Action for the Future – Career-oriented Studies and the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools

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Action for the Future – Career-oriented Studies and

the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools

Education and Manpower Bureau

August 2006

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Message from Secretary for Education and Manpower

A 3-month consultation on Career-oriented Studies (COS) and new senior secondary (NSS) academic structure for special schools was launched in January 2006 to gather views and feedback from stakeholders. The response was encouraging and we would like to express our gratitude to all those who have sent in their feedback or expressed their views during the consultation.

There is support from the school sector for the purpose and position of COS in providing a diversified pathway for students under NSS. For better positioning of COS under NSS and understanding of parents and the community, a new name “Applied Learning” will be used as a general term for all COS courses.

We have received wide support for the proposed quality assurance framework.

Steps will be taken to ensure the quality and promote the recognition of COS. In addition, we are committed to providing professional development programmes to support the implementation of COS.

In the area of special education, the proposed academic structure of special schools is in general well received. There is strong support for one curriculum framework for all with adaptations. To provide insights on curriculum contents, resources and manpower requirements, research and development projects will be conducted in the coming years. Our aim is to enable students with special educational needs to stretch their potential to the full and to achieve as much independence as possible so that they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the community.

This report summarises the concerns and feedback received and charts the way forward for the implementation of COS and the NSS academic structure of special schools. It is only a beginning. We will continue our dialogue with stakeholders and take forward the recommendations set out in this report.

Successful implementation of COS and NSS academic structure for special schools hinges on the concerted effort and collaboration of all members of the community. With joint effort and commitment, we can create a better future for our younger generation.

Professor Arthur K.C. Li

Secretary for Education and Manpower

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Acronyms

BCA Basic Competence Assessment

BECG Basic Education Curriculum Guide C&A Curriculum and Assessment CDC Curriculum Development Council CDI Curriculum Development Institute CEG Capacity Enhancement Grant

COC Career-oriented Curriculum (pilot of the Career-oriented Studies)

COS Career-oriented Studies

CSSA Comprehensive Social Security Assistance

DLG Diversity Learning Grant

EMB Education and Manpower Bureau EYE Extension of Years of Education

HI Hearing Impaired

HKALE Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

HKCAA Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation HKCEE Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination HKDSE Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

HKEAA Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

ID Intellectual Disabilities

IEP Individualised Education Programme

KLAs Key Learning Areas

LOF Learning Outcomes Framework

NGOs Non-governmental Organisations

NSS New Senior Secondary

OEBG Operating Expenses Block Grant OLE Other Learning Experiences

PD Physically Disabled

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PDP Professional Development Programmes

PYJ Project Yi Jin

QA Quality Assurance

QF Qualifications Framework

R&D Research and Development S1/2/3/4/5/6/7 Secondary 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

SCS Specification of Competency Standards SEN Special Educational Needs

SFAA Student Financial Assistance Agency SLP Student Learning Profile

SRA Standards-referenced Assessment

SS1/2/3 Senior Secondary 1/2/3

SSCG Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide

STG Substitute Teacher Grant

SWD Social Welfare Department

TPPG Teacher Professional Preparation Grant TRG Teacher Relief Grant

VI Visually Impaired

VTC Vocational Training Council

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Executive Summary

Career-oriented Studies (COS)

Purpose and Position of COS in the New Senior Secondary Curriculum

• COS courses share the common aim of the school curriculum with other core and elective subjects, i.e. of laying a sound foundation for further learning. COS courses also provide a setting for students to develop the necessary values and attitudes for their adult life.

• COS courses are not intended to be a pre-vocational curriculum. Rather, COS courses are designed to achieve as many of the five essential learning experiences¹ as possible, and will include the generic skills² that underpin Hong Kong’s curriculum framework.

• It is intended that a new name ‘Applied Learning’ (應用學習) will be introduced in the 2006-08 cohort of piloting to better position COS under “334” and signal more clearly its purpose.

• When “334” commences, it is expected that the school curriculum and the way it is taught and assessed will address the full range of student abilities and interests, and the need for Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project will be substantially reduced and they will possibly be made redundant. The programme designed for all students under “334” in fact incorporates some of the strengths which underpin the Collaboration Project.

The Curriculum Design of Career-oriented Studies

• COS is intended to diversify and enrich the curriculum offered in senior secondary schooling, and is not intended to compete with the NSS subjects.

• The proposed COS curriculum framework will emphasise foundation skills, thinking skills, people skills, values and attitudes, and career-related competencies in order to prepare students for further studies and/or for work as well as for life-long learning.

1 The five essential learning experiences include moral and civic education, intellectual development, community service, physical and aesthetic development and career-related experiences.

2 The generic skills are communication skills, critical thinking skills, creativity, collaboration skills, information technology skills, numeracy skills, problem-solving skills, self-management skills and study skills.

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Course Provision and Guidance for Students

• The initial year of the senior secondary schooling is a foundation year preparing students to make informed choices of elective subjects for SS2 and SS3.

• To enable students to benefit fully from the diverse learning opportunities, career guidance to students should be provided as an integral part of NSS curriculum to nurture students’ personal growth.

• To ensure manageable implementation and quality, EMB will exercise control over the number of courses, providers and students.

• It is possible for schools to be specialist providers of COS, provided that they have the capacity to design, deliver and provide the venue and resources for COS courses within one or more of the six areas of studies, and are supported by the industry, the professions and relevant workplaces. Schools would need to be supported by their stakeholders, meet the quality assurance requirements and be approved by EMB.

Recognition of and Quality Assurance for COS

• In the longer term, the preparatory COS committee will be re-constituted as a Functional Committee of the Curriculum Development Council (CDC). A CDC-HKEAA Committee will be set up for each area of studies which will be jointly serviced by Curriculum Development Institute (CDI) and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). Members will be drawn from schools, the tertiary sector, Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) and relevant industries and professions.

• Applied learning within COS courses will be assessed in authentic contexts that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills. The assessment will balance the continuous assessment conducted throughout the duration of the course with end-of-module or end-of-course assessments.

