49-511: The Direct Subsidy Scheme ( DSS ) is instituted by the Education Bureau of Hong Kong to enhance the quality of private schools at the primary and secondary levels. The Hong Kong government has been encouraging non-government secondary schools which have attained a sufficiently high educational standard to join the DSS by providing subsidies to enhance the quality of private school education since
98-705: A barrister , advocate , solicitor or judicial officer in Hong Kong or another common law jurisdiction is eligible to be appointed as a Judge, Registrar or Master of the District Court. District Judges, as well as the Registrar and Masters of the District Court, are appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the independent Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC). Limited-term or vacancy-filling Deputy District Judges may be appointed by
147-484: A course on the national security law in order to graduate. Students must watch 10 hours of videos and pass an online test in order to complete the mandatory security class. Other universities, including Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University also began offering courses on national security. The course is listed as
196-521: A curriculum targeting local students and prepare its students to sit for local examinations, certain DSS schools are currently offering or are set to offer International Baccalaureate programmes. DSS schools are generally free to select their own students, subject to special arrangements with the government in case of shortage of places in government/aided schools. However, DSS schools are not allowed to select their students by conducting written entrance tests. DSS schools are free to charge school fees. In
245-515: A graduation requirement. Education Bureau chief Christine Choi also said that university student unions were "instigating the anti-China sentiment and hatred toward the Chinese people" during the 2019 Hong Kong protests . In December 2022, the Education Bureau said that all universities must require students to take courses on national education, stating "Education on the [Chinese] constitution,
294-686: A higher level of subsidy would be available to DSS schools that have been operating for 16 years or above. The level of recurrent subsidy received by a DSS school is hence dependent on the number of students enrolled in that particular school. Also, to help ex-aided DSS schools adapt to new financing methods, ex-aided DSS schools that receive less recurrent subsidy after joining the DSS will continue to receive recurrent subsidy as if they were aided schools for 5 years. To cater for students from less well-off families, DSS schools are required to set aside at least 10% of their income for fee / scholarship schemes. In addition, for every dollar charged over two-thirds of
343-682: A jury. From its establishment in 1953 there have been no juries in the district court. The Attorney General at the time the District Court Ordinance was passed, Arthur Ridehalgh , explained to the Legislative Council that juries were "not infallible" and only a "means to an end" and that every practitioner will have come across cases where a verdict of not guilty was either a "stupid or perverse one." Judges would be required to give reasons for verdict would should be sufficient safeguard. A person who has practised for at least 5 years as
392-475: A patriotic music video called "On the Young China" and urged teachers, students, and parents to "appreciate" it. In December 2022, the Education Bureau released a set of guidelines on conduct for teachers, which listed protecting national security, social order, and public interest as a priority. In addition, the guidelines stipulated that teachers should promote national education with a correct understanding of
441-477: A survey by PORI found that more than 60% of Hong Kongers opposed changes to the Liberal Studies course, changes implemented by the Education Bureau after the course came under attack from pro-Beijing figures who claimed the course was used to encourage students to take part in the 2019-20 Hong Kong protests . In January 2023, trips to mainland China became mandatory for 50,000 Secondary Five students as part of
490-608: A test on national security and the Basic Law, including kindergarten teachers. In December 2022, the Education Bureau released an inspection report, saying that many schools had failed in teaching national security. In November 2023, the Bureau released a draft for new science classes that would emphasize China's achievements and the importance to national security. In July 2022, the University of Hong Kong began requiring students to take
539-531: Is headed by the Secretary for Education and oversees agencies including University Grants Committee and Student Finance Office . The Education Department ( 教育署 and 教育司署 before 1983) was responsible for education matters in the territory, with the exception of post-secondary and tertiary education. In 2003, the department was abolished and a new bureau, the Education and Manpower Bureau ( 教育統籌局 abbreviated EMB )
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#1732852154687588-559: Is led by a Deputy Secretary for Education. The bureau also oversees two child agencies: the University Grants Committee Secretariat and the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency. The Education System includes: Kindergarten Education, Primary and Secondary School Education, Special Education, Post-secondary Education, and other Education and Training. In August 2020, the Education Bureau, with
