Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is an academic qualification offered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA).[3] The HKDSE examination is Hong Kong's university entrance examination, administered at the completion of a three-year senior secondary education, allowing students to gain admissions to undergraduate courses at local universities through JUPAS. Since the implementation of the New Senior Secondary academic structure in 2012, HKDSE replaced the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (O Level) and Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (A Level).[4]
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| Acronym | HKDSE |
|---|---|
| Type | Paper-based Standardised Exam |
| Developer / administrator | Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority |
| Purpose | Admission to undergraduate programs of universities and colleges |
| Year started | 2012 |
| Duration | Varies by subject |
| Score / grade range | Scored on Levels of 1–5, in one-level increments, then 5* to 5** |
| Offered | Annually |
| Countries / regions | Hong Kong |
| Languages | English, Traditional Chinese (Papers can be written in Simplified Chinese) |
| Annual number of test takers |  |
| Prerequisites / eligibility criteria | School candidates: Completion of Secondary School under NSS Private candidates: None |
| Fee | Language subjects: HK$644 Other subjects: HK$431 Initial Fee: HK$494[2] |
| Scores / grades used by | Universities, locally through JUPAS, internationally via UCAS tariff points. |
| Website | hkeaa.edu.hk/en/hkdse/ |
| Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 香港中學文憑 | ||||||||
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| Education in Hong Kong |
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| Other Hong Kong topics |
| Hong Kong portal |
Under the NSS (New Senior Secondary) academic structure, pupils are required to study four compulsory "core subjects" (Chinese and English languages, mathematics and liberal studies) and choose between one to four elective subjects among the 20 available.[5]
Background & Administration
Under the NSS, a number of subjects in the HKCEE and the HKALE have been combined to suit the varying interests and talents of students. School pupils study both core (compulsory) subjects and elective subjects. Most candidates in the HKDSE sit all four core subjects plus two or three electives to satisfy local university admission requirements.[6]
In many HKDSE subject, each student studies the Compulsory Part and a module of the student's choice, the Elective Part, which concentrates on a specific topic or skill. While in certain subjects such as Mathematics, students are only required to study the Compulsory Part, while the Elective Modules are voluntary. As such, an Elective Part forms a part the subject curriculum, whereas an Extended module is designed for students with specific aim(s) or those who have higher abilities who may want additional knowledge and skills. The selection of offerings for both Elective Parts and Modules vary from school to school, for example, some schools offer both M1 (Extended Module 1) and M2 for Mathematics, while others may offer only the Compulsory Part.
- Elective Part Example: English. The Elective Part of the English Language curriculum takes up 25% of total lesson time. The selection of Elective Parts is divided into two areas: "Language Arts" and "Non-Language Arts", each of which teaches English as used in different contexts and through various medium.[7] During HKDSE, candidates also have the choice to write either the higher level (B2) or the standard level (B1) part of the paper, in addition to the mandatory Part A. Writing B1 allows the candidate to attain as high as level 4 in that paper, while writing B2 allows a 5**(five-double-star).
- Extended Part Example: Mathematics. Students who wish to study Mathematics to a higher level have the flexibility to choose one of the two Extended Modules: "M1" Calculus and Statistics or "M2" Algebra and Calculus.[8] However, the Extended Modules are considered only half a subject by the HKEAA, despite having syllabi amounting to full subjects. As a result, they became not as attractive to students, and there has been a decline in number of pupils studying them.[9][10]
Written examinations of Category A (Traditional) subjects are usually conducted between early March through early May. Speaking (Oral) components and examinations for certain Category B (Applied Learning) subjects are administered earlier. Category C (Other Languages) subjects usually take place in June (French and Spanish may be taken in the previous November), inline with CAIE AS-level practise.
Before the exam, candidates have a chance to become familiar with the different level descriptors and samples and may use them as objectives for their study. Also, they can also familiarise with the exam requirement by doing DSE Past Paper, which can be found here. When results are released, candidates can have a clearer picture of their attainment level. For each level, there will be a DSE cut off score.Thus, tertiary institutions and employers also have more accurate and robust information for admission or recruitment purposes.
