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The Senior Secondary system has already been running for some time already. Besides core subjects, students are also required to take elective subjects in the HKDSE. Crucially, it will decide your future pathways. With the selection of electives in Secondary 3, it also marks the beginning of preparation for the HKDSE.

It is understandable that parents and students are in dilemma at this time. You may be feeling somewhat anguished, fearful and ambivalent. Choosing the most suitable electives among more than 10 options, plus having to deal with four core subjects and numerous extra-curricular activities in the coming year can feel overwhelming.

While deciding which electives to take, there are some important things you should bear in mind, namely your interests, future career, ability and time. Of course, it is also important that you know about the electives you are about to take up. What future career do you prefer? Do you have the ability? Are you sure what you are good at, and what your weaknesses are? If you plan to take up extra subjects, such as Music, Visual Arts or other languages, do you think you can manage your time effectively?

There are also many things you should know during your considerations, such as how the Senior Secondary curriculum works, the mode of HKDSE and different Universities requirements. We are providing you with as much information as possible in this publication. We will have introductions on the curriculum and university options, as well as interviews of our senior schoolmates to share their experiences to give parents and students a better comprehension of the curriculum.

I would like to take this chance to thank my teacher advisors and career counsellors, as well as all interviewees for all their effort in the preparation of this publication. I would also like to thank Hok Yau Club for providing some vital information to us.

Finally, I wish you all the best in the coming years and able to take up your favorable electives. I also hope you will enjoy our publication, and make a correct choice.

5D Leung Yee HimDeputy Head Careers Counsellor

Preface

Contents 2. Preface .............................................................. 2 3. Table of Contents ......................................... 3 4. Introductory Section

4.1 Overview of the study framework of the New Senior Secondary curriculum .................. 4

4.2 Overview of the situation of operating subjects in Queens College on the number of classes for Group A Elective subjects (09/10, 10/11, 11/12, 12/13,13/14)........................5

4.3 Introduction to the frameworks of four compulsory subjects (i.e. Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics (Core) and Liberal Studies) ................................. 6-13

4.4 Introduction to the School-Based Assessment Scheme (SBA) ............... 14-15

4.5 Introduction to Extended Module of the Mathematics (M1 and M2) .............. 16-17

4.6 Introduction to Category A subjects Electives ............................................. 18-35 4.6.1 Physics ...................................... 18-19 4.6.2 Chemistry .................................. 20-21 4.6.3 Biology ...................................... 22-23 4.6.4 Economics ................................. 24 4.6.5 BAFS ......................................... 25 4.6.6 Geography ................................. 26-27 4.6.7 History ....................................... 28 4.6.8 Chinese History ...................... 29 4.6.9 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) .............................. 30 4.6.10 Music ................................... 31-33 4.6.11 Visual Arts ............................ 34-35

4.7 Introduction to Category B subjects Applied Learning ............................... 36-37

4.8 Introduction to Category C subjects Other Languages ................................ 38-40

4.9 The marks-reporting scheme of HKDSE (standard- referencing) and the qualification issued by the

HKEAA...........................................41-43 4.10 External qualifications of the

HKDSE................................................44---45

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5. University Section 5.1 Introduction to JUPAS and on the admission into Hong

Kong universities ................... 46-47 5.2.1 The University of Hong Kong ...... 48-50 5.2.2 The Chinese University of Hong

Kong ................................................ 51-55 5.2.3 The Hong Kong University of Science and

Technology ............................... 56 5.2.4 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

..........................................................57-59 5.2.5 Hong Kong Baptist University ...... 60-64 5.2.6 City University of Hong Kong ...... 65-67 5.2.7 Lingnan University ........................ 67 5.2.8 The Hong Kong Institute of Education