637-573: Is modelled after the English legal system , with indictable offences being taken up by the District Court if they are transferred from the magistrate's court . The District Court hears all serious cases except murder, manslaughter rape and dangerous drug cases where large quantities of drugs have been seized, and can impose a sentence of up to seven years. Cases are heard in either the Cantonese or English language. A District Court Judge sits alone without
686-488: Is not "brainwashing". Choi also said that Hong Kong students must learn about the history of China's socialist system, and must understand why it is suitable for China. Choi later said that students must learn from Xi Jinping's speech on Hong Kong, and that the Education Bureau would hold sessions with school principals and teachers on the speech. Choi also said that if students show that they want China to do well during flag-raising ceremonies or study tours, then it would meet
735-549: Is the intermediate court system in Hong Kong , having limited criminal and civil jurisdictions. The District Court was established in 1953 with the enactment of the District Court Ordinance. It is located in the Wanchai Law Courts, Wanchai Tower , 12 Harbour Road. In the past there were six district courts , namely Victoria , Kowloon , Fanling , Tsuen Wan , Tuen Mun and Sha Tin , before being amalgamated and moved to
784-628: The Chief Justice . It is not uncommon for a person to sit as a short-term Deputy District Judge prior to appointment in a permanent capacity. In 1986, Judge Helen Lo was the first woman to be appointed as a District Judge. District judges are mandated to retire at age 65. The Chief District Judge is the Court Leader of the District Court. The Judges who have held the position of Chief District Judge to date are: District Judges are referred to as 'His/Her Honour Judge [surname]'. The Judges of
833-656: The Lands Tribunal . In practice, however, only certain District Judges are assigned to hear cases in the Lands Tribunal. The Chief Justice appoints on a temporary basis a number of Permanent Magistrates , retired judges and practitioners in private practice to sit as Deputy District Judges. A Deputy District Judge may exercise all the jurisdiction, powers and privileges of a District Judge. All Deputy District Judges are, by virtue of their office, Presiding Officers of
882-452: The 1991–92 school year. In the 2000–01 school year, the DSS was extended to primary schools. In the 2001–02 school year, the terms of the DSS were significantly improved to attract more schools to join the scheme. Under the scheme, schools are free to decide on their curriculum, fees, and entrance requirements. Non-government schools must satisfy stipulated standards to be eligible to join the scheme. The standards include requirements regarding
931-447: The 2009–10 school year, their schools fees range from $ 3,000 to $ 110,000 per year. A DSS school will receive full recurrent subsidy until its fee level reaches 2 1/3 times the average unit cost of an aided school place. Beyond this level, no recurrent subsidy is available. The average unit cost of an aided school place is calculated based on a two-age based system to address the needs of schools with longer development background. In short,
980-482: The Basic Law and the national security law should also form an important part of the university curriculum, with a view to nurturing students into law-abiding and responsible citizens." In March 2021, the Education Bureau revealed that new teachers in Hong Kong would have to travel to mainland China to undergo mandatory training. In July 2022, the Education Bureau asked secondary schools to create plans for taking students on mainland China study tours. In April 2021,
1029-520: The Deqing Palace, a historical site in Zhaoqing city, where students learn about the ancient imperial examination system and Confucianism . In August 2023, officials from Hong Kong and Guangdong signed a framework agreement to strengthen education exchanges and cooperation between schools in the two regions. The agreement aimed to promote collaboration and exchanges in education, nurture talent for
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#17328521546871078-658: The District Court Equal Opportunities Rules (Cap. 336G) and Practice Direction SL8. The District Court has jurisdiction to handle claims by the Inland Revenue Department against defaulting taxpayers to recover outstanding tax due to the Government , regardless of the amount. The District Court also hears appeals from taxpayers against assessments by the Collector of Stamp Duty . The system
1127-604: The District Court as of 5 December 2022 are (ranked by seniority): Chief District Judge District Judges Pursuant to a general power of appointment to vacancies or on a temporary basis under sections 10 and 37A of the High Court Ordinance, Cap. 4, the Chief Justice frequently makes short-term appointments of District Court judges to sit in the High Court as a Deputy Judge or Master. All District Judges are, by virtue of their office, Presiding Officers of
1176-462: The District Court may continue to handle the whole case even when the counterclaim exceeds HK$ 3 million, but a report has to be made to the High Court, which may order that the case be transferred. As to claims for possession of land, the District Court can deal with buildings or premises the annual rent or rateable value or the annual value of which does not exceed HK$ 320,000. If a claimant invokes
1225-459: The District Court's equity jurisdiction , the above limits are equally applicable, except that in proceedings wholly relating to land, the maximum value shall not exceed HK$ 7 million. Distraint claims are handled by the District Court. The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine claims for compensation payable under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282), regardless of