• The assessments will be carried out by the tertiary providers, and in some cases will be conducted within the schools. Tertiary providers will apply their existing professional assessment practices to COS to ensure that they are up to standard. HKEAA will moderate the assessments to ensure that the standards are consistent among different classes and across the years.

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• The relationship between COS qualifications and Standards-referenced Assessment (SRA) levels of the NSS subjects, especially the SRA level which will match the ‘attainment’ or ‘competency level’ standards for COS, will be the subject of further investigation in the pilots that will continue for three further cohorts until “334” commences in 2009/10.

• Transcripts for all subjects, including COS, in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) will clearly set out the attainment standards of students with appropriate descriptors and facilitate the articulation of COS to the Qualifications Framework.

Professional Development of COS Teachers

• Principal leadership is essential in establishing applied learning as a sustainable and valued pathway for students. Careers teachers also play an active role. By engaging with tertiary providers, they can gain insights to give sound advice and guidance to students.

• EMB is committed to supporting secondary teachers who are willing and able to teach COS courses in partnership or collaboration with tertiary providers. The focus of professional development is on teaching competence in practice, and teachers are responsible for acquiring the relevant subject knowledge and expertise.

• The Teacher Professional Preparation Grant (TPPG) is available from the 2005/06 school year for four years to schools that offer new senior secondary classes. The Grant is to help teachers, including Career Masters and Mistresses, prepare for the implementation of new curriculum.

Funding for Career-oriented Studies

• The shared funding model is confirmed, for parents, schools and the Government to share the costs.

• The guiding principle is that students should not, for financial reasons, be deterred from choosing any programme in senior secondary which matches their interests, aspirations and aptitude.

• The options for the funding model will be explored in the pilots.

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New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools

Academic Structure of Special Schools

• With the implementation of New Senior Secondary (NSS), students with special educational needs (SEN), like their counterparts in ordinary schools, will receive six years of secondary education.

• The academic structure of the school for the visually impaired (VI) will be maintained up to junior secondary level.

• 10 years of basic education will be provided for the hearing impaired (HI) and the physically disabled (PD) students pursuing ordinary school curriculum to better prepare them for the 3-year senior secondary education leading to Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE).

• Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) will be provided with 3 years of junior secondary education and 3 years of senior secondary education.

• The academic structure of schools for social development will be extended by 3 years to cover senior secondary education. For those students who are ready for integrating back to ordinary schools, school placement service will be provided.

• The hospital education service in the senior secondary levels will be tried out from the 2006/07 school year onwards.

Development of Curriculum and Assessment Framework

• Students with SEN but not ID should aim at achieving the same curricular objective for NSS, and will be assessed on the same criteria but with special accommodations.

• For students with ID, the curriculum will be adapted to meet the specific needs of students.

• EMB will conduct Research and Development (R&D) projects from the 2006/07 to 2008/09 school years jointly with schools and local and overseas experts in ID to work out the NSS curriculum framework for students with ID (NSS(ID) curriculum) and the related learning outcomes.

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• The R&D projects will inform schools and parents of the requirements and expectations of the students upon completing the 6-year secondary education, identify and specify learning goals and contents, develop practicable assessment procedures and also shed light on the resources and manpower requirements for the effective implementation of NSS(ID).

(A) The NSS(ID) Curriculum

• The R&D projects will be implemented in 3 phases.

(a) Phase 1 (the 2006/07 school year): to trial run the broad curriculum framework for core subjects.

(b) Phase 2 (2nd term of the 2006/07 school year): to trial run the broad curriculum framework for elective subjects.

(c) Phase 3 (the 2007/08 – 2008/09 school years): to refine the curriculum framework for the core, elective subjects and Other Learning Experiences (OLE) for the production of the C&A Guides of the NSS(ID) curriculum.

• The C&A Guides of core subjects and elective subjects of the NSS(ID) curriculum will be completed by 2008 and mid-2009 respectively. A learning needs continuum at different Key Stages will be drawn up to pave way for the possible development of systemic assessment for students with ID.

• The development of systemic assessment for students with ID in collaboration with HKEAA is expected to begin by 2012 the earliest. Extensive consultation with stakeholders in the special education sector will be conducted during the development process.

• A Senior Secondary Curriculum Guide (SSCG) will be available to all schools in December 2006 to provide guidance for schools to develop a whole-school curriculum relevant to the needs of students and to deliver effective learning and teaching. Supplements to the Basic Education Curriculum Guide (BECG) and SSCG will be prepared to help teachers make adaptation to suit the diverse learning needs of students with reference to the priority and emphasis of the school curriculum.

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(B) The Position of Adapted COS in the NSS(ID) Curriculum

• The adapted COC pilot for students with ID will commence in September/October 2006. The first cohort of piloting (2006-08) will only involve students with mild or higher-end moderate grade ID.

• EMB will work in collaboration with the service providers to explore the possibility of offering a wider range of adapted COC courses for students with SEN including students with ID.

• EMB will coordinate with service providers to ensure better articulation and consult schools on the mode of delivery and proper deployment of manpower and resources in piloting the adapted COC courses for students with SEN.

(C) Assessment

• The development of the Learning Outcomes Framework (LOF) for students with ID will start in the 2007/08 school year capitalising on the experiences gained from the R&D projects. The initial LOF will pave way for the preparatory work for the development of systemic assessment to be commenced in 2012.

• Extensive consultation with stakeholders in the special education sector will be conducted during the developmental process.

• For the IEP to become an effective learning and assessment strategy, teachers, relevant professionals and parents should be involved to agree on students’

learning priorities, methodologies and assessment criteria.

Professional Development Opportunities

• School Leaders Workshops for special schools – Tailor-made workshops for functional heads and school supervisors of special schools will be conducted in October 2006 for the development of school plan for NSS and management of change at the school level.

• Middle Managers Workshops for special schools – A series of workshops for middle managers focusing on collaboration in curriculum and assessment change, managing changes, coping with uncertainties and stress.

