Hong Kong News
Nonpartisan, Noncommercial, unconstrained.
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Real, Diverse, Unbiased.
Exam arrangements need to pass the test
Already stressed Hong Kong students should not have to worry about lockdowns or quarantine measures dashing their hopes.
The prospect of being locked up alone in a room for a public exam may seem odd, except perhaps for those who are in prison or police custody. But it could well happen to anyone in the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination this year, owing to the possibilities of a sudden overnight lockdown or compulsory quarantine imposed by the government under the prolonged coronavirus epidemic.
The stress facing the 52,000 students sitting the annual university entrance tests can only be imagined.
Thoughts of being confined by such restrictions obviously add to the stress of students sitting the highly competitive exams. As only those with negative Covid-19 test results may leave an affected area the following morning, there are fears students could well arrive late at examination centres. The inconvenience caused by compulsory quarantine is even greater.
The government apparently cannot tell whether any students will be affected when it decides which buildings should be confined for compulsory tests. The best officials can do is to ensure lockdown and quarantine orders are not arbitrarily imposed, and those affected by emergency measures may continue with their exams under special conditions.
Designated isolation rooms for students taking exams inside quarantine centres may not necessarily ease their stress, but they are nonetheless practical arrangements in light of the prevailing circumstances.
Hong Kong is not alone in conducting such exams for the second year running, and precautionary measures have been adjusted in light of the experience. But for many youngsters who have been struggling to keep up with their lessons, the tests are make or break.
A recent study by a youth guidance group showed students’ stress levels at their second-highest level, 7.6 out of 10, since the exams were introduced in 2012. Respondents also told how the pandemic was affecting their motivation and concentration.
In the long term, the authorities are in no position to say whether exams will continue to be held under tight health restrictions. However, appropriate arrangements need to be in place so students can sit them confidently and safely.
The stress facing the 52,000 students sitting the annual university entrance tests can only be imagined.
Thoughts of being confined by such restrictions obviously add to the stress of students sitting the highly competitive exams. As only those with negative Covid-19 test results may leave an affected area the following morning, there are fears students could well arrive late at examination centres. The inconvenience caused by compulsory quarantine is even greater.
The government apparently cannot tell whether any students will be affected when it decides which buildings should be confined for compulsory tests. The best officials can do is to ensure lockdown and quarantine orders are not arbitrarily imposed, and those affected by emergency measures may continue with their exams under special conditions.
Designated isolation rooms for students taking exams inside quarantine centres may not necessarily ease their stress, but they are nonetheless practical arrangements in light of the prevailing circumstances.
Hong Kong is not alone in conducting such exams for the second year running, and precautionary measures have been adjusted in light of the experience. But for many youngsters who have been struggling to keep up with their lessons, the tests are make or break.
A recent study by a youth guidance group showed students’ stress levels at their second-highest level, 7.6 out of 10, since the exams were introduced in 2012. Respondents also told how the pandemic was affecting their motivation and concentration.
In the long term, the authorities are in no position to say whether exams will continue to be held under tight health restrictions. However, appropriate arrangements need to be in place so students can sit them confidently and safely.