1274-420: The Education Bureau revealed the "Citizenship, Economics and Society" curriculum, designed for students to focus on national identity, the national constitution, and the Basic Law. Other countries' use of democracy and political systems were also removed from the curriculum. On 24 October 2022, the Education Bureau confirmed that new teachers in public and direct subsidy scheme schools would be required to take
1323-421: The Liberal Studies course. The course was renamed as "Citizenship and Social Development," and Hong Kong Free Press reported that teachers had become fearful of critical thinking and discussion. In October 2021, the Education Bureau revealed new guidelines for implementing national flag ceremonies in schools, stating that it would "promote national education and help students develop a sense of belonging to
1372-477: The aim to "help student develop positive values", made changes to the Liberal Studies textbooks of the six main publishers, who were invited to join the voluntary consultancy service introduced by the bureau in the previous year. The pro-democracy Professional Teachers' Union (PTU) said some teachers received messages from the publishers that the amendments relating to criticizing the mainland Chinese government and some political cartoons were replaced with emphasizing
1421-748: The amount. Such claims are governed by the Employees' Compensation (Rules of Court) Rules (Cap. 282B) and Practice Direction 18.2. The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction to deal with claims made under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 480), the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 487), the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 527) and the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 602). Such claims are governed by
1470-617: The average unit cost of an aided school place, the school should set aside 50 cents for scholarship and financial assistance schemes. DSS schools are required by the government to issue annual prospectuses, which must contain stipulated classes of information such as vision, mission and objectives of the school; class structure; curriculum; achievements in public exams; extra curricula activities; and school fees. DSS schools are free to spend their grants for educational purposes, subject to inspection of their audited accounts. Ex-aided DSS schools will be given an option to revert to aided status only if
1519-506: The city would soon push students to use Putonghua rather than the local language, Cantonese . Choi said that in the future, all classes should be delivered in Putonghua. In August 2022, the Education Bureau claimed that Hong Kong was never a British colony , and that the British did not have sovereignty over Hong Kong. In September 2022, the Education Bureau encouraged schools to broadcast
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1568-504: The country, an affection for the Chinese people and enhance their sense of national identity." Under the ordinance, Hong Kong's universities, secondary schools and primary schools are required to hold weekly flag-hoisting ceremonies. In October 2022, after St. Francis Xavier's School suspended 3 students, the Education Bureau was criticized for not providing guidelines on punishment if national flag ceremony rules were broken. In July 2022, Education Bureau chief Christine Choi said that
1617-459: The development of the Greater Bay Area , and contribute to the development of both regions. It encourages higher education institutions to collaborate on education services, talent cultivation , and technology exchanges. The agreement also focuses on enhancing cooperation in vocational education , promoting the establishment of sister schools, facilitating exchange activities, and improving
1666-526: The education system to incorporate the National Security Law . Notices to teachers explained that teachers should educate students as young as 6 years old about the national security law. In response, Ip Kin-yuen, the vice-president of the Professional Teachers' Union , said that he was astounded to see the "vast scope" of the new rules as well as the lack of consultation with teachers before
1715-479: The excess is abandoned. If the claim is HK$ 75,000 or less, an adverse costs order may be made against the winning plaintiff due to pursuing its claim in the wrong court. If the plaintiff's claim does not exceed HK$ 3 million, but the defendant counterclaims for over HK$ 3 million, the claim and the counterclaim (or the counterclaim only) may be transferred to the Court of First Instance of the High Court . For good reasons,
1764-657: The four core subjects in senior secondary education. As part of the subject, students will participate in fully subsidized field trips to mainland China . The trips range from two to five days in duration, with destinations such as Guangzhou , Shenzhen , and Hunan . The itinerary for the two-day trips includes visits to the Memorial Museum of Sun Yat-sen 's mansion and the former site of the Whampoa Military Academy in Guangzhou. Another two-day trip involves exploring
1813-521: The government changes the formula for calculating DSS subsidy such that the school financial viability is adversely affected. Pegasus Philip Wong Kin Hang Christian Primary School, a DSS school, sparked controversy in 2009 when the sponsoring body pulled out, and irregularities in its accounts were revealed. The school management committee agreed to pay an advance payment of two to three weeks to Pegasus Social Service Christian Organization,
