Revamped liberal studies subject gets a new name

Erin Chan

Liberal studies will be renamed "citizenship and social development" when the revamped subject rolls out in September for Secondary Four students.

The Education Bureau conducted a one-month consultation in February over changes in four senior secondary core subjects - liberal studies, Chinese, English and mathematics.

At a meeting yesterday, the Curriculum Development Council and the Public Examinations Board of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority endorsed the proposed changes, including renaming liberal studies.

The subject's new name was picked from several options, including "citizenship and nation," "nationals and society," "citizenship and culture" and "social studies."

While it will remain one of the four core subjects for those sitting for the Diploma of Secondary Education exams, students will only be graded "attained" or "not attained" instead of the current seven-point grading system. And the subject's DSE paper will be combined into one paper, with a shortened exam time.

The curriculum will consist of three themes - Hong Kong, the nation and contemporary world - instead of the previous six modules.

The school-based assessment component, independent inquiry study - an investigative study which takes up 20 percent of the DSE score and shares one-third of teaching hours - will be removed.

Students will be offered a 10-hour mainland study trip, delving into the theme of "Chinese culture and modern life."

As for the other subjects, the council said it would streamline and integrate parts in Chinese and English. The mathematics curriculum and assessment would stay the same.

The council added that 100 to 250 hours of teaching could be freed by the changes to the four subjects, allowing schools to provide a diversified and flexible curriculum.

The council said it hopes the Education Bureau will accept the recommendations soon.

Tin Fong-chak, vice president of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union and a liberal studies teacher, considers citizenship and social development a new subject. He said it "lacks the part allowing students to develop critical thinking skills."

China's vice minister of education, Song Demin, said at a Beijing press conference that he supported education reforms in Hong Kong to foster national awareness and patriotism among youngsters.

"We hope there can be better results in strengthening education on China's constitution, the Basic Law, as well as on national education, Chinese history and culture," Song said.

erin.chan@singtaonewscorp.com