What is the "One Executive Officer for Each School Policy"?
To alleviate the administrative burden on teachers and principals, the Education Bureau launched the "One Executive Officer for Each School Policy” in the 2019/20 cohort. This initiative aims to provide resources for every public sector and Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) school to employ a full-time School Executive Officer (School ExO) who holds a bachelor's degree. These officers specialise in handling finance, personnel, procurement, and crisis management, allowing teaching staff to focus on teaching. Schools may choose to create a permanent post or use a grant to hire staff, with induction training and administrative support services provided.
How does this programme differ from a general "Business Administration and Management" programme?
This programme is specifically designed for administrative and management roles within the education sector, focusing on the practical operational needs of schools and educational institutions. In addition to covering fundamental management theories, it delves deeply into professional areas such as school administration practice, education policy, school operational procedures and management models for educational organisations. Whilst general Business Administration and Management programmes tend to emphasise corporate operations and commercial management, this course is industry-specific. It enables students to comprehensively master the core knowledge and practical skills required for educational administration, ensuring direct relevance to the day-to-day management needs of schools.
What skills are generally required for educational administrators and management staff?
Educational administrators and management staff act as the central hub of a school. In addition to strong communication skills to liaise with staff, parents, and partner organisations, they must also have knowledge of school administration, finance, and human resources management. Furthermore, proficiency in office software and school administrative systems is essential.
What is the medium of instruction for this programme?
The programme is taught in Chinese. It is the only Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Educational Administration and Management in Hong Kong that assesses student performance in Chinese. Most subjects are taught in Chinese and assignments are primarily assessed in Chinese, encouraging students to actively discuss academic topics.
Does the programme provide internship opportunities?
Yes! If students have not participated in any education-related internships in previous courses, this course will provide a 150-hour internship opportunity in an educational institution. Students can gain real-world work experience in tertiary institutions, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, special education organisations, or non-profit organizations to consolidate their learning. Additionally, the programme arranges visits to diverse organisations such as Save the Children Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Playground Association, allowing students to understand daily operations, broaden their horizons, and gain insight into the industry ecosystem.
What are the career prospects?
Graduates are well-prepared for professional and managerial roles in public and private educational organisations, NGOs, and government departments, such as Executive Officer, School Administrator, Education Officer, Programme or Project Manager, Admissions or Registry Officer, and HR or Training Coordinator. They also possess the competencies to advance into senior management or policy research positions within the education and social service sectors.
