e-Bulletin for Parents - 19 April 2024

Fostering National Security Awareness through Learning English

National security education (NSE) is an important component of values education. It is inseparable from national education and an indispensable part of the school curriculum in Hong Kong. To support schools in integrating NSE elements into and connecting them naturally with the English Language curriculum, the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau (EDB) has newly developed the English Language Resource Kit on National Security Education at the Primary Level and the English Language Resource Materials on National Security Education at the Secondary Level. The resources not only enhance primary and secondary students’ language skills, but also guide students to understand the importance of safeguarding national security.

The English Language Resource Kit on National Security Education at the Primary Level features four learning topics, covering the major fields of cultural security, ecological security, food security and outer space security. Through engaging in viewing, reading and multifarious English activities, students can learn about the folk dances of different ethnic groups and the achievements in aerospace technology of the country, as well as the sustained efforts of the country in conserving endangered wildlife animals and stabilising food supply. Students can also reflect on how to contribute to safeguarding national security in their daily lives, thus cultivating in them a sense of belonging to the country and enhancing their awareness of safeguarding national security.

The English Language Resource Materials on National Security Education at the Secondary Level feature a series of learning and teaching resources covering the major fields of artificial intelligence security, nuclear security, resource security and food security. The resource materials aim to heighten students’ self-awareness of national security and develop their sense of responsibility for safeguarding national security. In addition to reading, writing and speaking activities, suggestions on cross-curricular and life-wide learning activities are also provided to enrich students’ English learning experiences, enhance their understanding of the developments of the country and the significance of safeguarding national security, and foster their sense of national identity.

Schools are encouraged to select and use the learning and teaching resources to cater for students’ needs, interests and abilities, enable students to learn and apply English across various themes, as well as develop in them an awareness of and a sense of responsibility for safeguarding national security. Besides, parents are encouraged to read the texts and view the videos recommended in the resources together with their children to not only increase their exposure to English beyond the classroom, but also enhance their understanding of the richness and beauty of the Chinese culture as well as the latest developments of the country. The resources can be accessed through the following webpages of the EDB:

Primary schools
https://www.edb.gov.hk/NSE_elepri

Secondary schools
https://www.edb.gov.hk/NSE_elesec_1

For other information on English Language learning and the Campaign on “Promoting Positive Values and Attitudes through English Sayings of Wisdom (SOW) 2023/24”, please visit the webpage of the English Language Education Section (https://www.edb.gov.hk/ele) and its SOW webpage (https://www.edb.gov.hk/sow).

Should parents let their children go to school under inclement weather conditions?

When inclement weather may affect the safety of students, the Education Bureau (EDB) will keep in close contact with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). In the event of tropical cyclones and heavy persistent rain, with reference to the latest information provided by the HKO, the EDB will announce the school suspension arrangements for the corresponding periods via the mass media, the EDB website (http://www.edb.gov.hk/en), the EDB hotline (Tel: 2891 0088) and the GovHK website (http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/govhknotifications/?category=OGCMN052*&lang=en). Parents should pay close attention to the announcements in the above channels to understand the latest arrangements.

Regarding inclement weather conditions, including the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, and other adverse weather conditions, the EDB has established a communication mechanism with the HKO and issued the Circular to inform schools of the measures to be taken for tropical cyclones or heavy persistent rain. Parents can make reference to the relevant materials including the TV Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs), Rainstorm Warning Posters, Leaflets, Bookmarks and Labels.

The EDB reiterates, when a RED or BLACK Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued, students should continue the lessons until the end of normal school hours; schools should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home. Parents do not need to pick up their children from school immediately.

In addition, as the situations in localised area(s) may differ from the territory as a whole, emergencies may also arise unexpectedly. Such situations should be handled in accordance with the individual circumstances in a flexible manner to ensure the safety of students. In this regard, the EDB Circular stipulated that parents can exercise their discretion in deciding whether or not to send their children to school in response to the weather conditions. They should keep their children at home if the local weather, roads, slopes or traffic are in adverse conditions. Schools will exercise discretion in handling the students for lateness for school affected by inclement weather or flooding or absence from school at parents’ discretion on the respective day, and such students will not be penalised accordingly.

Parents may visit the HKO webpage on “Weather Information for Schools” (https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/school/school.htm) or the mobile App “MyObservatory” （https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/myobservatory.htm） for the latest weather conditions.