Students taking more electives for DSE exams

The number of students taking exams in seven subjects for the upcoming Hong Kong Diploma for Secondary Education examination has increased.

The increase can be attributed to the replacement of Liberal Studies with the new compulsory subject, Citizenship and Social Development.

According to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, a total of 50,803 individuals have applied to take the public exams, 20 fewer than last year. Among the applicants, 43,295 are school candidates while 7,508 are private candidates.

One notable change is the significant increase in the number of students taking three electives instead of the minimum requirement of two. This year 17,840 students have opted for three electives, nearly doubling the figure - 9,183 students - from last year. And 517 students will be taking exams in four elective subjects, a significant increase from 145 last year.

The most popular elective subjects are biology, chemistry and economics. More than 14,600 candidates have registered for biology, while approximately 13,659 and 13,295 students will sit for chemistry and economics, respectively.

This year's DSE exams also feature seven new applied learning subjects, including AI in business, jewellery design in the digital age, AI and robotics, digital brand communication, modern Southeast Asian cuisine, Korean language and culture and practical Chinese-English translation. These subjects have attracted approximately 7,500 candidates.

Out of the 52 applied learning courses offered, the most popular choice is patisserie and cafe operations, which has been selected by 875 candidates.

In total, 45,099 candidates will be the first generation of students to sit for the revamped liberal studies examination, now known as Citizenship and Social Development. The reformed core subject was introduced in September 2021 and results will be graded on a pass/fail basis.

The DSE exams will commence on April 9 with the visual arts exam, followed by Chinese Language - the first core subject - on April 11.

Two mainland schools catering to Hong Kong students - Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School and the Affiliated School of Jinan University for Hong Kong and Macao Students in Guangzhou - have been permitted by the exam authority to send students to take the DSE exam in Hong Kong this year. Approximately 110 eligible candidates from these two schools will take the exams in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority amended its DSE regulations in June 2022, allowing students to take written exams in the mainland starting from this year. However arrangements for examination centers in the mainland are still being finalized, according to the exam authority.

"The establishment of DSE examination venues in the mainland requires careful planning and coordination from various parties. It is currently under further study and discussion by relevant departments in both regions," the authority said.

The Education Bureau has not explained the reasons for the delay in establishing examination centers in the mainland.

adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com