• Other PD programmes – Assessment for learning, IEP, curriculum management, professional knowledge for all teachers, strengthening professional capacity in basic education, and sharing of experiences and good practices in R&D projects.

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• Initial teacher education – To ensure the most suitable programmes for pre-service teachers through close communication with teacher education providers.

Quality Assurance and Exit Pathways for the Implementation of NSS Education in Special Schools

• Students with SEN capable of pursuing advanced education at tertiary institutes will not be deprived of their chance because of their disabilities. There will also be suitable modifications to learning facilities and assessment where necessary to ensure equal opportunity in education.

• EMB will coordinate with relevant service providers, e.g. Vocational Training Council (VTC), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in their future course/programme design to facilitate articulation with the learning objectives of the adapted COS courses.

• EMB will work in collaboration with relevant parties to arrange structured attachment programmes to better prepare students with ID for supported employment and/or open employment after NSS.

• EMB will explore further with relevant parties concerned on opportunities for school leavers in continuous learning/training, employment and independent adult life in the run up to NSS.

Resource Considerations

• Additional resources have been earmarked for NSS in special schools to cater for the potential demand for additional number of classes in special schools and the requirements of the NSS curriculum.

• EMB will evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these supporting measures, and the management of existing resources allocated to special schools.

• More flexibility in supporting measures will be considered for various categories of special schools in order to meet the diversified needs of students in special schools.

Special Schools Offering Ordinary Curriculum

• Special schools offering ordinary curriculum under the NSS shall receive similar

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resources like TPPG and tailored professional development programmes to be allocated to their counterparts in the ordinary sector.

• Taking into account the small number of senior secondary classes, special schools should explore the feasibility of collaboration and sharing resources with other special schools and/or ordinary schools in the vicinity to provide a wider range of NSS courses for their students.

• EMB will discuss with relevant school sponsoring bodies the viable class structure and elective subjects to offer for students in their special schools.

Special Schools Offering NSS(ID) Curriculum

• Experiences generated from the R&D projects on NSS(ID) curriculum commencing in the 2006/07 school year would help inform recommendations on resource support. Proposals on resource support will be worked out during Phase 3 of the R&D projects in the 2008/09 school year.

School Fees, Boarding Service and Boarding Fees

• Students in both ordinary and special schools at the same level of study will pay the same level of school fees for senior secondary classes. The current policy is to set fees at 18% of the unit cost of secondary education.

• Two new boarding sections, one in New Territory East and another in New Territory West, are proposed to be established to cater for the demand of students with PD for boarding service.

• EMB will continue discussing with stakeholders fee adjustment to recover a reasonable portion of the government expenditure with reference to the unit cost of a boarding place.

• Parents with financial difficulties may apply for fee remission.

The Way Forward

• We will continue our dialogue with stakeholders and take forward the recommendations set out in this report.

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1.2 As foreshadowed in the report The New Academic Structure for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education – Action Plan for Investing in the Future of Hong Kong (the Action Plan) published in May 2005, the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) launched further consultation on COS and the NSS academic structure for special schools on 24 January 2006.

1.3 The Consultation Document Action for the Future – Further Consultation on Career-oriented Studies and the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools covered the purpose and position of COS in the senior secondary curriculum, how quality can be assured and recognition given to student achievement in COS, how the current piloting can benefit future developments, how COS will be funded in the long-term, and how schools and teachers can be better prepared to provide the COS courses. It also reiterated the Government’s position on special education, and the proposed way forward for the implementation of NSS in special schools, including a NSS curriculum for students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The public was invited to submit their views by 24 April 2006.

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Consultation Process and Feedback

Dissemination Activities

1.4 Over 2000 copies of the Consultation Document were issued during the three-month consultation period. Members of the public were also invited to visit the “334” Web Bulletin (http://www.emb.gov.hk/334) to view the Consultation Document. EMB officers appeared on several television and radio programmes during the period to introduce the proposals. A total of 54 written submissions (26 for COS and 28 for special education) were received.

Interactive Activities

1.5 In addition, EMB organised a total of 58 forums and briefings (45 on COS and 13 on special education) to explain the proposals in detail and to collect feedback from various groups of stakeholders, including principals, teachers, school sponsoring bodies, advisory committees in the areas of education and manpower, school councils / educational bodies, Legislative Councillors, District Councillors, course providers of Career-oriented Curriculum (COC), tertiary institutions, non-government organisations (NGOs), professional bodies, students and their parents. There were about 2,800 participants.

1.6 EMB also conducted two questionnaire surveys on COS and special education respectively to collect the views of principals and teachers. A summary of the survey findings is provided in Appendices 1 and 2.

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Organisation of the Report

1.7 There are four parts in this report. Part I (Chapter 1) is an introduction that sets out the background of the further consultation on COS and the NSS academic structure for special schools. Part II (Chapters 2 - 7) focuses on COS.

It outlines and discusses various issues including purpose and position, curriculum, course provision and guidance for students, recognition and quality assurance, professional development and funding.

1.8 Part III (Chapters 8 - 12) focuses on special education. It covers the academic structure of special schools, curriculum and assessment framework, professional development, quality assurance and exit pathways, and resources.

Part IV (Chapter 13) presents how the concerted effort of all stakeholders will contribute to the planning and development of COS and the curriculum for students with special educational needs (SEN), the critical milestones and communication between the Government and the public.

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Chapter 2 Purpose and Position of COS in the New Senior Secondary Curriculum

2.1 COS has been introduced into the senior secondary schooling to diversify the learning opportunities available to students. It is intended that students of varying abilities, particularly those who will benefit from a strong practical orientation in their learning, should gain from COS to enrich their learning experiences. This orientation can be extended to the learning and assessment of core subjects of the languages, Mathematics and Liberal Studies.

