Under the new academic system, all students can study for three years of junior high school and three years of high school education. After completing the six-year secondary school curriculum, students can take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), which assesses their academic standards. The first HKDSE was held in 2012, and the candidates were mainly school candidates.
Most school candidates apply for four core subjects (Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and General Education) and two to three elective subjects. Candidates can choose elective subjects from Category A high school subjects; Category B applied learning subjects or Category C other language subjects.
In order to ensure that the method of reporting results is in line with international standards, and that it is highly transparent and clear, the HKDSE Category A subjects use the level-referenced model to report results. Candidates’ performance in Category A subjects is divided into five levels (levels 1-5), with level 5 being the highest level. Among the candidates who have achieved the 5th level, the best performer will receive a “5**”, and the later performers will be marked with a “5*”. Performance below level 1 will be marked as “not rated”.
For the statistics of the previous HKDSE, please click here .
If you want to know more about the HKDSE information, you can download the following booklet:
- Introduction to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination-Grading process and level reference score report
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination-Introduction to School-based Assessment Pamphlet
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination-School-based Assessment Score Adjustment Pamphlet
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination-Quality Assurance Framework
To increase public understanding of the HKDSE, the HKEAA has produced a series of short videos, which can be viewed here .
*Note: Formerly known as Cambridge International Examinations (Chinese translation: Cambridge University International Examinations).
