Chapter 2 Curriculum Framework
2.4 Core Modules
2.4.2 Strand 5: Resources and Economic Activities Core module (10): The Use of Resources
2.4.2 Strand 5: Resources and Economic Activities
Core module (11): Sensible Consumption
Junior secondary students are given increasing autonomy in their spending, so it is essential they learn to spend sensibly. At the individual level, this means spending money effectively, avoiding being cheated and knowing one’s consumer rights. From a social perspective, sensible consumption reduces waste, and protects the environment and the earth’s resources. Students not only need to learn about consumer rights, but also their responsibilities. On a shopping trip, they may be tempted by pirated products and be faced with the choice of these cheap goods or the respect of intellectual property rights. In the extended part, students will learn the punishment for infringing on intellectual property rights and consideration of intellectual property rights from the perspectives of sharing and encouraging creativity.
After completing this module, students should understand the principles of sensible consumption, consumer rights and responsibilities, in both individual and social terms, and be able to put them into practice in daily life and to identify organizations protecting consumer rights.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA02
Rights and Responsibilities of Sensible Consumer (3 lessons)
- Principles of choosing goods and services - Rights and responsibilities of consumers - Social responsibilities of consumers
- Regulations and organizations responsible for protecting consumer rights
- Why do I often go off goods immediately after buying them?
- As a consumer, is paying for the goods my only responsibility? Are there other obligations to fulfil?
- Why are we criticised if we don’t eat everything in our lunch box? Why are others interested in our consumption habits? Why should we consider others’
interests when we spend?
- As a consumer, what rights do I enjoy? Who is to for protect my rights?
EP REA 02-X
Respecting Intellectual Property Rights
- Penalties of infringing on intellectual property rights - Pros and Cons of protecting intellectual property
rights, including incentives for innovations and barriers to knowledge sharing
- Moral considerations of respecting intellectual property rights
- Are buying pirated products and downloading songs illegally wise saving?
- Do intellectual property rights protect businessmen or consumers? Is it a tool for the developed countries to exploit the less developed countries?
rationality, self-discipline, simplicity, justice, integrity, critical, responsible, with a respect for others, sharing, thrift
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Core module (12): Public Finance of Hong Kong
Students are often reminded to save more and spend less. However, some voices in society call on government to spend more. This contradictory phenomenon is a good entry point for students to explore social affairs beyond their experience. Students have learned the rights and responsibilities of an individual in upper primary General Studies and are able to reflect on the balance between rights and responsibilities. To build on this foundation, students of the junior forms, as citizens of Hong Kong, should explore the issue of public finance. Citizens have the responsibility to pay taxes and have the right to enjoy public services. They also need to understand the constraints on government as well as the short term and long term economic and social impact of public finance.
The majority want government to tax less and spend more. However, in order to develop into rational and responsible citizens, students must be able to analyse the standpoints of various stakeholders towards public finance. In the extended part, students would further explore an element of public finance, namely Hong Kong’s aging population. They are taught that government may not possess the resources to provide social services to a large number of elderly citizens and to consider the significant repercussions of this situation.
After completing this module, students will have a preliminary understanding of the principles of the Government’s financial management. They should be aware of the rights and responsibilities of citizens to enjoy public services and pay taxes. They should be able to identify items of major spending and revenue of the government from relevant sources. In addition, they should also understand the impact of public finance on society and the economy as well as the characteristics of the taxation in Hong Kong and be able to make reasoned comments on government budgeting.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA03
Economic and Social
Consequences of Public Finance of Hong Kong (4 lessons)
- Major items of government revenue and spending - Factors affecting government spending, requirements
of the Basic Law, government revenue and Policy Agenda
- Meeting social needs, re-distributing income and driving for long term economic development through public finance
- The relationship between government and citizens in terms of public finance, including the responsibility of paying taxes and the rights to enjoy social services - Differences between Hong Kong and other
developed countries in taxes and tax rates
- Should HKSAR Government follow public opinion in its spending? Why does the Government adopt the principle of balanced budget?
- Why should I be interested in public finance?
- Why doesn’t the HKSAR Government, with its huge annual surplus, give more money to the poor and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor?