Summary of the Proposals in the Consultation Document

2.2 COS will be an integral part of the NSS curriculum, complementing the 24 NSS subjects by offering studies with stronger elements of applied learning linked to broad professional and vocational fields. COS courses will be designed to challenge students and provide progression options in both academic and career directions.

2.3 Exposure to and experience in the world of work will be embedded in the entire NSS school curriculum, supported by career advice and pastoral guidance, and will not be confined to the formal study of COS. However, COS courses offer specific applied contexts and content and they are designed to engage and motivate students who learn best by doing rather than conceptualising.

2.4 The Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project will be subsumed under the NSS academic structure when the latter is implemented. In other words, the last cohort of students to participate in the Collaboration Project will be in the 2009/10 school year. From the 2010/11 school year onwards, the successful elements of the Collaboration Project will be incorporated into the NSS curriculum whereby the vocational modules of the Collaboration Project will be replaced by COS courses.

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2.5 As nomenclature is important in establishing the purpose and positioning, the public were also invited to consider the best name for courses to reflect their objectives.

(A) Purpose and Position of COS Support

2.6 The respondents to the questionnaire for schools strongly support the purpose and position of COS in diversifying the curriculum and offering articulation pathways to students. About 40% of schools indicated that they would offer COS courses in NSS to meet students’ diversified learning needs and a significant number of students expressed interests in taking applied learning courses.

2.7 Various stakeholders, including schools and NGOs, agree that COS courses are well positioned to attract students of different abilities. In addition, others agree that COS can offer choices to meet students’ individual needs and interests, benefiting particularly those who learn better through applying their learning in practical contexts. Employers and professional bodies in particular applaud the preparation which the COC pilots have provided for the successful introduction of COS in “334”.

Concerns

2.8 Some principals and teachers remain uncertain about the difference between vocational training and COS. They are concerned that COS may place too much emphasis on vocational training and practical skills. Some have advocated the retention of the Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project to provide an alternative qualification for some students. Moreover, given the variety of providers and courses, parents may find it difficult to understand fully the implications of COS.

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The Way Forward

2.9 The Curriculum and Assessment (C&A) Framework currently being developed for COS stresses that COS courses share the common aim of the school curriculum with other core and elective subjects, i.e. laying a sound foundation for further learning. COS courses also provide a setting for students to develop the necessary values and attitudes for their adult life.

2.10 Applied learning builds on the eight Key learning Areas (KLAs) of the school curriculum by providing students with contexts which have meaning in their daily lives. For example, students studying cosmetology acquire knowledge about Biology as it relates to human physiology, muscular systems, skin structure and related diseases and disorder; and knowledge about Chemistry when they understand the reactions and safe use of chemicals in beauty treatment.

2.11 Similarly, students learn values and attitudes in contexts, such as the importance of honesty and integrity when handling money from companies or investors in the area of study of business, management and law, or the importance of intellectual property rights in the area of study of creative studies.

2.12 Both the C&A Framework and the criteria used for selecting the courses emphasise that COS courses are not intended to be a pre-vocational curriculum.

Rather, COS courses are designed to achieve as many of the five essential learning experiences¹ as possible, and will include the generic skills² that underpin Hong Kong’s curriculum framework. Course selection looks for this balance of depth and breadth in the curriculum.

1 The five essential learning experiences include moral and civic education, intellectual development, community service, physical and aesthetic development and career-related experiences.

2 The generic skills are communication skills, critical thinking skills, creativity, collaboration skills, information technology skills, numeracy skills, problem-solving skills, self-management skills and study skills.

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2.13 COS courses aim to benefit students of all abilities and interests. For example, the area of Applied Science can be relevant to students who are interested in healthcare profession, and the area of Business, Management and Law can be valuable to students who want to go into the field of finance or banking.

2.14 While the courses emphasise applied skills, these skills are supported by knowledge. Evaluation of the pilots shows that students often under-estimated the extent of theory work that a typical COS course requires. They expected far less theory and classroom-based activities because of a wrong assumption that the course consisted only of practical activities.

2.15 A balanced learning programme which supports whole-person development comes from the entire school programme and its approach to schooling, and is not only a responsibility of COS. This understanding is part of the changed mindset that “334” aims to promote.

(B) Nomenclature of COS Support

2.16 The respondents to the questionnaire for schools generally support the current name for these studies, namely ‘Career-oriented Studies - COS’. However, a wide range of alternative names are suggested by different stakeholders to better reflect the purpose and position of COS in senior secondary education.

Concerns

2.17 Many respondents feel that another name would signal more clearly the purpose of COS as an alternative approach to learning and avoid the connotation of pre-vocational training.

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2.18 The range of names suggested includes Applied Learning (e.g. 應用學習, 應用學習教育, 應用課程, 應用科學課程, 應用導向教育, 應用為本教育, 實用導向教育 , 實用學科 , 實用學科教育 , 實習應用科 , 實境學習課程 ), Professional Studies (e.g. 專業教育課程, 專業認知課程, 專業學習, 專業技能教育, 專業拓展教育, 專業培訓, 專業發展教育, 專科教育課程入門, 專職課程), Career Studies (e.g. 事業體驗教育, 事業探究課程, 事業發展教育, 事業為本教育, 事業訓練課程, 職業探究課程, 職業體驗/探索, 職業體驗教育, 職業教育, 職業訓練課程, 職業相關課程, 職業浮標教育, 工作導向及體驗教育, 行業導向, 生涯導向教育, 生涯規劃教育, 生命藍圖描繪教育), and Diversified Studies (e.g. 多元化學習課程, 多元導向教育, 多元選修課程, 多元智能課程, 繽紛課程, 展能學習, 才藝為本學習).

The Way Forward

2.19 COS is currently used as an umbrella term for the six ‘areas of studies’ and the variety of individual ‘courses’ within each area. While there was reasonably wide acceptance of the current name of ‘COS’, EMB concurs that there are significant advantages in changing the name to better position COS under “334”

and signal its purpose to parents and the community. A new name ‘Applied Learning’ (應用學習) will distinguish these courses from the current pilots and from the curriculum offered by the previous pre-vocational secondary schools. It is intended that this new name will be introduced in the 2006-08 cohort of piloting.

