Lesson day to explain new science framework for primary schools

The Education Bureau is set to provide schools with an explanation today regarding the curriculum framework for the new Science subject, which will be taught to primary one to six pupils.

According to the curriculum framework issued on Monday, the bureau said schools should move away from relying solely on written assessments, especially for students in primary one and two.

Chairman of the Subsidised Primary Schools Council So Ping-fai said there is no need for written assessments for primary one students. However, he said there should be some flexibility for primary two pupils, allowing for a transition period leading up to the Territory-wide System Assessment in primary three.

In Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's policy address last October, it was announced that the General Studies subject for primary school students will be divided into separate science and humanities subjects starting from September next year.

The promotion of STEAM education - science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics - was introduced in last year's policy address. The inclusion of primary Science in the curriculum aims to align with the national strategy of "invigorating the country through science and education" and foster children's creative and scientific potential from an early age.

The framework suggests a minimum of 64 lessons per year for primary one and at least 96 lessons per year for primary three to six. It also encourages the implementation of diverse teaching methods, such as incorporating more field trips. But So said this poses a challenge for teachers, given the unchanged lesson time.

He hopes the bureau will provide guidelines on thematic teaching to allow for more flexibility in class hours and enhance the scope for diverse teaching approaches.

Regarding primary five and six students who face exams, So said the bureau should adjust the proportion of summative and formative assessments. "For example, increasing the weightage of formative assessments from the current 20 percent to 40 percent to alleviate the burden on students," he said.

To support teachers, the bureau has established a training base. Teachers who complete a total of 30 hours of designated training courses and at least 12 hours of professional teacher training series for the introduction of primary science programs will be awarded a certificate in professional training for primary science.

The first round of the training series will take place from this month until July, providing 3,600 training places.

For teachers who aspire to become subject panel heads or subject coordinators, there is an opportunity to undertake a 15-hour advanced level course to obtain a certificate in professional training for primary science curriculum leadership. The first round of the advanced level course will be held from next month until November, with 360 spots available.

The Education Bureau said "both certificate courses are optional," and are not mandatory for serving as subject panel heads or level coordinators.