- Why is it that some wealthy countries can provide more welfare benefits to their citizens?
equality, common good, mutuality, human rights and
responsibilities, critical, care and concerned, responsible
33
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and Attitudes EP
REA 03-X
Public Finance in Hong Kong facing an Aging Population
- Effects of aging population on the revenue and spending of the Hong Kong Government
- Possible ways for the Hong Kong Government to finance the housing and medical expenditure of the elderly
- Is the Government making use of the healthcare financing proposal to unburden itself?
34
Core module (13): Economic Performance of Hong Kong
Students have learned that the Hong Kong economy is small and highly externally oriented in General Studies at upper primary level. To strengthen and broaden their understanding, we need to equip them with the skills to describe the economic circumstances of Hong Kong through indicators and graphs.
Students will learn how to comprehend and describe the trends and situations of the economy by making reference to the Gross Domestic Product and other relevant graphs and statistics. From long term data, students should understand that economic uncertainty has a bearing on Hong Kong as a whole, and they need to equip themselves to cope with the changes caused by the economic fluctuations. Students should also be aware of the responsibility of the government to intervene in the market so as to stabilise and develop the economy. In addition, a critical perspective should also be developed so that students are able to discuss the ways and degree of the government intervention in the economy. In view of the keen competition in the region and worldwide, students will learn and explore how the government seeks to maintain and raise the competitiveness of Hong Kong. This is available in the extended part.
After completing this module, students would have an understanding of the economic situation of Hong Kong by interpreting statistical data and graphs. They should be able to identify relevant data and graphs to describe the economic performance of Hong Kong over different periods. Students would also recognise certain past major economic events and be able to make reasoned comments on the role of the HKSAR Government in stabilising and developing the economy.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA04
Ups and Downs of the Hong Kong Economy (4 lessons)
- Indicators on economic performance of Hong Kong, including average salaries, unemployment rates and gross domestic product
- Changes and trends of these indicators in the past decade
- Economic fluctuations closely tied to events happened in the mainland and overseas as Hong Kong is an open and highly externally oriented economy
- Role of the Hong Kong Government in stabilising and developing the economy
- Advantages and disadvantages of government intervention in the economy
- My academic performance is reflected by the examination results, how is the Hong Kong economy reflected?
- Why has my family income not changed over the years?
- Why is the economy of Hong Kong closely linked to the mainland and the USA?
- How can the Government provide relief in times of economic downturn?
- Why do some people support “Big market, Small government” while others opt for a higher degree of intervention on the economy?
rationality, enterprise, creative, positive, confident, diligent, clean
35
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and Attitudes EP
REA 04-X
Hong Kong’s Competitiveness and Sustainable Economic Development
- Factors affecting the competitiveness of an economy - In the era of knowledge economy, as a special
administrative region of the mainland and an international city, how Hong Kong enhances its competitiveness
- Ways to ensure sustainable economic development in Hong Kong
- According to some worldwide and regional research, is Hong Kong the most competitive city in the world?
- How can we maintain and enhance the
competitiveness of Hong Kong?
- How can we ensure the sustainable development of the Hong Kong economy?
36
Core module (14): Labour Market of Hong Kong
The labour market in Hong Kong is directly affected by the state of the economy. Economic downturn renders employment conditions difficult and workers’
incomes and living standards drop. Students need to learn how to analyse basic statistical figures to understand the Hong Kong economy, for instance, why unemployment occurs to a certain group of people and how their employment situation can be improved. Apart from that, students should also study personal and social factors leading to low income among some groups. In an era of fast development and keen competition, knowledge and skills quickly become outdated, and economic activity shifts. Students have to be aware of the crisis ahead and possible ways to raise one’s competitiveness to cope with the development in the future. In the extended part, students will learn about measures which protect the rights of labour, especially the protection of salary.
Students also explore the issue of minimum wage from different perspectives, and develop skills of logical thinking and objective evaluation.