(C) Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project Concerns

2.20 Some schools, tertiary providers and educational bodies advocate retaining the Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project when “334” commences.

Others are concerned about the difficulty in developing applied learning and

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teaching packages for the core subjects (Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies), particularly when only a small number of students will be involved in the Collaboration Project.

The Way Forward

2.21 The Yi Jin / Secondary Schools Collaboration Project is based on the curriculum of the Project Yi Jin (PYJ), which was designed as a second chance programme for school leavers and mature students. The Collaboration Project migrated that curriculum into secondary schools to provide an alternate programme for students who were not succeeding in the mainstream schooling.

2.22 Evaluation shows that the safety net provided by the Collaboration Project has been valuable for a targeted group of students. However, when “334”

commences, it is expected that the school curriculum and the way it is taught and assessed will address the full range of student abilities and interests, and the need for an alternate programme will be substantially reduced and the programme will possibly be redundant. The programme designed for all students under “334” in fact incorporates some of the strengths which underpin the Collaboration Project.

2.23 Over time the core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies will use the applied contexts offered by COS to support alternative learning and teaching. For example the ‘Learning English through Workplace Communication’ in English Language provides such a context.

This development will not happen overnight, but it will evolve naturally as the implementation of “334” matures.

2.24 In the meantime, EMB will continue to monitor the implementation of

“334”, and use the feedback and experiences of the Collaboration Project to inform the learning, teaching and assessment of the NSS curriculum. If a further safety net is needed under “334”, this will be addressed.

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(D) Negative Labelling of COS Concerns

2.25 Most stakeholders, including schools, professional bodies and District Councillors, etc. agree that it is important to avoid labelling COS as an option only for inferior students.

The Way Forward

2.26 The effect of negative labelling will be addressed by ensuring that COS courses can meet the full range of student abilities. All courses will recognise exceptional performance by the award of ‘attainment with distinction’. The majority of courses will have outcomes and learning demands that fit Level 3 of the Qualifications Framework (QF). Some will have learning outcomes and requirements set at Level 2.

2.27 “334” will offer a balanced programme of core subjects, electives, and OLE that lead to whole-person development of students. Applied learning will be an integral part of the curriculum of “334”, and will take on various forms and significance in different subjects or KLAs.

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Chapter 3 The Curriculum Design of Career-oriented Studies

3.1 COS is designed to widen the learning opportunities for students in the last two years of their senior secondary schooling (i.e. SS2 and SS3) in environments that complement the school.

3.2 The areas of studies in COS will be designed according to the principles of balance, coherence, articulation and responsiveness to provide a sound learning platform for students.

3.3 COS courses will be offered in six areas of studies: (1) Applied Science; (2) Business, Management and Law; (3) Creative Studies; (4) Engineering and Production; (5) Media and Communication; and (6) Services. To ensure the quality and consistency of standards, the number of courses offered under each area will be kept within a manageable limit through rigorous screening.

3.4 The core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies will be taught and assessed in flexible ways to accommodate different styles of learning, but will employ the same curriculum framework and expected learning outcomes.

Support

3.5 The respondents to the questionnaire for schools strongly support the design principles set down for COS. There is also substantial support for developing a C&A Framework as the basis for designing and quality assuring COS courses.

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3.6 The six areas of studies and the idea of continuously updating COS courses according to the social, economic and technological needs of Hong Kong were widely supported. A number of employers and professional bodies indicated that they would assist in the implementation of COS by offering advice on course design and practical support for work experience.

(A) Relationship with Other Electives Concerns

3.7 A few principals feel that learning experiences provided by COS courses should belong to the category of OLE and should not compete with traditional subjects. They also consider that the relatively short-lived nature of the courses meant that they are a drain on resources. By contrast, some parents involved in the current COC pilots feel that students should only be allowed to take COC courses in addition to the languages and Mathematics in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE).

The Way Forward

3.8 COS is intended to diversify and enrich the curriculum offered in senior secondary schooling, and is not intended to compete with the NSS subjects.

3.9 Under NSS, the four core subjects will remain the essential component of a balanced learning programme. The skills and knowledge acquired by students in these subjects will contribute to student learning in other subjects including COS courses. Students may choose up to 3 electives including COS courses.

3.10 While COS courses will change over time to match changes in the local and global environment, there will be a stable base of skills and knowledge within the six areas of studies. Courses will be quality assured for a minimum of three cohorts and over four years of schooling. While some schools may input into the

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course development, the majority of training resources will come from tertiary providers who are more experienced, flexible and responsive to change.

(B) Work Readiness Concerns

3.11 Some employers and professional bodies (who were under the impression that COS was a pre-vocational curriculum) were concerned that 180 contact hours were insufficient and that COS could not prepare students for employment.

Schools and District Councillors feel that COS should do more to foster values and offer more direct work experience so that the courses are truly practical.

The Way Forward

3.12 While COS is not designed as pre-vocational training, its emphasis on applied learning does support value formation which prepares students to be life-long learners and constructive and productive citizens.

3.13 Surveys of employers show that the most valued skills in the modern workplace are the abilities to communicate, adapt to uncertainty and change, work in teams, solve problems, move across boundaries and cultures, and reflect on and manage oneself. COS courses provide a context for students to develop these skills, e.g. work experience encourages self-discipline, time management and respect for others. Courses are selected according to their abilities to provide authentic contexts and experiences which assist the personal growth of students by stimulating their interests and motivation. In addition, authentic contexts are required for performance-based (‘competency-based’) assessment.

3.14 The diversity of COS is extended to the methods of learning, teaching and assessment, as well as the environments in which the learning takes place. COS will augment the school environment with learning in tertiary institutions, and in

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community organisations and workplaces.

