How would you change the education system in your country?

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For decades, the education system in Hong Kong has been burdening, obstinate and exam-oriented. Despite having undergone several reforms, the education system still fails to cater for the needs of different students and achieve the genuine purpose of education. If I were given the chance to change the education system in Hong Kong, I would resize the curricula, deprioritise examinations, promote life-long learning, accept divergence and expand the capacity of tertiary education.
First and foremost, in view of the overburdening of both students and teachers, I would contract the curricula of certain subjects. One of the standing examples is the subject Economics, which comprises 18 microeconomics chapters, 12 macroeconomics chapters, 2 extended modules and several school-based assessment tasks. Despite devoting half of their holidays to having supplementary lessons with students, teachers still find it impossible to finish teaching the whole curriculum. Given the fact that students need to study 4 core subjects and 2-4 elective subjects, it is necessary to contract the curricula so that students can have more time to manage each subject well and have a more balanced secondary school life.
In 2012, the new 3-3-4 education system was implemented, combining HKCEE exam (for secondary 5 students) and HKALE exam (for secondary 7 students’ university application) to introduce the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (for secondary 6 students’ university application). Nowadays, students in Hong Kong often describe the new HKDSE as ‘the sole examination that determines your fate’. Nonetheless, we have to admit that quite a number of students are not really capable of managing stress well and giving their best during examinations. Their ...

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...apacity of tertiary education in Hong Kong can only accommodate 17%-18% of its secondary 6 students. This leads to keen competition among students for university admission. To cope with this problem, I would urge the government to subsidise more tertiary education so more university places are offered. I would also strive for government subsidisation of associate degree and higher diploma programmes.
Last but not least, the education bureau, teachers as well as parents play a vital role in cultivating our next generation. For the sake of Hong Kong, they should make every endeavour to make profound and comprehensive changes about the education system. It would be a long journey, but as we always bear in mind the genuine purpose of education—“Education is not the filling of a vessel but the kindling of a flame” (The Guardian 2012), we can certainly make a difference.

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