The New Senior Secondary academic structure was implemented in September. But a friend who teaches senior secondary classes said the eight universities have yet to formally announce their cut- off score required for admission. They are also confused as to how "other learning experiences" will affect admissions. And they do not know how to help students complete the Student Learning Profiles or choose elective subjects. Edmond Ko Inq-ming of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said "other learning experiences" are included in curriculum reform so students may be able to take part in different activities without worrying about marks. The aim is to help them develop an interest in lifelong learning.
So the Student Learning Profile is not a simple list of extracurricular activities. It is a "book of reflection on activities" to let universities understand a student's development outside the classroom in their last three years of secondary school. The profile should stress quality and not quantity.
Ko said if the activity that a student takes part in is so special, then it would be no problem having just that one listed in the profile.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong's pro vice chancellor Kenneth Young expects more students to get average marks in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. Hence when considering individual admissions, the student's performance in various aspects outside normal lessons will be taken into consideration.
The profile will be a useful supplementary reference for examiners in admission interviews to use during discussions on a student's capability.
As for students' concerns, Young said his university is still discussing the minimum admission requirements of each subject.
But he stressed that CUHK will only admit the best students and some of the elective courses have already been decided. He said under the new system, the minimum entry requirement is four core subjects and one elective subject.
But for certain disciplines, such as law and medicine, students will be required to study at least two elective subjects. Young said students taking one art and one science elective subject will be able to choose from nearly 90 percent of the undergraduate courses. He urged students not to worry too much.
One secondary school principal said if universities give little weight to the Student Learning Profile in admission considerations, then he would rather do it perfunctorily. But at present, the Joint University Programmes Admissions System and universities consider the profile an important reference. I believe secondary schools will take it more seriously too.
After participating in activities, students should reflect on what they have done and keep a record that will come in handy when they apply for a university place.
