Candidates mask up for return of English speech tests
For the first time in three years, Hong Kong exam candidates are getting the chance to show off their English speaking skills – but despite the ending of most Covid restrictions, they're still having to mask up for the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). Masking is one of several Covid safety measures in place for the exams, which serve as the SAR's university admission tests. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority says that as well as wearing masks during both spoken and written tests, candidates must  maintain social distancing within the examination centres. They must also undergo body temperature checks and complete a health declaration form before entering the centre each day.  Professor Ricardo Mak, director of public examinations, said that although various Covid restrictions remained in place, daily rapid tests will no longer be necessary.  “I think this year the pandemic situation has improved quite a lot and I think now no organisation strongly requires their employees or the people working with them to take a RAT every day and that’s why after careful assessment, we believe that it is safe to not require candidates to take RAT every day,” he said. The exams body said candidates who test positive would be offered a choice. Those who don't feel well enough to sit the test can apply for a results assessment based on their earlier work after the examination date. Candidates who feel healthier can go to a dedicated examination centre in San Po Kong for those who test positive. Mak says that, given the organisation’s experience in handling examinations during the pandemic, there should be no concerns having candidates who are positive sit their exams together.   “I think according to the experience last year, only 20-something candidates or students who received a positive result made use of our quarantine facilities to take the examinations, so we are not really worried about a high jump in numbers this year,” Mak said.  For the past three years, candidates had been assessed only on their English reading, writing and listening skills. The English speaking tests will end on March 30, with the written tests taking place from April 21 to May 18.