After completing this module, students should be able to analyse statistics in relation to the labour market, for an understanding of the employment in Hong Kong. In addition, students should also realise the difficulties facing the unemployed and labour with low income, and to make justified analysis and judgement on employment issues and policies.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA05
Employment and Income of Labour in Hong Kong
(3 lessons)
- Analyse recent employment situation in Hong Kong by referring to statistical figures, including
unemployment rates and age groups with relatively high unemployment rates
- Characteristics of people with difficulty in employment, including qualifications and socioeconomic background
- Personal and social factors that make it difficult for them to be employed
- Ways to enhance worker competitiveness - Personal abilities, aptitude, job nature and social
factors that affect wages
- Is it easy for Hong Kong people to find a job? Why are more and more people willing to work in the mainland?
- Why do some people receive a high salary while others cannot find a job no matter how hard they have tried?
EP REA 06-X
Protection for Labour in Hong Kong
- Effects of minimum wage law on different types of workers
- Protection for workers provided by Labour Legislation and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme in Hong Kong
- Is there any protection for local workers? Does Government help them in case of unemployment, injuries at work or and retirement?
independence, enterprise, equal
opportunities, care and concerned, positive, diligent, with a desire to learn
37
Core module (15): An Overview of the Chinese Economy
Hong Kong economy is closely tied to that of the mainland. Each cooperates and complements each other but at the same time they are also competitors. The jobs of Hong Kong people will be highly correlated to the mainland in the future. More and more Hong Kong people may have to work in the mainland. To enhance student adaptability, a deeper understanding of the Chinese economy is a must. It is difficult for junior form students, who are beginners to the study of our country’s economy, to study such a huge economy with diversified sectors. Therefore, it is suggested that they start with the macro-economy of the mainland. Students have learned about Gross Domestics Product (GDP) in the topic of ‘Ups and Downs of Hong Kong Economy’, they can now compare the GDP and per capita GDP of China with other countries, to determine the level of economic development of the mainland in the world. Through an analysis of the GDP of the Chinese economy, students will also evaluate the relative importance of primary, secondary and tertiary industries. In the extended part, students will identify certain important industries of the mainland and study its economic development from another perspective.
After completing this module, students should be able to understand the macro-economy and the development trend of the three strata of industry of the Chinese economy by reference to macroeconomic data.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA06
Macro-economy of the Mainland (2 lessons)
- Evaluate the economic development of the mainland
y Compare the Gross Domestic Product, per capita Gross Domestic Product and other indicators of the mainland with that of other developed countries
- Definitions of the three strata of industry - Evaluate the relative importance of primary,
secondary and tertiary industries
y Compare their gross output values and number of employed persons
- Is our country the second largest economy in the world? Is the economy of the mainland developed?
- Is the mainland an agricultural society? Which sector should the mainland give priority to?
EP REA 06-X
Industrial Sector of the Mainland
- Major industries, and their features, of the mainland with reference to gross output values and number of employed persons
- Is the mainland a ‘world factory’ which merely producing low-tech and light consumer goods?
rationality, enterprise, interdependence, with a respect for evidence
38
Core module (16): Role of Chinese Government in the Economy
Our country practises socialist market economy. The Central People’s Government has a detailed plan on economic development. Regulatory policies are proposed frequently to ensure its implementation. These planning and regulatory policies impact both the mainland and Hong Kong. Students not only have to understand the economic situations of the mainland through statistical analysis, but also through policies and plans of the Chinese Government. Students need to be aware of the ministries, commissions and organizations which are responsible for the formulation of important economic policies, and their ways of regulating the economy. In the extended part, students will learn the role of state-owned enterprises as important organizations for the implementation of the economic policies, and how it differs in objective from private enterprises.
After completing this module, students should be able to identify the major ministries, commissions and organizations responsible for the economic affairs of the mainland, and their functions and ways of managing the economy. They should also be able to understand the economic situation of the mainland through interpreting the economic policies.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA07
Economic Planning and Regulation of the Chinese Government (2 lessons)
- Ministries, commissions and organizations responsible for making major economic policies - Ways of regulating the economy by the Chinese Government, including administrative commands and market driven policies
- Who is in charge of the economy of the mainland?
- How do the ministries, commissions and organizations concerned handle problems arising from the economy? Why do many countries admire the efficiency of economic construction in the mainland?
EP REA 07-X
State-owned Enterprises and Private
Enterprises on the Mainland
- Definitions and examples of state-owned enterprises and private enterprise
- Evaluate the relative importance of state-owned enterprises and private enterprises in the Chinese economy
y Compare their number of enterprises, output values and assets
- Roles of state-owned enterprises in the Chinese economy
- Do state-owned enterprises or private enterprises lead economic development in the mainland?
