Private DSE candidates’ marks will not affect Hong Kong pupils’ scores: exam body
Post analysis shows that the number of private candidates securing top marks has increased at a much faster rate than that of school pupils
The performance of private candidates sitting Hong Kong’s university entrance exams will not affect the chances of pupils achieving top scores, authorities have said, after the Post found significant improvements in non-school takers’ grades over the past two years.
According to the authority, the DSE uses a standards-referenced reporting system, meaning grades are awarded based on demonstrated ability rather than performance relative to peers.
The authority reiterated that this “standards-referencing” approach differed from a curve-based “norm-referencing” system that compared an individual’s results with peers.
“The grade a candidate receives is determined based on their performance and ability compared with the preset level,” it said.