The University Grants Committee and the Heads of Universities Committee have backed a move to six years of secondary schooling and four of tertiary as it will provide a more rounded and fulfilling educational experience for all students.

The committees said today they are pleased with the unanimity of view on the significant benefits the "3+3+4" move will bring.

They said the quality of education offered will be greatly enhanced for the benefit not only of all students but also of Hong Kong. They hope the new structure can be implemented as soon as possible.

They agreed with the Government that the four core subjects in the secondary curriculum - Chinese, English, mathematics and liberal studies - are necessary to provide the foundation to suit the wishes, needs and abilities of all students.

Core subjects mandatory

While acknowledging student admission is a matter of institutional autonomy, members agreed the four core subjects should be mandatory requirements for entry.

The institutions are now considering, and will announce later, what levels of attainment will be required in the four subjects, and if other elective subjects will be required for university entrance and for different specific programmes. But the aim will be to broaden the entrance requirements, to go hand-in-hand with providing a wider educational experience and the development of the whole person.

Individual institutions will submit their views on specific matters relating to the curriculum reform as part of the ongoing consultation process.