Realising the vision of 334
Foreword
Time flies and another academic year has just begun. In the last academic year, the most significant education policy was undoubtedly the finalization of the implementation timetable for the new academic structure (commonly known as “334”) for senior secondary and higher education. The new structure has far-reaching implications for the education sector and the community as a whole.
In October 2004, the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) published a consultation document on the proposed new academic structure. There was overwhelming support and numerous constructive opinions from various sectors of the community. Having taken into account all the feedback, we published a report entitled The New Academic Structure for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education - Action Plan for Investing in the Future of Hong Kong in May 2005 to take forward the implementation of the 334 academic structure. This is a major landmark in the education history of Hong Kong.
Reforming the academic structure is a massive undertaking. In view of the extensive impact of the reform, which includes senior secondary and university curricula, new ways of learning, public examination and university admission criteria, and a wider set of post-school pathways for our young people, the first year of implementation of the new senior secondary curriculum will be 2009/10 allowing ample time for all to be fully prepared. The first cohort of students to benefit from the new academic structure will be the P6 graduates of this school year.
The success of the reform hinges not only on the firm commitment of the education sector, but also parents’ cooperation and community support, including understanding and acceptance of the challenges which lie ahead. In the coming year, I will share with you the rationale behind the various changes and report progress on particular aspects of the reform via the EMB website. I hope this series of articles will address the legitimate concerns about the new academic structure. You are most welcome to write to us to express your views.
We will need all sectors of the community to join hands in making the reform a success.