Subjects
HKDSE subjects are offered in three different categories, including 24 in Category A: NSS (Traditional), over 40 in Category B: ApL (Applied Learning) and six in Category C: Other Languages.
Category A: New Senior Secondary Subjects
Category A subjects are traditional school subjects. Exams in this category are held directly by HKEAA. Both Core Subjects (Compulsory for University Admission) and Elective Subjects fall under Category A.[11] Results of these subjects are generally accepted for local and international university admission.
For Mathematics, levels of the Extended Modules (M1 and M2) are listed separately on the certificates.
Core subjects
- Chinese Language
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Liberal Studies
For Mathematics, in addition to the Compulsory Part, candidates may take one of the following Extended Modules:
- Module 1 ("M1", Calculus and Statistics).
- Module 2 ("M2", Algebra and Calculus).
For Liberal Studies, the subject curriculum features six Modules, including:[12]
- "Personal Development and Interpersonal Relationships."
- "Hong Kong Today."
- "Modern China."
- "Globalization."
- "Public Health."
- "Energy Technology and the Environment."
However, save in very particular cases and as determined by institutions, a pass in an Extended Part of a subject cannot substitute a pass in the Compulsory Part for university admission, especially when applying through JUPAS for UGC-funded courses.
Electives
Students can choose one to four electives among 20 Elective Subjects according to their interests and strengths. However, most schools do not offer a full selection of the 20 subjects in their curriculum due to practical limitations.
According to the Registration Statistics for 2018 released by the HKEAA, the most chosen subject is Physics, with a total of 11,658 candidates. Around 70.4% of students choose a combination two elective subjects, while 17.4% choose three elective subjects.[13]
2019 HKDSE subject combinations of school candidates[13]
(elective subjects include Categories A, B and C subjects):
- Chinese Literature
- English Literature
- Chinese History
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Combined Science (combining two of the three science subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- Integrated Science (integrating all three science subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- Tourism and Hospitality Studies
- Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
- Design and Applied Technology
- Health Management and Social Care
- Technology and Living (previously known as Home Economics)
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Ethics and Religious Studies
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education
Category B: Applied Learning Subjects
Category B (ApL) subjects are offered by course providers, which are usually Higher Education Institutions. Assessments of these subjects are conducted by the course providers, and the results reported to the HKEAA for adjustment. They are mostly vocational or professional subjects.
Applied Learning Subjects may or may not be considered by tertiary institutions for admission, according to HKEAA, a reported level of "Attained" on the certificate is considered as equivalent to a Grade 2 in a Category A subject, and "Attained with Distinction" to Grade 3 or above. From 2018, "Attained with Distinction" has been further refined to "Attained with Distinction (I)" (equivalent to Grade 3) and "Attained with Distinction (II)" (equivalent to Grade 4 or above). However, the more prestigious universities in Hong Kong usually consider Category B subjects as mere 'Interest Groups' for admission purposes, believing them to be inferior to the traditional academic subjects in Category A.
Areas of study in Category B include:[14]
- Creative Studies
- Media and Communication
- Business, Management and Law
- Services
- Applied Science
- Engineering and Production
- Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students)
Category C: Other Language Subjects
These are language electives. They may be used to replace Chinese Language for university admissions for students whose first language is not Chinese, but it may not be used to replace English. It may also be chosen as an elective for native Chinese speaking students, in which case it will not serve as an alternative language for UG admission. In many cases, in lieu of a Category C subject, an IGCSE Chinese Language pass (or similar Chinese qualification) can also be accepted for admission to UG programmes for non-Chinese speaking students.
