Press Release

Young persons in custody obtain good results in HKDSE Examination

     The results of the 2015 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 15). Young persons in custody obtained good results in the examination this year.

     A total of 20 young persons in custody from Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution enrolled in this year's HKDSE Examination. They took a total of 97 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 91 papers, or in 93.8 per cent of all papers taken, with three of them obtaining level 5* or 5** in Economics. This is the first time that person in custody obtained level 5** in the HKDSE Examination. Of the 20 young persons, three met the general entrance requirements for local universities. One candidate at Pik Uk Correctional Institution scored 26 marks overall in the six papers taken - the highest score obtained by a young person in custody since 2012.

     Exams sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Liberal Studies, as well as the two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies.

     Education has long been provided by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to help young persons in custody further their studies, find jobs and reintegrate into society after release.

     Assistant Commissioner (Rehabilitation) of the CSD, Mr Tang Ping-ming said, "Study prepares persons in custody for their reintegration into society, and academic qualifications obtained in public examinations improve their chances of finding jobs or furthering their studies."

     The preparation of young persons in custody for the HKDSE Examination is not an easy task, added Mr Tang. In the process, the persons in custody demonstrate their determination and perseverance in overcoming learning difficulties. Family support as well as guidance and assistance from CSD staff and teachers are also very important to them. In addition to accredited qualifications, it is imperative that young persons in custody are able to establish positive attitudes and values through participation in examinations, said Mr Tang. He encouraged the young persons in custody to continue seizing the chance to study and strive for a better future. He also called on the public to give persons in custody and rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society.

     The Department provides a half-day compulsory education programme and half-day vocational training for young persons in custody under the age of 2l. Guidance and assistance are also in place for adult persons in custody, who are encouraged to participate in studies on a voluntary basis.

     To keep in line with the development of Hong Kong education, the CSD has initiated the New Senior Secondary curriculum by phases at correctional institutions and helps young persons in custody sit the HKDSE Examination. Young persons in custody are given the same opportunity to study at correctional institutions as students are in mainstream schools.

Ends/Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:56

The Superintendent of Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, Mr Lee Siu-kai (left), today (July 15) presents an examination certificate to a young person in custody who participated in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination.

A young person in custody receives satisfactory HKDSE results and is encouraged by his father.

Young persons in custody at Cape Collinson Correctional Institution seize the chance to study and strive for a better future.