Secretary for Education salutes teachers at annual celebration

The study report concluded that one of the key factors leading to the success of Hong Kong's education system was the dedicated efforts of educators, he said.

Mr Suen also said that Hong Kong students had obtained excellent results in many international assessments. "These achievements affirm the development direction of Hong Kong's education and prove that we have an excellent and professional teaching team."

Noting that the education sector is facing challenges brought about by the knowledge-based economy, globalisation and rising expectations among the community and parents, Mr Suen therefore hoped that teachers can nurture students' moral values, inspire their thinking and serve as their role models.

The Secretary for Education said the implementation of the New Academic Structure (NAS) in 2009 and the all-round and flexible senior secondary curriculum has met the multiple needs of students, and is able to encourage their life-long learning and promote their whole-person development.

He said, "The school year 2011/12 is a double cohort year when both Form 7 students under the old academic structure and Form 6 students under the NAS will graduate from our schools. This year is crucial and today's achievement is a result of the hard work and determination of the entire education sector.

"In primary schools, small class teaching has been extended to cover primary three.

I am glad to see that teachers have given full play to their professionalism and helped students broaden their knowledge basis, acquire the ability to learn and nurture positive values.

"Looking ahead, we will continue to join hands with teachers and the education sector to enhance education quality and nurture competitive talents for the community."

During today's ceremony, about 1,200 teachers from primary schools, secondary schools and kindergartens were presented with commendation certificates under the Teachers' Commendation Scheme, including over 80 teachers who were commended for the fifth straight year. The scheme is in its 16th year, with nearly 20,000 teachers commended to date.

Today's event was organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign. Also present at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs Cherry Tse; the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications, Mr Cheung Pak-hong; the Chairperson of Curriculum Development Council, Professor Edmond Ko; and the Chairman of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign, Dr Fung Wai-wah.