In a significant development regarding education in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools has proposed that universities adopt a points system based on candidates' best five subjects. This change aims to reduce the pressure on students, particularly concerning the current language requirements for university admissions. Veronica Yau Kit-ying, vice-chairwoman of the association, emphasized the stress students face over the necessity of achieving a level 3 pass in both Chinese and English [31a79451].
Currently, the admission criteria for universities in Hong Kong stipulate that candidates must obtain a level 3 in Chinese and English, along with level 2 in mathematics and two elective subjects, collectively referred to as '332A22' [31a79451]. The association is advocating for the government to eliminate these language requirements to promote vocational training opportunities, which could alleviate some of the academic pressure students experience [31a79451].
This proposal comes in the wake of recent changes in the educational landscape, including the admission of 332 students this year through the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme. Additionally, Hong Kong Metropolitan University has recently become the first university of applied sciences, a move that aligns with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's proposal to create more universities of applied sciences in his policy address last year [31a79451].
Compounding these discussions is the ongoing concern regarding Hong Kong students' proficiency in English, as highlighted by the recent International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results. In 2023, Hong Kong students maintained an average score of 6.7, with writing and speaking scores at 6.2 and 6.4, respectively. This performance remains stable compared to 2022, yet it raises concerns as mainland Chinese students' scores have dropped from 6.1 to 5.9 [1cabf95d]. Observers attribute the persistent weaknesses in writing and speaking to limited opportunities for English usage in daily life, a sentiment echoed by veteran teacher Pauline Chow, who pointed out the differences between the local Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) and IELTS testing formats [1cabf95d].
Lawmaker Michael Tien has also noted that there are decreased chances for residents to use English, further emphasizing the need for hiring more native-speaking teachers to enhance language proficiency [1cabf95d]. As discussions continue, the focus on reducing student stress, enhancing vocational training pathways, and improving English proficiency remains critical for educators and policymakers alike in Hong Kong [31a79451][1cabf95d].