Category C subjects use the papers of CAIE GCE AS-level language subjects. These are provided and marked by Cambridge Assessment International Education.[15]
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Hindi
- Urdu
Tertiary Institutions are not obliged to recognise results of Category B or C subjects, while Category C subjects are generally accepted due to them being also an AS-Level subject, Category B subjects, especially for the more prestigious institutions, are usually only considered for reference in cases where two potential students are equal in other aspects.
School-based assessment
School-based Assessments (SBA) are conducted for the majority of subjects for school candidates, which notably includes three of the four core subjects, Chinese Language, English Language and Liberal Studies, with the exception of Mathematics, it reduces reliance on a one-off public examination as students' projects and assignments throughout senior secondary years are graded by their teachers and counted toward the HKDSE results on fixed weightings, after the grades being adjusted by HKEAA.[16][17]
Grading
For Category A subjects, the performance of candidates is categorised and released on a scale of seven levels indicated on the examination certificate. Level 5** being the highest and level 1 the lowest. Distinction levels 5** and 5* (read as "five-double-stars" and "five-star") are awarded to the two best-performing groups of candidates attaining level 5.[6] Unclassified Level (UNCL) are given in cases of absence, cheating, or an attempt not reaching the standards of level 1.[18]
Category A: New Senior Secondary Subjects
| HKDSE level | HKDSE mark shown in result notice | Total mark | Equivalent grade comparing with other exams | Examination result comparison in Physics | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HKALE | HKCEE | UCAS[19] | GCE A-Level | 2014 HKDSE percentile | 2010 HKCEE percentile | ||||
| as suggested by UK | as suggested by HK | ||||||||
| Level 5 | 5** (top 10% of level 5 achievers) | 7 | A-B | A | 56 | A* | A* | 2.8% | 4.8% |
| 5* (top 30% of level 5 achievers) | 6 | B-C | A | 52 | A*/A | A*/A | 11% | 14.5% | |
| 5 | 5 | C | B | 48 | B | A/B | 27.3% | 32.7% | |
| Level 4 | 4 | 4 | D | C | 32 | D | C | 50.1% | 57.2% |
| Level 3 | 3 | 3 | E | D | 16 | E | D | 73.8% | 79.2% |
| Level 2 | 2 | 2 | F | E | Unavailable | Not recognized | 90.4% | 90.8% | |
| Level 1 | 1 | 1 | U | F | 98.1% | U | |||
| Unclassified | U | U | U | U | 100% | 100% | |||
Results from the HKDSE are usually directly compared to the IB Diploma on a subject-to-subject, level-to-level basis, and to the GCE A-Levels also on a nearly level-to-level basis. The UCAS Tariff points attached to each subject level (excluding Mathematics) is as shown above, UCAS points are generally used to compare school leaving academic qualifications.
Category B: Applied Learning Subjects
| Subjects | Result | Comparing to HKDSE Category A results |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Learning Subjects (excluding ApL Chinese) | "Attained with Distinction (II)" | Level 4 or above |
| "Attained with Distinction (I)" | Level 3 | |
| "Attained" | Unknown | |
| Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) | "Attained with Distinction" | Level 3 or above |
| "Attained" | Unknown |
Note: Albeit Category B subjects are taught to standards designed to be comparable to Category A subjects, with reference to the form above, to date the majority of local universities however, do not consider Category B subjects for admission by JUPAS.
Category C: Other Language Subjects
These subjects are graded by CAIE, on grades "A" to "E" (with grade "E" being the lowest and grade "A" the highest). An achievement below grade “E” is called 'Ungraded', and is not recorded on the diploma awarded to candidate.[20]
Marking
In the criterion-referenced grading system, experts in relevant subject matters establish the marking standards for each level. Thereafter, level descriptors and examples are set and constantly reviewed based on syllabus objectives and statistical data, including exam statistics and candidate answer scripts. Gradings produced by a criterion-referenced system reflect a candidate's level of attainment in a particular subject instead of the rank order of the candidate in comparison to others.
