The Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) issued a circular to all schools in Hong Kong today (October 24), announcing details of a requirement for newly appointed teachers to pass the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) starting from the 2023/24 school year.
A spokesman for the EDB said, "The Basic Law is closely related to our daily lives and has been a key element of the school curriculum, which shall be strengthened. Teachers should have a correct understanding of the Basic Law so that they could enlighten students and help them correctly understand the constitutional status of Hong Kong and develop positive attitudes towards the Basic Law and 'one country, two systems'.
"Starting from the current school year, newly appointed teachers in public sector schools are required to pass the Basic Law Test in order to be considered for appointment. As announced in 'The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address', the Basic Law Test requirement will be extended to cover all Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the kindergarten education scheme starting from the 2023/24 school year. The test covers the Basic Law and the National Security Law. Apart from regular teachers, newly appointed teachers remunerated with cash grant are also required to obtain a pass in the test. The requirement applies to all ranks of the teacher grade including principals."