........................................................68-70 5.2.9 SSSDP ............................................ 71 5.3 Overseas options ............................. 72-84 5.3.1 the United Kingdom ..................... 72-73 5.3.2 the United States .......................... 74-77 5.3.3 Australia .......................................... 78-80 5.3.4 the Mainland ................................. 81 5.3.5 Canada ............................................. 82-84

6. Interview Section 6.1 Chinese Language ................................ 85-86 6.2 English Language ................................ 87-88 6.3 Mathematics (Core) .............................. 89 6.4 Mathematics (M1) ................................ 90 6.5 Mathematics (M2) ................................ 91 6.6 To M or not to M .................................. 92 6.7 Liberal Studies ....................................... 93-94 6.8 Physics, Chemistry, Biology, M2 .......... 95-96 6.9 Platform Eight-and-a-three-quarters ...... 97-98 6.10 Economics .............................................. 99 6.11 BAFS ..................................................... 100 6.12 Geography ............................................. 101 6.13 History ................................................... 102 6.14 Chinese History ........................... 103-104 6.15 Information and Communication Technology

(ICT)......................................................105 6.16 Music ..................................................... 106 6.17 Visual Arts ........................................... 107 6.18 Applied Learning ................................ 108 6.19 Other Languages 6.19.1 Spanish ................................................ 109 6.19.2 Japanese ............................................... 110

7. Other useful information 7.1 Frequently Asked Questions ................... 111 7.2 Useful websites/links/documents............112

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Categories Key Learning Areas SubjectsCore Subjects Chinese Language Education Chinese Language

English Language Education English LanguageMathematics Education Mathematics (Compulsory Part)

Liberal Studies Liberal StudiesCategory A: NSS Subjects Chinese Language Education Chinese Literature

English Language Education Literature in EnglishMathematics Education Mathematics (Extended Part):

M1 (Calculus and Statistics)M2 (Algebra and Calculus)

Personal, Social and Humanities Education

Chinese History

EconomicsEthnics and Religious Studies

GeographyHistory

Tourism and Hospitality StudiesPhysics

ChemistryBiology

Combined ScienceIntegrated Science

Technology Education Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS)

Design and Applied TechnologyHealth Management and Social Care

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Technology and LivingArts Education Music

Visual ArtsPhysical Education Physical Education

Category B: Applied Learning Creative StudiesMedia and Communication

Business, Management and LawService

Applied ScienceEngineering and Production

Category C: Other Languages FrenchGermanHindi

JapaneseSpanish

Urdu

Reference:http://334.edb.hkedcity.net/curriculum.php

4.1 Overview of the study framework of the New Senior Secondary Curriculum

4.2 Overview of the situation of operating subjects in Queens College on the number of classes for Group A Elective subjects (2009-2014)

2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Physics 4 4 3 4 3

Chemistry 4 4 4 4 3 Biology 2 2 2 2 2 BAFS 1 2 2 1 1

Economics 3 3 3 3 2 ICT 1 1 1 1 1

Chinese History 1 0 0 1 0 Geography 1 1 1 1 1

History 1 1 1 1 1 M11 1 1 1 1 1 M21 2 2 2 2 2

Music2 1 1 1 1 1 Visual Arts2 1 0 1 1 1

Remarks 1. M1 and M2 are grouped with Block 1. They are extended classes, so supplementary Mathematics lessons after school are required.

2. Music and Visual Arts belong to Block 4, and a supplementary lesson after school per week is required. The exact details of supplementary lessons will be informed in the new academic year.

2013-2014 S4 Classes 2014-2015 S4 Classes Block 1 & M1/M2

4B 4B Chemistry(M2) 4C 4A Physics(M2) 4A 4D* Economics(M1)

N/A 4C* Biology(M1)

In the academic year 2014-2015, 18 students from class 4C and another 18 students class 4D will have lessons together for their compulsory part and M1 lessons. The remaining students from two classes will have lessons together, and taught by another teacher, for the COMPOLSORY PART ONLY.

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4.3 Introduction to the frameworks of four compulsory subjects(i.e.