National security a key focus for revamped subject

Exam authorities have published a sample paper for the revamped liberal studies subject, with an apparent emphasis on national security as well as the city’s integration with the mainland.

The government announced in May that liberal studies will be renamed “citizenship and social development” with a revised curriculum in the coming school year, after the subject was blamed by the pro-Beijing camp for “radicalising” students during the 2019 social unrest.

On Friday, the Examinations and Assessment Authority published a sample HKDSE paper for the renamed subject with multiple-choice questions as well as short and essay-type questions – all of which must be answered.

One of the essay questions asks about the responsibilities of the World Health Organisation and vaccine hesitancy, while the two other questions are on Hong Kong’s national security law and the SAR’s role in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Among other things, students are asked to identify one possible concern people may have about the security law on Hong Kong’s business environment.

The paper includes an excerpt of the legislation, to which students are expected to explain how the concern could be eased.

Another section of the question, meanwhile, asks pupils to describe how important school education is in nurturing young people’s sense of belonging to the country.

On Greater Bay development, students are asked to state an example of cross-boundary transport infrastructure which was recently built, and explain how that could facilitate development in the region.

They are also required to explain, with reference to sources such as an outline development plan for the bay area, why Hong Kong young people pursing their careers across the border “are met with both opportunities and challenges”.

The new curriculum for the revamped subject will be implemented from September onwards, and the Education Bureau has previously said it will cover only three themes, namely Hong Kong, the nation, and the contemporary world. All textbooks will be vetted.