‘Unfair advantage’: backlash over Hong Kong school’s simplified Chinese exam policy

An unprecedented decision by a government-run Hong Kong primary school to allow pupils to use simplified Chinese characters in tests and examinations has sparked a backlash, with more than 200 parents signing a petition opposing what they described as an “unfair” arrangement.

The Education Bureau, which sponsors Shatin Government Primary School, said it had reminded the institution that it must fully consult stakeholders before revising its assessment policy.

Former leader Leung Chun-ying also weighed in, saying that while it was understandable that pupils from the mainland were not used to using traditional Chinese characters, they should also work harder to master them due to their wide use in Hong Kong.

“One would work hard in learning English when they study in the United Kingdom or the United States. Is learning traditional Chinese characters harder than learning English?” he said, highlighting the responsibility of schools in teaching pupils.

On Monday, the school issued a circular to parents via its electronic platform, announcing that Primary Two to Six pupils would be allowed to use simplified Chinese characters in their tests and examinations to “cater to the increasingly diverse learning needs of our students”.

“This arrangement aims to provide a more friendly assessment environment for students with mainland backgrounds or those accustomed to using simplified Chinese characters, while also giving local students the opportunity to learn about the two Chinese writing systems, thereby enhancing their reading and communication skills,” the school said.