Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE; Traditional Chinese: 香港中學文憑考試) will be the only public exam in the new 3-3-4 education system to be introduced in Hong Kong secondary schools; it will be a combination of the existing HKCEE and HKALE.

ubjects examined

Under the new examination framework, many existing subjects in the HKCEE and HKALE will be combined to suit the varying interests and abilities of the students. Candidates will be examined on core subjects and elective options of their preference. Most school candidates are expected to take four core subjects plus two or three elective subjects (see list below)cite web |url=http://eant01.hkeaa.edu.hk/hkea/topper_dse.asp?p_coverdown=dse_1.html |title=Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education |publisher=Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority |accessdate=2007-06-10 |language=English] .

Each HKDSE subject includes a compulsory part and an elective or extended part. The elective or extended part consists of modules from which students may choose. An elective module is an integral component of the standard curriculum whereas an extended module is designed for students who need additional knowledge and skills.
* Elective Part Example: The elective part of the HKDSE English Language curriculum will take up 25% of lesson time. Proposed modules in the elective part are divided into two groups: "Language Arts" and "Non-Language Arts", both of which are about learning English in different contexts and media cite web |url=http://www.emb.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_5999/eng_lang_final.pdf |title=English Language Curriculum and Assessment Guide |work=EMB: Senior Secondary Curriculum and Assessment Guides (Final Version) |publisher=Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority |accessdate=2007-06-10 |language=English] .
* Extended Part Example: HKCEE Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, HKALE Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mathematics and Statistics will be merged into a single new subject known as Mathematics. Canditiates who wish to study Mathematics at a higher level will have the flexibility to choose whether they would like to take "Calculus and Statistics" or "Algebra and Calculus" cite web |url=http://www.emb.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_5999/math_final_e.pdf |title=Mathematics Curriculum and Assessment Guide |work=EMB: Senior Secondary Curriculum and Assessment Guides (Final Version) |publisher=Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority |accessdate=2007-06-10 |language=English] .

Moreover, the current Career-orientated Course, COC will be renamed Applied Learning, ApL under the new system to reflect the nature of the curriculum. The aim of the Applied Learning subject is to allow students who do not like the traditional academic route to pursue vocational education, to earn a living by themselves and graduate with a practical skill that matches the needs of employers.

ubjects

;Core subjects:
*Chinese Language
*English Language
*Mathematics
*Liberal Studies

;Electives:
*Chinese Literature
*Literature in English
*Chinese History
*Economics
*Ethics and Religious Studies
*Geography
*History
*Tourism and Hospitality Studies
*Biology
*Chemistry
*Physics
*Combined Science (choosing 2 units out of 3 (Biology,Chemistry and Physics))
*Integrated Science (consisting of Biology,Chemistry and Physics)
*Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
*Design and Technology
*Health Management and Social Care
*Technology and Living (previously Home Economics)
*Information and Communication Technology
*Music
*Visual Arts
*Physical Education

;Foreign Languages: Possible to use as replacement for Chinese for University admissions, but only allowed for students whose mother tongue is not Chinese, and cannot be used as a replacement for English.
*Japanese
*French
*German
*Spanish
*Hindi
*Urdu

Grading and Standards

HKDSE results will be expressed in terms of five levels, of which level 5 is the highest and level 1 the lowest. Distinction levels 5** and 5* will be awarded to the two best-performing groups of candidates.

The HKDSE will use a criterion-referenced grading system; experts from each subject will set the standards for each level. Level descriptors and examples will be based on syllabus objectives and collected data, including past exam statistics and answer scripts. Grading in a criterion-referenced system reflects a candidate's level of attainment in the particular subject and not where the candidate stands compared with others who have taken the exam. Before the exam the candidate will be familiar with the different level descriptors and samples, and may use them as objectives for their study. After results are released, candidates will have a clearer picture of their attainment level. Tertiary institutions and employers will have more robust information to use for admission or recruitment purposes.

A criterion-referenced system fits the principles and objectives of the new 3-3-4 secondary system in Hong Kong. Clearly-stated learning outcomes and grading standards help teachers and students understand the topic at hand, provide a guide for improvement, and realistically benchmark attainment levels.

References

External links

* [http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=2&langno=2 Hong Kong Education Bureau]
* [http://eant01.hkeaa.edu.hk/hkea/new_look_home.asp Hong Kong Examinations and Assesment Authority]