In 2000, the “Reform Proposal for the Education System” was submitted to the Hong Kong Government by the Education Commission. Since then, the Hong Kong education system has been under reform (so-called “3-3-4” reform). In September 2009, the implementation of the New Senior Secondary (NSS) Curriculum has commenced. In September 2012, the first cohort of 3-3-4 freshmen will be admitted to universities in Hong Kong.

The study profile of our future students is inseparable from the education environment they received in secondary schools. In particular, it is important to understand the impact of the new curriculum implementation on NSS students who take science subjects since they are potential students for universities science programs. We need to understand how NSS curriculum i...[ Read more ]

In 2000, the “Reform Proposal for the Education System” was submitted to the Hong Kong Government by the Education Commission. Since then, the Hong Kong education system has been under reform (so-called “3-3-4” reform). In September 2009, the implementation of the New Senior Secondary (NSS) Curriculum has commenced. In September 2012, the first cohort of 3-3-4 freshmen will be admitted to universities in Hong Kong.

The study profile of our future students is inseparable from the education environment they received in secondary schools. In particular, it is important to understand the impact of the new curriculum implementation on NSS students who take science subjects since they are potential students for universities science programs. We need to understand how NSS curriculum is implemented in practice; the problems, the needs and concerns faced by schools, teachers and students, such that appropriate measures can be derived to provide students with a better learning environment. Commissioned by the Education Bureau, a research study (the Study) is conducted by us to serve this purpose.

Positive and negative impacts of the NSS curriculum implementation are identified in the Study. Recommendations and further actions are suggested; and projection of future 3-3-4 freshmen’s characteristics is discussed in this thesis. We projected that upcoming students admitted through 3-3-4 system have the following characters – 1) Students rely on private tutorials; 2) Students are examination-oriented as previous students, and a large percentage of them will have adjustment problem to university education; 3) Students’ diverse background will be a major cause of difficulty in teaching. Facing these situations, we recommend universities to place focuses and resources to develop the following qualities of freshmen, for these qualities are necessary for successful study and pursue in science: Self-learning ability and habit, Critical thinking skills, Creativity and Perseverance.