3.15 The curriculum framework for COS is depicted as follows:

Different Vocational Fields as Learning Contexts Foundation Skills Thinking Skills People Skills Values &

Attitudes

Career-related Competencies

• Communication skills (including languages)

• Numeracy

• Information technology

• Problem- solving &

decision- making skills

• Analytical skills

• Creative thinking skills

• Understanding interdependency

& relationships between different areas of studies, societies &

civilisations

• Skills in forming regional/global perspectives on social,

economic &

technological changes

• Self-reflection

& self- management skills

• Interpersonal, collaborative and team working skills

• Honesty &

integrity

• Dependability

& responsibility

• Enthusiasm &

motivation

• Willingness to learn

• Self-confidence

& self-esteem

• Respect for others & for law

& authority

• Skills and knowledge within a vocational field

• Skills and knowledge specific to the course

• Hardware and workplace requirements of a particular vocational field Life-long learning for further studies and/or work

Foundation Skills Thinking Skills People Skills Values & Attitudes

Career-related Competencies

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Chapter 4 Course Provision and Guidance for Students

4.1 Collaborative partnership among schools, tertiary providers and workplaces will provide diverse learning environments for COS, and a range of appropriate teaching focused on authentic experiences and assessment. Schools will need to increase their capacity to support students with advice on and accessibility to available COS courses and the pathways they open to further learning or employment, and ensure students engage in balanced learning programmes.

4.2 In the first year of senior secondary education (SS1), students will receive guidance and advice to explore and better understand their own strengths and interests, preferred learning styles and envisaged pathways for further studies and/or work. Students will be introduced to the range of curriculum choices available to them in SS2 and SS3 and can choose up to three electives including COS.

4.3 The consultation also sought advice on additional ways to give students an overview of COS and other elective choices, and to support them to identify their career aspirations and interests.

4.4 Schools, tertiary providers and workplaces are encouraged to adopt and combine three non-exclusive modes of delivery which involve different degrees of school engagement. In Mode 1³, schools arrange for students to attend courses according to timetables agreed with the tertiary providers. In Mode 2⁴, courses take place mainly in the schools. In Mode 3⁵, schools deliver courses entrusted to them and quality assured by the tertiary providers.

3 Mode 1: Courses take place at the venues of course providers and are taught by the staff of course providers.

Schools should arrange for students to attend the courses according to the timetables agreed with the course providers.

4 Mode 2: Courses take place mainly in schools and are mainly taught by the staff of course providers. Schools are expected to confirm the details of the timetable, venue, equipment, etc. with the course providers.

5 Mode 3: Course providers make arrangements to entrust other institutions including schools to conduct the course on their behalf, but remain responsible for internal quality controls.

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4.5 Off-site delivery, partnership with tertiary providers, networks of schools contributing to classes delivered at a single school, and schools operating as specialist centres or regional providers of COS are ways to maintain cost at a reasonable level.

(A) Commencing COS in SS1 Support

4.6 The respondents to the questionnaire for schools generally agree that COS courses should commence in SS2, with SS1 operating as a foundation year supporting the remaining years of senior secondary schooling.

Concerns

4.7 A minority of stakeholders consider that COS courses should commence in SS1, particularly for high ability students. Some also feel that COS should be mandatory in basic (primary) education, which might also help reduce the negative labelling effect.

The Way Forward

4.8 EMB confirms that the initial year of the senior secondary schooling is a foundation year. Studies in SS1 are not assessed directly for Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and schools can structure SS1 learning programmes flexibly, offering choices and experimentation to support students’

options for the last two years of secondary schooling. Career advice, ‘tasters’ of elective subjects, structured individual student learning plans, and orientation programmes in SS1 can help students make informed choices of elective subjects for SS2 and SS3.

4.9 While career-related experience is one of the five essential learning

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experiences of the school curriculum, it should be embedded in the total learning experience of school education and designed in a way that is suited to the age of the students concerned.

(B) Controlling Provision Support

4.10 There is wide support for collaborative delivery arrangements. Some schools noted that allowing schools to operate COS courses would result in a coverage which would be too broad and unmanageable. They would like to make use of the better facilities and experienced teaching staff of the tertiary providers, instead of installing more facilities in their schools or further burdening their teachers.

Concerns

4.11 School councils / educational bodies suggest capping the number of courses and students to ensure quality, while bringing in more course providers possibly including a few schools as the scale of COS expands in the future.

The Way Forward

4.12 EMB has already been responsible for screening courses and ensuring competitive provision among quality assured providers. It exercises strict control over three critical variables: the numbers of courses, providers and students.

(C) Career Advice and Learning Support Support

4.13 The importance of career guidance is confirmed by schools and educational

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bodies. The professions and employers indicate their interests in providing authentic workplace experiences for students.

Concerns

4.14 Different stakeholders, including principals, teachers, careers teachers, educational bodies, parents and students, are concerned about the need for support services for students to make informed choices for their studies. Some parents think that schools should offer counselling services for course selection or provide career advice to students; others suggest that school should offer advice on academic pathways. It is further suggested that schools should organise seminars on certain courses, invite course tutors to seminars, or invite practitioners to share their experiences.

4.15 Students are equally eager to receive advice on the COS courses and progressive pathways. Many of them think that schools should offer course selection services, but they express a stronger need for advice on the prospect that COS courses could offer. Some also ask for employment counselling services.

The Way Forward

4.16 Career guidance is not simply a service but is an integral part of the NSS curriculum. Students experience personal growth by acquiring knowledge about themselves, and by developing skills that help them identify and manage their careers. Observation to date suggests that only a few schools have vigorously promoted COS as a programme suitable for all students. Instead, many schools have viewed COS as an alternative for lower-ability students. In some cases, the poor selection and recruitment arrangements have led to mismatch of students and COS courses, resulting in low rates of attainment.

4.17 To enable students to benefit fully from the diverse learning opportunities, guidance and advice can be offered through career talks, structured visits,

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workplace-related experiences and ‘taster’ programmes, which can be offered as part of OLE and include short courses selected from the range of courses within the six COS areas of studies.