Markers of HKDSE are mostly current teachers of secondary schools.[21] They are appointed to different assessment centres to perform Onscreen Marking (OSM). Exam papers are first scanned into the database at scanning centres, and then distributed to the markers through computer.[22][23]
Admission to Local Universities
The HKDSE is designed for local secondary school students in Hong Kong to measure their achievement and to enable them to gain admission to local universities through the unified Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS).[24]
International qualifications, like IB Diploma, (I)GCSE, GCE A-levels and IALs, OSSD ,and SAT/AP, on the other hand, are more often taken by private, DSS (Directly Subsidised, comparable to independent schools in other countries) or international school students. These international qualifications are becoming more popular in Hong Kong, due to the perceived difference in difficulty and grading between HKDSE and the international qualifications, leading to the perception in some parents and students that it is comparatively easier for a student to gain entrance to local universities with an international school leaving qualification.[25] In addition, HKDSE holders applying through JUPAS must have results from at least 5 subjects, including the Compulsory Subject of Chinese Language, metaphorically referred to by students as 'the paper of death' due to its extensive coverage of Classical Chinese literatures written in a completely different writing system than Modern Standard Chinese; while international qualifications like IGCSE/A-level and IBD have more flexibility in the choice of subject and additional language for students.
Due to these differences and the perception of an advantage that international qualifications have over HKDSE in university admission, there has been a considerable amount of concern over the emergence of a bipartite education system, based on wealth instead of merit.[26]
Impact on schools
One notable impact on schools in Hong Kong is the discontinued need for sixth form colleges due to the cancellation of HKALE and upper sixth. Nevertheless, some of these colleges, such as PLK Vicwood KT Chong Sixth Form College, remain in operation as senior secondary schools.[27]
Criticism
Unbalanced focus
The HKDSE is criticized for placing too much emphasis on the four core subjects, causing some students to neglect the elective subjects. Tsui Lap-chee, then president of the University of Hong Kong at the introduction of HKDSE, commented: "The Education Bureau demands universities [to screen pupils by] setting the so-called 3322 as minimum entry requirement for undergraduate programmes — a minimal of grade 3 in Chinese and English Languages, and a minimal of grade 2 in Mathematics and Liberal Studies. [It is] insufficient for studying in universities." He proposed a minimal grade requirement for two elective subjects, which the Education Bureau rejected. He also mentioned that many students do not study the optional extended modules for Mathematics, leaving them lacking the advanced mathematics knowledge needed for science and engineering studies; it is very difficult for them to make this up in their undergraduate courses.[28]
Hindrance to admission
Since the launch of the HKDSE, the Chinese language paper is often dubbed the 'paper of death' (Chinese: 死亡之卷).[29] Some have the opinion that the high expectation is well-founded since Cantonese Chinese is the daily language in Hong Kong, but every year nearly half of all candidates failed the subject. They hence lose the chance to gain entrance to a university because of the '3322' requirement, even though tertiary education in Hong Kong is delivered in English. “3322” refers to level 3 for Chinese Language and English Language and level 2 for Mathematics Compulsory Part and Liberal Studies.Compared to the past when language subjects were not compulsory at advanced level. It is also reported that some of the authors of passages employed in the Chinese papers themselves found the questions in the paper difficult or impossible to answer. Elaine Yau of SCMP commented that the exam results are "proving [HKDSE as] a major hindrance to admission".[30]
Moreover, it is reported that the HKDSE is causing chronic stress in students.[31]
2020 arrangements due to the COVID-19 outbreak
The spread of COVID-19 in Hong Kong has caused the Education Bureau (EDB) and HKEAA to remodel this year's HKDSE. At a press conference held on February 6 announcing the alternative plans, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung said that all oral and practical examinations to be held before March 27 will be postponed. He went on further to mention two different options then considered by the Bureau and the HKEAA. One of them was that written exams would take place on March 27 as scheduled, whereas physical education, music practicals and Chinese speakings be postponed to May. Option two was that all examinations would be postponed by four weeks, as well as cancelling all oral examinations.[32] At the end of February, the bureau announced that option one would be adopted where HKDSE will be held as schedule on March 27 and Chinese oral exams will be postponed to May 18. The result releasing date will also be postponed to July 15. Some measures were made by the Bureau to prevent the chance of virus transmission, such as all candidates will be provided a mask when entering the examination venue and their body temperature will be checked. For those who could not attend HKDSE due to heath condition, their final grade of the subject can be determined based on school performance, but the maximum grade they can obtained will be level 5.[33] But in mid-March, after a spike in COVID-19 cases reported in Hong Kong, the secretary announced that the HKDSE will be postponed by a month to 27 April, as in the previously discussed option 2.[34]
