May 2021
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Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong Preamble
According to the National Security Law of the People's Republic of China, national security refers to a status in which the regime, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, welfare of the people, sustainable economic and social development, and other major interests of the nation are relatively free from danger and internal or external threats, and are able to maintain a sustained status of security. The Education Bureau has drafted the “Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong”, which serves as the guidelines for the implementation of national security education at primary and secondary schools.
Foci of the curriculum framework
• This Framework identifies learning elements of national security education in the Hong Kong School Curriculum. It includes concepts such as nationhood, national identity, “One Country, Two Systems”, the rule of law, rights and obligations, responsibility, commitment, respect for others, self-discipline, etc.
• This Framework displays in tabular form the learning content of national security education, which is embedded in different Key Learning Areas / subjects, moral, civic and national education, as well as the learning progression at different key stages of primary and secondary schools (i.e. lower and upper primary, junior and senior secondary).
• Based on students’ levels and the curricula of related subjects, the breadth and depth of the learning content regarding national security education vary at different stages. Schools can help students learn about national security comprehensively through learning experiences at different stages.
• Schools can implement national security education through classroom teaching and life-wide learning activities to strengthen students’ understanding of the rule of law and the conditions of our country, enabling them to understand the importance of national security and enhance their sense of national identity. In addition to national security, relevant contents also help students learn about the conditions of our country, and enrich their understanding of our country’s history, culture and latest developments, as well as the Constitution and the Basic Law.
May 2021
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Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 1
The concept and importance of national security
• Concept of the State
• Concept of national security
• Importance of safeguarding national security
• Holistic view of national security
• Threats and risks
Lower
Primary • Understand national symbols (including the national flag, national emblem and national anthem) and things that represent our country (e.g.
the giant panda, the Great Wall)
• Learn how to sing the national anthem and observe the etiquette of raising the national flag and playing the national anthem
• Learn about the people who protect us (e.g. the police, medical personnel, the People’s Liberation Army)
General Studies, Music, Moral, Civic and National
Education
Upper
Primary • Understand the importance of national security by analogy with campus security
• Understand our country’s territory and geographical features, as well as the importance of homeland security and resource security
• Understand our country’s history and culture, as well as historic events with an important impact on today’s society, such as the Opium War, and China’s Reform and Opening-up.
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
3
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Junior
Secondary • Understand the definition of national security and the 13 domains of national security#
• Understand our country’s important historic events, political evolution, famous figures and their deeds, profile of ethnic development, and social and cultural features
• Understand the powers and functions of our country’s important institutions, as well as characteristics of our country’s political system
• Have a basic understanding of national and world history and issues (e.g.
colonial expansion, regional warfare, terrorism), through which to understand the importance of national security
Chinese Language, Chinese History, History, Geography, Life and Society, Science, Moral, Civic and National Education
#The 13 domains of national security include: political security, homeland security, military security, economic security, cultural security, social security, technological security, cyber security, ecological security, resource security, nuclear security, overseas interests security and new security domain.
May 2021
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Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Senior
Secondary • Understand our country’s opportunities and challenges in international affairs through examples (e.g. the “Belt and Road” initiative, Sino-US trade conflicts, climate change)
• Explore contemporary issues related to national security (e.g. territorial disputes, economic crises), and recognise the importance of safeguarding national security to guarantee the security of the people
• Analyse the development and crises our country is facing today, and willingly assume the responsibility for safeguarding national security
Liberal Studies, Chinese History, History, Geography, Economics,
Business,
Accounting and Financial Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
5
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 2
Constitution, Basic Law and national security
• Constitution and national security
• National
security within the jurisdiction of the Central Authorities
• Stipulations on national security under the Basic Law and Hong Kong laws
• Enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law for the
Lower
Primary • Learn about the origin of “One Country, Two Systems” and the Basic Law
• Recognise that the Central People’s Government is responsible for Hong Kong’s defence and foreign affairs
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education Upper
Primary • Understand the constitutional background of the Basic Law and the meaning of “One Country, Two Systems”
• Have a preliminary understanding of the relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Junior
Secondary • Understand the status of the Constitution and its relationship with the Basic Law, and that the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law (NSL)) does not infringe the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents
• Understand the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, as well as the relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR as stipulated in the Basic Law, including provisions on the responsibilities of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR in safeguarding national security
• Understand that under the Constitution and the Basic Law, national security falls solely within the jurisdiction of the Central Authorities, that the
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
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Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects purpose of
improving and supplementing
“One Country, Two Systems”
Central Authorities has the authority to directly handle matters concerning the safeguarding of Hong Kong’s national security, and that the HKSAR still has the constitutional duty to enact legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law
Senior
Secondary • Have an in-depth understanding of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy as well as the relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR, and explore related topics on that basis
• Understand the importance of the NSL in safeguarding the security of national sovereignty and “One Country, Two Systems”
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
7
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 3
Purposes and Principles of Enacting the NSL
• Purpose of
enacting the NSL
