New humanities subject in Hong Kong primary schools will teach ‘without a country, there is no family’, Education Bureau says
- Education official says curriculum will instil ‘sense of country, affection for the Chinese people, and a sense of national identity’
- Humanities, alongside new science course, will replace general studies, taught in primaries since 1996
Hong Kong primary school pupils will be required to learn about the country’s achievements under the Chinese Communist Party and the national security law in a compulsory subject designed to promote patriotism, the Education Bureau has said.
Officials on Thursday said Primary One pupils would be taught to love the nation and learn that “without a country, there is no family” from the 2025-26 academic year.
But the head of a schools council said members were worried the curriculum was too cumbersome and that teachers might have to read out the materials to classes.
He added that pupils might not have the time to absorb the new knowledge.
The new “humanities” curriculum, alongside a new science course, will replace general studies in primary schools and puts significant focus on patriotic education.
“The subject is enriched with elements of Chinese culture, history and geography, and aims to nurture students with a sense of country, affection for the Chinese people, and a sense of national identity, in a bid to implement education on patriotism,” said Paul Lee Kin-wan, the bureau’s chief curriculum development officer.
