The New Senior Secondary School Curriculum

I. School Background
Shung Tak Catholic English College was founded in 1958. It is an aided secondary school in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long, sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. Co-educational since its founding in 1958, the school is now operating 32 classes, from S.1 to S.7, with approximately 1100 pupils, aged 11-19.

For the academic year 2011-2012, the school is preparing S.7 students for the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations; and S.1 to S.6 students for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. The first HKDSE cohort of students will have their examinations in 2012.

Shung Tak is a highly sought after school as it offers education in the medium of English which sets it far apart from its neighbours. The school’s Catholic background strengthens the discipline and character of its students. The motto ‘Ora et Labora’  (Pray and Work) is part of the life of every Shungtakian, past and present

The curriculum in the senior forms is varied. In addition to the core subjects of English Language, Chinese Language, Liberal Studies and Mathematics; the College also offers a wide range of electives in Personal, Social and Humanities; Science; Technology; Arts and Physical Education Key Learning Areas.

II. Structure in Senior Forms

The following is the subject combination for 2011 - 2012

III. Uniqueness in the Curriculum

1. Split class is adopted in English and Liberal Studies so as to provide students the opportunities to develop according to their abilities.
2. Class time of core subjects takes up 62% of the whole school time. In a 6-day cycle of 50 periods, the periods are divided as follows: English (9 periods), Chinese (8 periods), Mathematics (7 periods), Liberal Studies (6 periods), Electives Subjects (5 periods), P.E. (2 periods), E & RE (2 periods).
3. Students can choose from the following electives: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, BAFS, ICT, Economics, Chinese History, History, Geography, Chinese Literature, E & RS and Visual Arts.
4. Students should choose 3 electives in S4 but are allowed to drop an elective in S5/S6.
5. Module Module II & I are offered in Mathematics.

IV. Interface of Junior and Senior Secondary Curricula

1. The elective parts of the English and Chinese curriculum of the senior forms has been integrated into the curriculum of junior forms. This helps build a solid foundation for students in the later years of secondary schooling.
2. The English and Liberal Studies Departments collaborative planning of teaching and learning helps students to develop independent and critical thinking skills.
3. Liberal Studies has been introduced to junior forms since 2006. With the help of Hong Kong Chinese University, the Liberal Studies Department have created their own teaching materials. The Liberal Studies Department also organizes various activities like drama, excursions to Stanley Market and study tours to enable students to have a wider perspective of the world and learn even outside classroom.

V. Other Learning Experience (OLE)