• Legislative
process: decision and enactment
• Scope of the NSL
• Principles for Hong Kong to safeguard national security
Lower
Primary • Recognise what the NSL is and its importance to Hong Kong General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Upper
Primary • Understand the background and purposes of enacting the NSL and the
Central Government agencies involved in the legislative process General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Junior
Secondary • Understand the role of the Central Government in different fields, such as development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and safeguarding of national security
• Compare the national security laws of different countries, and understand the importance of the NSL and how it reflects the modern rule of law
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
8
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Senior
Secondary • Analyse the jurisdictional scope of the NSL and the guiding principles that Hong Kong shall adhere to for the purpose of safeguarding national
security, and use this as the foundation for further study on related issues
• Understand the relationship of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR as stipulated under the Constitution and the Basic Law through knowing the legislative process of enactment of the NSL
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
9
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 4
Duties of the HKSAR to safeguard national security and the set- up of related
institutions
• The constitutional duty of the
HKSAR to
safeguard national security
• Duties of the respective
HKSAR bodies
• The set-up of the bodies for
safeguarding national security in the HKSAR
Lower
Primary • Learn about the HKSAR departments that are responsible for enforcing and safeguarding the rule of law in Hong Kong (e.g. Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Courts), and understand that the Government has a duty to maintain law and order
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Upper
Primary • Understand the functions and operation of the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR, and their duties in safeguarding national security
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Junior
Secondary • Understand the bodies for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and their functions, and that both the Government and all citizens have the constitutional duty to safeguard national security
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
Senior
Secondary • Understand the governance and decision-making process of the HKSAR Government
• Understand the operation of the bodies for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
10
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 5
The ultimate
responsibility of the Central Government to safeguard national security
• Responsibility of the Central
Authorities to safeguard national security
• Central People’s Government (CPG) offices in Hong Kong
Lower
Primary • Recognise that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison
is responsible for Hong Kong’s defence General Studies
Upper
Primary • Understand the role and importance of CPG offices in Hong Kong Moral, Civic and National Education Junior
Secondary • Understand the basic characteristics of the PRC political system, the role of the Central Government, and the Central Authorities’ responsibility to safeguard national security
• Understand the powers of state institutions and CPG offices in Hong Kong (e.g. the Liaison Office of the CPG in the Hong Kong SAR, and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR)
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
Senior
Secondary • Fully understand the roles and importance of state institutions and CPG offices in Hong Kong
• Fully understand the role of the Central Authorities in safeguarding national security, and use this as the foundation for further study on related issues
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
11
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 6
Offences that endanger national security
• Secession
• Subversion
• Terrorist activities
• Collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to
endanger national security
Lower
Primary • Learn about the names of the four offences regulated by the Hong Kong
National Security Law General Studies,
Moral, Civic and National Education Upper
Primary • Understand the basic meaning of “secession”, “subversion”, “terrorist activities”, and “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”
Moral, Civic and National Education
Junior
Secondary • Understand the specific provisions related to the offences of “secession”,
“subversion”, “terrorist activities” and “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”, and the importance of these provisions in safeguarding national security
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
Senior
Secondary • Understand what constitutes the four offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law
• Understand similar regulations in other countries
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
12
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects Strand 7
Major domains of national security
• Basic content and importance of major domains of national security
• The threats and challenges our country is facing
• Ways and methods to
safeguard national security
Lower
Primary • Gain a preliminary understanding of Chinese culture through learning historical stories (e.g. the construction of the Great Wall of China) and the Chinese language
• Learn how to use information effectively and ethically (e.g. using the Internet)
• Understand the interdependence of organisms living in different environments and the importance of maintaining ecological balance
• Recognise that natural resources are limited, and understand the importance of resource conservation
Chinese Language, General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Upper
Primary • Strengthen the understanding of Chinese culture (e.g. traditional festivals, customs, etiquette), and understand that it is the responsibility of the citizens to protect and inherit Chinese culture
• Understand the impact of the media and social media on individuals and society, as well as the importance of safely and correctly using information technology and social media (e.g. protecting personal data carefully to avoid leakage of private information, refusing to forward unverified and incorrect information), in order to understand the need to safeguard our country’s information security
Chinese Language, General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
13
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects
• Understand the interdependent relationship between organisms and their environment, and how to conserve the environment, treasure natural resources and use the resources carefully and responsibly, and put these into practice in daily life
• Understand the impact of scientific and technological development on social culture, and the safety measures when applying science and technology
Junior Secondary
• Understand the country’s excellent cultural traditions (e.g. tangible, institutional, spiritual aspects)
• When receiving, compiling or forwarding information through different channels, exercise critical thinking and be able to interpret media
information rationally, impartially and from different perspectives
• Understand the importance of homeland security, resource security and nuclear security to the social-economic development of the country through learning the geographical characteristics of our country
• Explore topics related to ecological security and new security domain (e.g.
biodiversity, conservation, and exploration and protection of deep seas and polar regions), understand the impact of human activities on the ecology and environment, and the necessity of safeguarding ecological security and new security domain.
