The Education Bureau today issued a circular to all primary and secondary schools to provide guidelines on the display of the national flag and the regional flag, and the playing and singing of the national anthem.

The bureau noted that the National Anthem Ordinance was gazetted and came into effect on June 12. According to the ordinance, the Secretary for Education must give directions for the inclusion of the national anthem in primary and secondary education.

“All primary and secondary schools should provide opportunities for students to learn to sing the national anthem, understand its history and spirit as well as observe the etiquette for playing and singing the national anthem," it added.

Schools must display the national flag and the regional flag, as well as play and sing the national anthem when holding celebration activities for New Year's Day, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day and National Day.

They are strongly advised to display the national flag and the regional flag, as well as to play and sing the national anthem on important days and special occasions, such as the first day of a school year, open days and graduation ceremonies.

They are also encouraged to display the national flag and the regional flag, and play and sing the national anthem regularly.

The bureau stressed that fostering students' national identity is one of the key learning goals of primary and secondary education.

Schools should educate students about the national flag, the national anthem and the national emblem of their own country, which is part of moral, civic and national education, and helps enhance students' sense of national identity, the bureau said.

The circular issued today also provided schools with the latest information on the related curriculum resources and support measures.

The bureau will maintain close communication with the school sector and provide suitable support to help schools take the work forward.