Hong Kong ranks third in global study of cognitive skills
International survey shows city's youngsters are doing well, but experts warn about rote learning
Hong Kong ranked third in an international survey of students' cognitive skills and educational attainment, behind South Korea and Finland.
The survey compared the performances of grade 8 and grade 4 pupils in 40 countries in mathematics, reading and science, based on their results in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment, and the international Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study assessments.
The measurement of educational attainment is based on the countries' latest literacy rate and graduation rates at the upper secondary and tertiary level.
Despite Hong Kong pupils' superior academic performance, local experts warned rote learning remained an issue here.
The report attributes the success of Finland and South Korea to some common qualities: high-quality teachers, value accountability and a moral mission that underlies education efforts.