(D) COS Centres Concerns

4.18 A number of schools have enquired about how they could become specialised centres offering COS.

The Way Forward

4.19 There are three main components of COS provision: the course design, the course delivery, and the course venue and resources. Tertiary providers and schools can offer one or more of these components alone or in partnership. For reasons mentioned in para. 4.22 below, tertiary providers are likely to be the main COS providers in the initial years of implementation of the NSS Academic Structure.

4.20 A cluster of schools cooperating to form a viable COS class for Mode 2 delivery cannot be described as a centre for the three components of provision.

Rather, it is a network to ensure viable student numbers for courses which are designed and mostly delivered by tertiary providers. In principle, schools could cooperate to set up a regional centre for COS provision by supporting a school selected as a central venue with students and resources. This could occur, for instance, where a sponsoring body has multiple schools under its jurisdiction. In practice, this will require significant cooperation and the resolution of timetabling and resource issues amongst schools and course providers.

4.21 A more likely scenario is that tertiary providers will offer the three main components of COS in one or more of the six areas of studies. If demand for COS

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grows, the market may stimulate the establishment of outreach centres to provide regional access to schools, and cut down on student travel time/costs. There are many models for how this may occur in partnership with schools.

4.22 It is possible for individual schools or a network of schools to be specialist providers of COS, if they have the capacity to design, deliver and provide the venue and resources for COS courses within one or more of the six areas of studies, supported by the industry, the professions and relevant workplaces. This will require the school concerned to source non-recurrent funds to hire or purchase the human and physical resources. At present, it seems unlikely that any school has such resources or this range of experience.

4.23 A more realistic approach is for schools to establish networks for Mode 1, or look to Mode 2 where full classes are sustainable. Mode 2 in turn offers a longer term progression to Mode 3 with the guidance and support of tertiary providers. Under such development, schools can gradually become outreach centres of tertiary provider for providing COS courses. More importantly, a school with this pursuit in mind would need to be supported by its stakeholders, meet the quality assurance (QA) requirements and be approved by EMB.

4.24 A small number of schools have developed their own alternative curriculum in response to the gaps they see in the current Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) / Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) environment. In some ways they are forerunners of COS. However, these programmes lack a systematic QA mechanism which provides the recognition necessary for further learning or employment, despite some examples of successful progression for individual students. A characteristic of these courses developed by individual schools is that they are similar to courses in COC pilots in various respects. This provides an opportunity for the schools concerned to utilise the expertise and experience gained to transform their courses into the most relevant quality assured COS through collaboration with a tertiary provider.

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Chapter 5 Recognition of and Quality Assurance for COS

5.1 The quality of COS courses and student attainment will only be recognised if they match the quality and attainment standards of the existing and newly developed NSS subjects. This requires the COS courses to produce learning outcomes that are recognised by employers and further education providers, and verified by the system of assessment they are confident in. The external QA arrangements for COS that are put in place are intended to support these objectives.

5.2 Under the NSS, there will be three levels of performance in the COS courses: ‘unattained’, ‘attainment’, and ‘attainment with distinction’. Students who meet the requirements of the threshold exit level in a COS course will have attained the competency standard and will receive the QF credit points for that achievement.

5.3 The ‘attainment’ (or competence) level set for a COS course will be referenced to Level 2 or 3 of the QF depending on the nature and content of the course, and in accordance with the specifications developed by the respective industries where these are relevant to the course.

5.4 The HKDSE transcript will record the learning outcomes of the COS courses, in terms of the levels and credit units awarded under the QF, and also will give recognition to the student’s level of performance. Achievement of

‘attainment with distinction’ will be deemed to be comparable to Standards-referenced Assessment (SRA) Level 3 or above.

5.5 Qualifications gained in COS will also contribute to the student learning profile (SLP).

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5.6 A COS Committee will be established to oversee the development of C&A Frameworks for the six areas of studies by individual working groups. The Committee will also assess COS proposals from potential providers, oversee the QA of COS, and advise EMB on the implementation of COS as an integrated component of the NSS.

5.7 The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) will monitor course delivery, and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) will be responsible for the moderation of assessments made by individual course providers to assure comparability of assessment results within individual courses, and across the six COS areas of studies.

Support

5.8 Schools regard quality as a key factor for the successful implementation of COS. They strongly support the QA framework. Similarly, a single COS committee to oversee the entire suite of COS courses was strongly supported.

5.9 Recognition arrangements are also supported in principle. School councils / educational bodies are satisfied that the link between HKDSE and QF can provide dual recognition for student progression for further studies and work.

Principals agree that the recognition for the three levels of performance in COS is sufficient to facilitate students’ academic and career progression. NGOs express confidence in COS recognition because the COC pilots have been recognised to date by the Civil Service Bureau, Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions and HKEAA for the purpose of employment and further studies.

(A) COS Committee Concerns

5.10 School sponsoring bodies feel that the COS committee should include

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experienced school heads and teachers.

The Way Forward

5.11 The current COS Committee, with school heads, teachers and representatives from various trades/industries as members, is a preparatory committee established to test the role of the committee and its composition before

“334” commences. Both the role and composition of the committee will be reviewed and revised periodically to develop an effective model before 2009.

5.12 In the longer term, this committee will be re-constituted as a Functional Committee of the Curriculum Development Council (CDC). CDC-HKEAA Committee will be set up for each area of studies which is jointly serviced by Curriculum Development Institute (CDI) and HKEAA. Members will be drawn from schools, the tertiary sector, HKCAA and relevant industries and professions.

(B) Roles and Capacities of Agencies Concerns

5.13 There is concern about the capacity of the current QA system as well as the agencies to handle the QA of a wide spectrum of COS courses. Questions are also asked about the different roles of CDI, HKCAA and HKEAA which are not clearly distinguished in people’s minds.

5.14 Others suggest that an independent QA institution should set objective standards of assessment to ensure the quality of courses, and prevent monopolisation by certain course providers.

