IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service Bureau

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

/en/en

/en/en

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

/en/en

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)

IntroductionIntroduction

Since September 2009, the Government has implemented the New Academic Structure (NAS) for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education, which aims to provide all students with the opportunity to receive 6 years’ secondary education. Under the NAS, students will sit for only one public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Undergraduate programmes provided by local universities will generally be extended from 3 years to 4 years. The first cohort of school leavers holding the HKDSE qualification will start to join the work force from 2012 onwards.

The Government is the biggest employer in Hong Kong and the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has taken the lead to accept the HKDSE qualification as the entry requirement in future. On 28 June 2011, CSB announced that from 20 July 2012 onwards, results in the HKDSE Examination will be accepted for the purpose of civil service appointments as follows:

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 2 in any New Senior Secondary (NSS) subjects, “Attained” in Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as

having met the requirement of “five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)”.

A combination of results in five HKDSE subjects, including Level 3 in any NSS subjects, “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects) and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

Level 3 and Level 2 in the HKDSE Chinese/English Language subjects will be accepted as having met the language proficiency requirements of Level 3 and Level 2 respectively in the HKCEE in similar language subjects.

With the implementation of the NAS, the Government has put in place arrangements to enable school leavers under the NAS and holders of the HKDSE qualification to apply for positions of various civil service grades. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

Employers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualificationEmployers’ recognition of the HKDSE qualification

Following the implementation of the NAS, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fostered communication with the employer sector since 2009. Meetings and briefing sessions have been conducted to enhance the employers’ understanding of the HKDSE qualification. The NAS has also been introduced to various industries and small and medium enterprises through communication platforms of the Labour Department for human resources managers, and positive feedback and support has been received from the employers.

By referring to the level descriptors of the HKDSE reporting system, employers can define their recruitment criteria in accordance with their actual requirements for different posts. From the “Student Learning Profile” (SLP), employers may have better understanding of the applicants’ aptitudes and interests. This will facilitate employers’ selection of suitable employees who can then stretch their potential in the work place.

‘At work, there are no “pass” or “fail” graduates, only suitable or unsuitable employees. The new HKDSE Examination adopts the standards-referenced reporting system to report results with reference to a set of defined standards of performance so that employers can get a clearer and more informative understanding of a student’s level of knowledge and performance.’

Mr Gerry MA Kwai-yungChairman, Customer Liaison Group for Small and Medium Enterprises, The Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong

‘The NSS curriculum provides students with broad and diversified choices, including ApL courses. Students can choose to study respective ApL courses according to their aptitudes and interests, through which they are inspired to plan their further studies and career development.’

Mr Anthony AU Wai-hungDirector, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedDirector, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

‘Other Learning Experiences (OLE) in the NSS curriculum helps students develop positive values and attitudes to enhance their whole-person development. They learn to become life-long learners and cultivate their abilities for sustainable development. With the rapid changes in society, employers nowadays are paying more and more attention to the OLE of students. They realise that these experiences can enhance the adaptability, interpersonal skills and personal growth of their employees, which will facilitate the development of their companies.’

Mr LAI Kam-tongCouncil Member, The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management

‘Under the NAS, students develop their own SLP to document their performance in various aspects and as a reflection on their personal development. From the SLP, employers can get a holistic view of the candidate’s capabilities and potentials so as to appoint the most suitable employees.’

Ms Caroline MAK Sui-kingChairperson, The Hong Kong Retail Management Association

‘The NAS provides students with a more diversified learning environment. They can choose subjects that suit their interests, aptitudes and abilities; learn to become self-learners, to plan and get prepared for their future development. I wish to share with our younger generations that the key to success is perseverance and hard work, regardless of the positions from which they start.’

Mr William WONG Lung-sheungMember of Small and Medium Enterprises Committee and China Committee, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

At present, the Chinese and English language proficiency requirements are specified for civil service posts. Under the NAS, will there be any subject-specific requirements, for example, Liberal Studies, for civil service appointments?

For civil service appointments, respective government departments may set specific entry requirements on academic attainments, professional qualifications, technical skills, working experiences and language proficiency in accordance with the job descriptions. Whether individual NSS subjects, for example, Liberal Studies, will be specified as entry requirement for certain civil service grades is to be determined by the government departments concerned to meet service needs. Details are available at the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk.

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

My daughter is one of the first cohort of NAS students and she is taking an ApL subject. Will her result in the ApL subject be accepted if she plans to apply for civil service posts?

With the implementation of the NAS, results of the ApL subjects will be accepted by CSB for civil service appointments. An applicant who has acquired “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKALE or Grade C in the HKCEE in similar subjects. As explained in the introduction of the leaflet, an applicant acquiring the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained with Distinction” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), Level 3 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade C in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “two passes at Advanced Level in the HKALE plus three credits in the HKCEE” (commonly known as “2A3O”).

An applicant acquiring “Attained” in ApL subjects will be regarded as having met the requirement of Grade E in the HKCEE in similar subjects. An applicant holding the combined results in five HKDSE subjects, including “Attained” in ApL subjects (subject to a maximum of two ApL subjects), plus Level 2 in any NSS subjects and/or Grade E in Other Language subjects, will be accepted as having met the requirement of “five passes in the HKCEE”.

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

With the implementation of the NAS, will qualifications attained under the old academic structure continue to be recognised for the purpose of civil service appointments?

Following the implementation of the NAS since September 2009, the last HKCEE was held in 2010 and the last HKALE will be held in 2012. Notwithstanding the above, the HKCEE and the HKALE results attained under the old academic structure will continually be accepted as entry requirements for the purpose of civil service appointments.

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

How can parents help children prepare for their future career paths?

Globalisation, the advancement of information technology and the development of knowledge-based economies have brought about rapid changes worldwide. This has also affected the demands on manpower resources in the job market at different points in time. Parents need to communicate closely with their children and encourage their engagement in the broad and balanced NSS curriculum. Apart from helping children beware of their aspirations, interests and abilities through their day-to-day experience, parents should nurture children’s positive values and attitudes to build up a solid foundation for their career development in future.

EDB and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) have jointly produced a TV series to enable parents, students and various stakeholders to further understand how employers can make reference to the level descriptors of the standards- referenced reporting system of the HKDSE for staff recruitment. The five short dramas in the TV programme illustrate how school leavers under the NAS are better prepared to join the work force. They can be retrieved for viewing at the programme archive of the RTHK web page via the NAS Web Bulletin at www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en.

Useful Websites for Reference

Useful Websites for Reference

Education Bureau

New Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web BulletinNew Academic Structure Web Bulletin

Civil Service BureauCivil Service BureauCivil Service BureauCivil Service Bureau

Assessment AuthorityAssessment AuthorityAssessment AuthorityAssessment AuthorityAssessment AuthorityHong Kong Examinations and

Assessment Authority

Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Quali�cations

August 2011

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Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

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Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Employers’ Recognition of The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

(Vol. 9)