-tier emergency mechanism implemented to address the recent increase in student suicides will be in effect for around one to two months.  She stressed that the authorities will strengthen their manpower to provide assistance to schoolchildren in need.