The Examinations & Assessment Authority will modify the design and implementation timeline for school-based assessment in Chinese and English of the Certificate of Education Examination 2007.

Welcoming the move, the Education & Manpower Bureau said the further development of school-based assessment in the two subjects will lay a solid foundation for the first  Diploma of Secondary Education examination to be held in 2012.

The progressive and flexible approach adopted to introduce school-based assessment in the two subjects will allow teachers and students to familiarise themselves with the revised and simplified requirements and procedures.

To support the implementation of school-based assessment in schools, training sessions and relevant resource materials have been provided to teachers.

Professional development programmes and other support according to different needs and timelines of schools will continue to be provided.

The bureau will top up the Capacity Enhancement Grant with an additional $1.65 billion for three years, enabling schools to hire additional staff or outside services to assist teachers in coping with their daily work.