Hong Kong Education Bureau to revamp science and math curricula

Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has announced plans to revamp the senior secondary science and mathematics curriculum starting from the 2029-30 academic year. The initiative aims to nurture talent in innovation and technology to support the city’s development as an international technology hub and align with national strategic goals.

The proposed changes include updated syllabi for biology, chemistry, physics, and extended mathematics. For the three science subjects, the bureau has released consultation drafts that divide learning content into core and extended sections. The Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination structure will also be adjusted, with extended content comprising no more than 30 percent of the total marks.

Schools are being urged to actively encourage students interested in STEM fields to study two or more science subjects to create a synergistic learning effect. While the bureau has requested schools to increase enrollment in these subjects where resources permit, officials clarified that there are no mandatory quotas or “hard indicators” for the proportion of students taking multiple science subjects.

Educational experts and legislators have expressed mixed views. Some believe the measures will better prepare students for future academic and technological demands, while others expressed concern that focusing on specific subject combinations might limit student diversity and interdisciplinary learning.