Chinese Language, Science,
Technology
Education, Chinese History, History, Life and Society, Geography, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
14
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects
• Understand how the country participates in international affairs and the current global order, so as to understand the importance of political safety, military security and overseas interests security
Senior
Secondary • Understand the impressive cultural tradition of our country, and recognise that safeguarding cultural security is an important foundation in unifying our country and our people, as well as maintaining stability of our country
• Analyse the interpretations of social and international events by different media agencies and understand the in-depth meaning behind them, analyse the credibility and authenticity of information with rational, multiple perspectives and critical thinking, so as to enhance the awareness of safeguarding national security and abiding by the law
• Understand the impact of human activities on the ecological environment and our responsibilities, understand the needs of sustainable development, and recognise the necessity of safeguarding ecological security, resource security, nuclear security and new security domain
• Explore topics related to economic security (e.g. economic crises, trade disputes) and recognise the importance of safeguarding economic security
Chinese Language, Liberal Studies, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Health Management and Social Care, Information and Communication Technology, Chinese History, History,
Geography,
Economics, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
15
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects
• Analyse how our participation in international affairs affects the development of our country, and recognise that it is important to safeguard political security, homeland security, social security, military security and overseas interests security
Strand 8
The relationship between national security and human rights, freedom and the rule of law
• Human rights and freedom
• The rule of law as a guarantee for national security
• Constitution and national security
• Threats and risks
Lower
Primary • Learn about the need to comply with rules (e.g. school rules, traffic rules) and to cherish our schools
• Recognise the importance of law in safeguarding the security of individuals, our society and our country
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Upper
Primary • Share housework and be willing to take on responsibilities as a family member
• Respect laws and regulations, and uphold the attitude of compliance
• Understand the rights and obligations of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law
General Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
Junior
Secondary • Understand the main principles of the rule of law and how the Constitution and the Basic Law protect the rights of Hong Kong residents and regulate their obligations
May 2021
16
Strands of National
Security Education Related Learning Elements Examples of Key
Learning Areas/
Subjects
• Understand that no rights and freedoms are without limits, and that enjoying rights and freedoms also comes with responsibilities
• Understand how the Constitution and the Basic Law regulate the duty of safeguarding national security
Life and Society, Moral, Civic and National Education
Senior
Secondary • Grasp the concepts, principles and basic knowledge related to the rule of law, and then explore and reflect on the importance of the rule of law to our country, society and individuals
• Understand that in the exercise of individual rights, it is also important to respect and guarantee others’ rights, and to promote others’ compliance with the law and respect for the rule of law
• Understand the importance of enacting legislation to safeguard national security, understand that every Hong Kong resident has a duty to safeguard national security, and recognise that the purpose of safeguarding national security is to better protect their rights and freedoms
Liberal Studies, Moral, Civic and National Education
May 2021
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Suggested learning activities
Regarding the relevant learning elements of national security education, apart from classroom learning of different Key Learning Areas / subjects and moral, civic and national education, schools can also implement national security education through various learning activities inside and outside the classroom. Examples of some activities are shown as follows:
• Game activities: Organise various game activities, such as puppet theatre, board games, picture book creation, etc., which will be designed and deployed by students on their own. The game activities should be open to all students in the school, thereby establishing a positive atmosphere on the campus and enhancing students' awareness of national security.
• Project learning: Students compile laws and regulations on safeguarding national security, and the measures to promote national security education in different countries. By comparing the relevant laws and measures in those countries, students will understand it is a common practice in the international community to legislate on safeguarding national security. They will then understand the importance of the NSL in protecting the security of Hong Kong residents and promoting national and regional stability and development.
• Competitions: Organise competitions (e.g. design of bookmarks / stamps / greeting cards / bulletin boards / slogans / posters / document cases / windbreakers, writing, creation of comics / short plays, new lyrics in old songs, and making of advertisements / short films / micro films) in line with related themes (e.g. the founding of the PRC, the promulgation of the Basic Law, and the anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR) to create a learning atmosphere on the campus to promote Constitution, Basic Law and national security education, e.g. holding an inter-class bulletin board design competition to showcase the provisions and spirit of the Constitution and the Basic Law with words and images.
• Visits and tours: Arrange students to visit the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, so as to enhance their understanding of our country’s
May 2021
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diplomatic history and the stories behind, as well as our country’s consular protection provided to Hong Kong residents. Arrange students to visit permanent and thematic exhibitions at museums (e.g. the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum), so that they can better understand China’s historic events, famous figures and their deeds, profile of ethnic development, and social and cultural features. These activities can help students learn about Hong Kong’s development and its relationship with our country’s development; and have a greater recognition of and sense of belonging and responsibility towards our country, the people and the community.
• Exchanges with the Mainland: Arrange students to visit famous historical landmarks in the Greater Bay Area (e.g. the Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Opium War Museum, the Guangdong Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall) for students to learn history in actual scenes, so as to cultivate students’ concept of the state, national identity and sense of responsibility to our country and our people.
Education Bureau May 2021
