Hong Kong primary schools to introduce technology subject in 2028/29

Hong Kong primary schools are due to introduce a new technology subject in the 2028/29 school year. All schools must begin with Primary 1 and Primary 4, then extend the subject to other grades. Schools ready to do so may instead introduce it across Primary 1 to 6 that year.

Schools may trial the curriculum in 2027/28. The framework sets out five learning areas: information technology concepts and applications; computational thinking and programming; introductory artificial intelligence; basic engineering and robotics-related technology; and technology and society.

Dr William Lam Wai-lim wrote about the curriculum in an Education Bureau online column. He said the artificial intelligence section would cover basic operations and applications, including the benefits and rules of using AI. Engineering and robotics would give pupils experience in designing and making, and using technology to solve problems and innovate.

Each grade is to receive at least 28 periods of 35 minutes, or 16 hours, of teaching a year. The framework also encourages pupils to apply what they learn alongside other subjects. Examples include linking the subject with science and incorporating engineering design and technology-based data processing into STEAM learning or activities, as well as using generative AI tools to support learning in other subjects.

The subject will not count towards the internal assessment used for secondary-school placement, but pupils will still be assessed in different ways, including through learning processes, displays of work and ongoing assessment. Examples in the framework include a simple game or interactive story to assess programming, a multimedia presentation showing how IT could address an everyday problem, and a test or project report on basic AI concepts and applications.

The Education Bureau says it will support schools with teacher training bases, a 15-hour professional training certificate course, learning communities and teaching resources. Approved textbooks are expected to be added to the applicable book list in early 2028.