The Way Forward

5.15 The ultimate goals of the QA mechanism are to ensure that the COS

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courses are developed according to the design principles; the curriculum is delivered as planned; the learning outcomes of students can meet the standards which are set. These learning outcomes should be comparable within and across areas of studies of COS, and comparable with the learning outcomes of other NSS subjects.

5.16 These three aspects are being developed during the COC pilots by CDI, HKCAA and HKEAA respectively, under the overview of the COS Committee.

5.17 A fully mature QA mechanism will have additional aspects such as:

well-defined C&A frameworks for COS generally and for each of the six areas of studies;

course designs closely scrutinised by well represented committees;

providers adopting an agreed process for self-review of course delivery and assessment standards; and

articulation to workplace requirements through the QF or via professional qualifications recognised by professional bodies.

5.18 The COC piloting will serve to develop a model of QA which will clearly define the role of each of the agencies involved, and nurture its capacities to perform that role. Establishing a new agency may lead to duplication of work and unclear specification of responsibility.

(C) Assessment Concerns

5.19 There are concerns that 100% assessment by the course provider will lead to unfair assessment and affect the recognition of COS courses. Public examination for the theory elements was proposed.

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The Way Forward

5.20 The applied learning within COS courses will be assessed in authentic contexts that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills. The assessment will balance the continuous assessment conducted throughout the duration of the course with end-of-module or end-of-course assessments.

5.21 The assessments will be carried out by the tertiary providers, and in some cases will be conducted within the schools. Tertiary providers will apply their existing professional assessment practices to COS to ensure that they are up to standard. HKEAA will moderate the assessments to ensure that the standards are consistent among different classes and across the years.

5.22 Splitting COS courses into theory and practice elements would be counterproductive for integrated applied learning. Testing the theory element in isolation through a public examination will also create too great a burden for the examination system because there will be a range of courses within the six areas, each with a comparatively small number of students. However, HKEAA is expected to coordinate the development of some common assessments that can apply within the areas of learning to assist in carrying out its moderation responsibilities.

(D) QF and HKDSE Concerns

5.23 Almost all stakeholders want to know more about the relationship between COS qualifications and SRA levels of the NSS subjects, especially the SRA level which will match the COS ‘attainment’ or competency level. Course providers also seek to clarify the relationship between COS courses and the Specification of Competency Standards (SCS) which are being developed by the industries and professions. There are also concerns about the articulation pathways available for

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students completing COS courses. Professional bodies think that recognition should be given to the different levels of COC/COS students, particularly where the courses can articulate with the studies leading to professional qualifications.

The Way Forward

5.24 The relationship between COS qualifications and SRA levels of the NSS subjects, especially the SRA level which will match the ‘attainment’ or

‘competency level’ standards for COS, will be the subject of further investigation in the pilots that will continue for three further cohorts until “334” commences in the 2009/10 school year.

5.25 The 2006-08 pilots will begin to test the details of the levels and moderation of assessment. Course providers have been asked to define the learning outcomes of their courses and the assessable components of those outcomes, along with the assessment criteria. The providers are also asked to define the criteria of the award of ‘attainment’. This is a new discipline for course providers, but its refinement over the pilots will lead to the development of very clear standards for COS courses.

5.26 These clear standards will, in turn, provide the information to substantively link COS to the standards of the other subjects within HKDSE, which are under similar processes of development. Transcripts for all subjects, including COS, in the HKDSE will clearly set out the attainment standards met by students with appropriate descriptors to facilitate the articulation of COS to the QF. COS is currently in a piloting phase and in the process of seeking recognition of its qualifications. Universities will keep an open mind on the development and recognition of COS. Further recognition may be given in the admission requirements of certain faculties/departments in universities when COS is in full implementation under the NSS.

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Chapter 6 Professional Development of COS Teachers

6.1 Qualified teachers and teaching resources are necessary to meet demands of COS courses and ensure that COS is a real option of the NSS curriculum.

Schools need to provide career and pastoral support for students so that their learning programmes are integrated and balanced, and provide the coherence necessary for future learning.

6.2 The proposed framework for professional development of COS teachers focuses on five dimensions for the successful delivery of COS courses.

Dimension Required Professional Development/

Work Experience A. Understanding of Students and their

Needs

B. Command of Teaching and Facilitating Skills

Pedagogical knowledge and skills applied to teenage children and young adults

C. Command of Subject Knowledge and Skills

Training in a subject discipline (which may relate to one or more of the six areas of studies)

D. Positive Attitude

Not reflected by paper qualifications, but by the inclinations of teachers and the

cultivation of positive attitude E. Authentic Experience Work/Trade experience

6.3 Qualified COS teachers may include teachers from the secondary and tertiary education sectors, and practitioners active in the industry, the professions or commercial endeavours.

6.4 The course providers are responsible for ensuring that teachers of COS are competent in Dimensions A to D, and can bring in expertise, either from their own background or from outside, for Dimension E.

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6.5 The teachers are expected to undertake ongoing professional development programmes to improve their mastery or to collaborate with others to ensure that the five dimensions of the COS framework are part of the course delivery.

6.6 Professional development may take the form of structured courses, job attachment, school-based training and mentoring. The mechanism for assessing and certifying the teachers’ practical skills and suitability for teaching COS will be further explored.

Support

6.7 The respondents to the questionnaire for schools generally support the framework for professional development, and schools have projected the professional development needs of teachers intending to be active in COS (see Question 14 of Appendix 1).

6.8 Tertiary institutions have offered to work with EMB to provide teacher training courses in response to the increasing demand from teachers to be trained to take up COS.

Concerns

6.9 Some stakeholders are concerned that there may be insufficient qualified teachers for COS. School councils/educational bodies and teacher education providers are also concerned about the readiness and qualifications of teachers teaching COS. Others feel that the framework and funding for professional development is inadequate to enable secondary teachers to engage in COS.

Teachers with responsibilities for career guidance particularly need support to help students make their choices.

Action for the Future – Career-oriented Studies and the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure for Special Schools