About 80% of Primary 3 pupils have basic competency in Chinese, English and mathematics, according to the 2007 Territory-wide System Assessment released today.

The Examinations & Assessment Authority said about 220,000 students from more than 1,000 primary and secondary schools were assessed.

About 84.9% of Primary 3, 76.7% of Primary 6 and 76.2% of Secondary 3 students attained basic competency in Chinese, whereas in English, the qualified portion was 79.5% for Primary 3, 71.3% for Primary 6 and 69.2% for Secondary 3 students. In mathematics 86.9% of Primary 3, 83.8% of Primary 6 and 79.9% of Secondary 3 pupils meet the standards.

Extra assistance

Deputy Secretary for Education Chris Wardlaw said although most students are progressing well in the three subjects, some need assistance. Schools and the Education Bureau will work together to identify the most effective strategies to help them.

"We will enhance training and other learning and teaching support for schools where needed to address areas of weakness in our students' learning identified in the assessment," he said.

"We will continue to strengthen the support services in such areas as curriculum planning, web-based learning and teaching resources and regional level support. We will also continue to formulate school-based support services and identify good practice for sharing with teachers."