- Why doesn’t the Chinese Government turn all state-owned enterprises into private enterprises?
rationality, enterprise, confident, interdependence, with a respect for evidence
39
Core module (17): Regional Economic Development of the Mainland
Due to the large number of sectors of the Chinese economy, to grasp the trend of economic development is not an easy task. Students of junior forms may start with the economic development of some key regions. The Yangtze River Delta region / Changjiang Delta region, led by Shanghai, will be one of the focuses of the economic development of the mainland in the foreseeable future. Students can understand the important trend of the economic development of the mainland by investigating in the general situation, and the achievements and plans of the financial, industrial and commercial sectors in the Yangtze River Delta region / Changjiang Delta region. The challenges and opportunities before Hong Kong by such development will also be explored. In the extended part, students will investigate the policy of revolutionising Guangdong’s manufacturing sector and learn more about the limitations facing the manufacturing industry in the province following the reform and opening up 30 years ago, and the impact of the policy on the manufacturing industry in the mainland and in the economy of Hong Kong.
After completing this module, students should be able to identify the development trends in different aspects of some regions in the mainland, and objectively analyse their impact on the economy of Hong Kong.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA08
Economic Development of Regions:
Yangtze River Delta Region / Changjiang Delta Region (2 lessons)
- Recent plans, achievements and difficulties faced by the Yangtze River Delta region / Changjiang Delta region in developing its industries, and financial, business and logistic services
- Opportunities and challenges facing Hong Kong due to the development of the Yangtze River Delta region / Changjiang Delta region
- How does Hong Kong cope with competition from the Yangtze River Delta region / Changjiang Delta region?
EP REA 08-X
“Industrial Shift”
of Guangdong
- Constraints to industrial development facing Guangdong after 30 years of reform and opening up, and the “industrial shift” policy put forward by the Guangdong government
- Effects of “industrial shift” on Hong Kong and other stakeholders
- What is the policy of “teng long huan niao” (empty the bird cage for new birds to settle down)? What is its impact on Hong Kong?
rationality, enterprise, confident, interdependence, with a respect for evidence
40
Core module (18): International Financial Centre
Being an international city, Hong Kong enjoys an advantageous position in economic development, however, its economic performance highly fluctuates according to external factors. Although there are voices proposing the development of new industries for a more balanced and diversified economy, financial sector is expected to remain the pillar of the Hong Kong economy for the foreseeable future. The financial sector contributes to Hong Kong’s prosperity, and provides job particularly to students. Students should study the features of an international financial centre, and the impact on the local economy and livelihood of Hong Kong being an international financial centre, so as to understand the importance of maintaining the present status for Hong Kong. Facing competition from other Asian cities to become international financial centre, students have to realise the underlying challenges and crisis facing Hong Kong and at the same time considering possible solutions. In the extended part, students will learn about the economic functions of a financial market over and above investment and speculation. Apart from that, they should be aware of the importance of balancing risks and investment returns, which constitutes the preliminary training for investors.
After completing this module, students will have learned the factors making Hong Kong an international financial centre, the background to its creation and its impact on the local economy and society. In addition, they should also be aware of the importance of maintaining the status of international financial centre for Hong Kong, and be able to comment on it.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
REA09
Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre (4 lessons)
- Features of international financial centre
- Reasons for Hong Kong developing to become an international financial centre
- Effects of being an international financial centre on the Hong Kong economy and people livelihood - The importance of strengthening the position of
Hong Kong as an international financial centre, the problems faced and possible solutions
- Is Hong Kong an international financial centre? What are the similarities and differences between Hong Kong and other international financial centres like New York, London and Tokyo?
- Why was the manufacturing industry in Hong Kong gradually replaced by the financial services sector in the 1980’s?
- Who benefits from Hong Kong being an international financial centre? Will the economy collapse if Hong Kong loses this position?
- Hong Kong is a mature international financial centre, should it fear challenges brought by Singapore and Shanghai?
- Are clean, honesty and integrity essential criteria for Hong Kong to remain an international financial centre?
rationality, enterprise, confident, clean
41