1862-539: The mode of operation (unisessional), class size, teacher's qualifications and facilities. For example, schools need a permanent school premises, more than 70 per cent of teachers had to be degree-holders, and they had to have sufficient facilities such as computer, music and language labs. DSS schools are free to design their own curriculum. They are not subject to the guidelines issued by the Education Department. Although DSS schools are required to offer principally
1911-575: The national security law. In 1998, schools had to adapt to "biliteracy and trilingualism". Pre-1997, 90% of secondary schools taught most subjects in English, and by 2019, only 30% used English. In March 2023, the Education Bureau said that principals must have a "sense of national identity". In June 2023, the Education Bureau revised its guidelines, to mandate that government-subsidized schools must include national security terms in their contracts. District Court (Hong Kong) The District Court
1960-457: The possible criminal consequences for participants. The union accused that it is practising 'political censorship and "had severely damaged the goals" of setting up the project. On 5 October 2020, the Education Bureau deregistered a primary school teacher, the teacher was accused of using pro-independence materials, which the Bureau claims is an act of "spreading Hong Kong Independence message". The Professional Teachers Union strongly condemned
2009-497: The public to explain about the guidelines in detail, listen to their thoughts and opinions, as well as respond to questions and even defend it for themselves if they want". In March 2021, the government announced that the Education Bureau would begin distributing books to all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, meant to cover topics such as national identity and the national security law. In July 2022, Education Bureau chief Christine Choi Yuk-lin said that national education
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2058-697: The quality of such exchanges. The Vocational Training Council signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangdong to initiate collaborative projects and establish the GBA Vocational Education Park. The agreement also involves Guangdong supporting the VTC's mainland operation center and providing guidance for the GBA Explorer Trip program, which aims to enhance students' understanding of GBA developments. The bureau mainly consists of seven branches, which are responsible for different policies. Each branch
2107-498: The rules were published. Later in February 2021, the Education Bureau released a 1,200-word guideline for implementation of the changes, claiming it was "obliged to clarify" so-called misunderstandings by the media when it had announced changes earlier in the month. Ip Kin-yuen responded and said that the guidelines would do little, and that the Education Bureau "should also hold proper consultation sessions among educators and members of
2156-463: The same location in March 1991. The District Court has limited civil jurisdiction. For a contract, quasi-contract or tort claim to be handled by the District Court, it should be for an amount over HK$ 75,000 but not more than HK$ 3 million. If the claim is more than HK$ 3 million, the claim can still be pursued in the District Court (instead of the Court of First Instance of the High Court ) provided that
2205-412: The sponsoring body, which is also the school's service provider and chaired by school supervisor Carmen Leung Suk-ching. The government's monitoring mechanism over DSS schools has therefore been criticised by legislators. Some DSS schools have also come under criticism for raising school fees despite the economic downturn. The scheme has also been criticised as benefiting the private education sector and
2254-505: The target of effective national education. In contrast, Priscilla Leung argued and said about the study tours that "In fact, many students have come back from these visits [saying] they don't believe in what they saw, [they claimed] everything was staged." In September 2022, the Bureau released the updated Primary Education Curriculum Guide, which suggested between 19 and 25% of the student's lesson time should be devoted to national education and national security education. In October 2022,
2303-542: The teacher's disqualification. In a statement, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union accused the education bureau of failing to conduct a fair investigation. It said the unilateral disqualification and issuing of warning letters to the school were "despicable acts of intimidation of the school management" and were unacceptable. In February 2021, the Education Bureau, under Kevin Yeung , announced changes to
2352-574: The well-off students at the expense of the public sector. Education Bureau High Court District Court Magistrates' Court Special courts and tribunals: Chief Executive Elections Legislative elections District council elections Consular missions in Hong Kong Hong Kong–China relations Hong Kong–Taiwan relations The Education Bureau ( EDB ) is a policy bureau responsible for formulating and implementing education policies in Hong Kong . The bureau
2401-530: Was formed. In July 2007, under newly re-elected Chief Executive Donald Tsang , the manpower portfolio was split away to the new Labour and Welfare Bureau , leaving this body as the Education Bureau. The bureau was formerly housed at the Former French Mission Building . In 2022, the Education Bureau introduced the Citizenship and Social Development subject, to replace Liberal Studies as one of
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