Candidates this year expressed dissatisfaction over the new arrangements, demanding a cancellation of the exam for this year. Some thought that with such a large number of candidates staying in a packed area for examination, the possibility of virus transmission would be high. Some also thought that the EDB should have made the call to postpone the exam earlier instead of just less than 2 weeks before the official exam date, causing confusion and inconvenience to everyone concerned. A Form Six student mentioned in an interview with Hong Kong Free Press that he hoped the bureau would be more transparent in their decision-making process as the uncertainty surrounding the new arrangement had caused more burden to candidates and made them feel more stressed about the public exam.[35]
2020 HKDSE History exam controversy
In May, over 5,000 students took the HKDSE History exam. The exam is divided into 2 papers, the first paper is Data response question which all the four data response question are compulsory, the second paper requires the candidate to choose two out of the seven essay questions. Among the four questions in Paper 1, Question 2 is about the topic on Japan and China relations in the early 20th century. In part c of question 2, the question requires candidates to answer "whether Japan did more good than harm to China." A day after the exam, the EDB, the Hong Kong government officials, and major pro-establishment figures slammed the question for being "biased", "insensitive to the war crime victims who suffered from atrocities committed by the Japanese Army during Sino-Japanese War", and "hurting the pride and dignity of the 1.4 billion Chinese people". Hence, the government orders the invalidation of the question.
With the government intervention in the exam system, many candidates expressed their anger towards the government that the removal of the controversial question would unfairly affect their performance, and may also affect their admission into the local universities. A week later, the question was confirmed to be invalidated. Subsequently, a student group filed a judicial review to challenge the HKEAA decision to invalidate the question.
Many pro-democracy figures believed the government intervention on the examination system is reflecting the Central government growing influence in Hong Kong's local affairs. Many teachers from the Pro-Democracy HKPTU expressed their concern about the eroding academic freedom. On the other hand, pro-establishment figures believed that the local education system is "toxic" and "brainwashing" to promote local young people to become more rebellious against the Central and SAR government. In view of this problem, the pro-establishment figures called for the education system to be reformed and remove any elements of colonialism in the education system that have existed over the past 23 years.
See also
References
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- "2019 HKDSE Examination Fee Adjustment" (PDF). Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). Retrieved 17 June 2018.
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- "Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education". Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority. Archived from the original on 23 June 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2007.
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- "側重核心科 近半DSE考生棄科學" (in Chinese). Oriental Daily. 6 January 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
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- "Opinion: Hong Kong's Education Bureau made right move in suspending school-based assessment". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
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- "Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | UCAS Qualification Information Profiles". qips.ucas.com. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
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- "IB較DSE易取高分？數字證實如此 | 前線科技人員". 眾新聞 (in Chinese). Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Welcome to P.L.K. Vicwood K.T.Chong Sixth Form College | Po Leung Kuk Vicwood K.T.Chong Sixth Form College". www.sfc-plk.edu.hk. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "文憑試3322不足上大學 徐立之：教育局如同攞槍迫大學接受" (in Chinese). Hong Kong Economic Times. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
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- "COMMUNITY & EDUCATION OPINION The Notorious D.S.E. – Is Hong Kong's high-stress exam really necessary?". Young Post | South China Morning Post. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
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