Aerospace jump for primary pupils

Eunice Lam

Primary school pupils will have to learn about aerospace developments in China, as well as about innovation and technology as part of the new science curriculum from the 2025/26 school year, according to an Education Bureau's leaflet to schools.

The proposal for the science subject was first mentioned in the policy address last month, with it meant to replace the current general studies subject with two new subjects - humanities and science.

In the promotion poster and leaflet, the science subject is divided into four modules: life and environment; Earth and space; material, energy and changes; and science, technology, engineering and society.

Students will be able to learn about basic life science, fundamental theories of physics, aerospace knowledge, including weather, Earth's history, and the solar system, as well as a shot at acquiring hands-on experience in building engineering models.

The bureau said in the leaflet that the subject was in line with China's strategy of "invigorating the country through science and education," and to inspire creativity and scientific potential from a young age.

"[We also hope] to cultivate students' scientific literacy and deepen STEAM education [in the city], while improving coordination of science education in primary and secondary schools," it noted.

The subject will also incorporate national space and innovative technologies, sustainable development concepts, earth sciences, engineering, and be designed to relate to students' daily life experiences and enhance their research, design, and problem-solving skills.

The bureau suggested primary one and two pupils have at least 64 science classes annually, equivalent to about 37 hours every year, while primary three to six pupils will have at least 96 sessions, or over 56 hours.

The bureau will also offer each subsidized school a one-off subsidy of HK$350,000 by the end of March.

Schools can use it to buy teaching materials, enhance facilities, and support teachers' professional development.

A "training camp" will also be set up for science teachers to offer two certificate programs for those who would like to teach it.

A teacher network will also be set up and virtual events held regularly to enhance exchanges between science teachers.

A safety manual will be published early next year to provide guidelines for scientific learning activities, while more teaching materials and an online learning platform available within this academic year.

The head of the Committee on STEAM Education, Ng Tai-kai, said the science-related content will be mostly the same as the general studies subject, but there will be a huge difference in the ways of teaching, as many general studies teachers lack scientific backgrounds.