Theoretical Basis of the Project

Theoretical basis of the project 1. Summary of findings/principles The consultation document “Reforming the Academic Structure for Senior Secondary Education and Higher Education” (EMB, 2004, p. 11-12) suggests that a school program with 15-35% of other learning experiences should consist of moral and civic education, community service, aesthetic and physical activities, as well as career-related experiences. In this connection, at least 5% of the other learning experiences should relate to aesthetic activities and therefore, providing “arts learning experiences” for senior secondary students should be a prime mission to achieve this target.

In view of the current situation that the implementation of arts education programs at senior secondary level is rare, the proposed project is to suggest strategies and exemplars of activities for the development of “arts learning experiences” programs for senior secondary students. It is expected that the evidence generated from the project will facilitate schools to develop an equal opportunity arts learning environment for all senior secondary students.

Schools are expected “to develop a balanced arts curriculum which cater for student diversity, character building and whole-person development” (CDC, 2002, p.16). The proposed project will help achieve the curriculum aims as stated in the “Arts Education KLA Curriculum Guide (P1-S3)”:  To develop creativity and critical thinking, nurture aesthetic sensitivity, and build up cultural awareness and effective communication;  To develop skills, knowledge and positive values and attitudes in the arts;  To gain delight, enjoyment and satisfaction through participating in arts-making activities; and  To pursue a life-long interest in the arts. The design of each arts program in the project should contribute and lead to the four Learning Targets, i.e. Develop Creativity and Imagination, Develop Skills & Processes, Cultivate Critical Responses and Understand Arts in Context, which are stated in the “Arts Education KLA Curriculum Guide (P1-S3)”.

2. List of seminal references  CDC. (2002). Arts Education Key Learning Area Curriculum Guide (Primary 1 – Secondary 3). Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council.  CDC. (2003). Arts Education Key Learning Area Music Curriculum Guide (Primary 1 – Secondary 3)(2003). Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council.  CDC. (2003). Arts Education Key Learning Area Visual Arts Curriculum Guide (Primary 1 – Secondary 3). Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council.  CDC and HKEAA. (2005). Arts Education Key Learning Area Proposed New Senior Secondary Curriculum and Assessment Framework: Music. (Second Draft for Consultation). Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.  CDC and HKEAA. (2005). Arts Education Key Learning Area Proposed New Senior Secondary Curriculum and Assessment Framework: Visual Arts. (Second Draft for Consultation). Hong Kong: Curriculum Development Council and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.