Panel Backs Liberal Studies As Compulsory Subject

A government-appointed task force is recommending that all four core subjects in the high school curriculum be kept as compulsory papers, including the controversial liberal studies, while trimming their content and tests.

Liberal studies has been a target of some pro-Beijing followers who say this had sparked political activism of youth in Hong Kong.

The subject was made compulsory ten years ago, aiming to broaden students’ perspectives, social awareness, critical thinking and analytical skills.

But the pro-Beijing camp alleges that the subject gives teachers a way to impose their biases on youngsters.

Recently lawmaker Priscilla Leung blamed the subject for causing the ongoing protests over the extradition bill.

The critics had also called on the authorities to make the paper elective.

But the Task Force on School Curriculum has not recommended that, but just listed it as one of the views they’ve heard.

The body's chairwoman, Anissa Chan, said on Friday that the panel proposes a trimming of the core subjects as one of their six recommendations.

Chan said this is aimed at freeing up more teaching time for other subjects.

But she said the final decision on the details will be left to the Curriculum Development Council.

The consultation ends in mid-September and the panel's final report is to be submitted to the authorities by end of this year.