But only 1 in 39,774 managed to achieve straight 'A' grade report

Only one student among 39,774 candidates writing the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (A-level) managed straight A's this year, even though the number of students writing the exams increased 2.9 percent over last year. Of all candidates, including day school candidates and private candidates, 47.1 percent are qualified for higher education.

The number of day school students attaining the minimum requirement for admission to tertiary institutions has increased from 16,988 in 2009 to 17,590 this year.

Still, on the positive side, 21 candidates earned 5 As, almost doubling the performance by last year's class and 366 obtained three or more A-levels. Two of those in the latter group were disabled students. Two more disabled students earned two A-levels.

The results of Chinese Language and Culture examination showed some improvement over last year with 2.5 percent getting an A grade, while 95.3 percent scored E or above. Last year only one per cent of students taking the test for the first time earned an A grade.

Nine A-level subjects were marked onscreen this year, requiring 1,724 markers and 350 marking assistants assisted in written exam marking.

The Examinations and Assessment authority (HKEAA) said, as there are more and more open questions in the A-level test, different judgments are unavoidable. In order to ensure fairness, two markers grade each question. When the two markers judge differently, a third marker is asked to make an evaluation and sometimes a fourth.

There was one mistake in an optional question on this year's exam. The question asked for an option, so the 80 students who answered it did not have their grades put at risk.

The Public Examinations Information Centre received 11,448 exam irregularities report online and 1,089 from examination centers, which include forgetting to code answers on answer sheets and unconsciously skipping some questions. The Information Centre will follow up on the cases. If there is any disagreement as to the results, candidates may request that their papers be reviewed.

The authority made 216 special exam arrangements for A-level candidates with disabilities, while last year there were only 161 people successfully applied for flexible arrangements. The authority said, "To those in need, it's our priority to provide an equitable environment such as enlarged test papers and answer sheets, extended exam time and breaks to permit use of supportive equipment such as personal computers."

The authority expressed satisfaction that no evidence of cheating was found in this year's examination. "Candidates this year are honest and serious about the exam," said the authority. "Meanwhile, we are aware of all different cheating approaches in various countries and regions."

School candidates may obtain their notices from their respective schools today. Private candidates will be notified by post. The results for private and evening school candidates will be available at the Examinations and Assessment Authority's website from 8 am while registered users for SMS will receive their results by 9:30 am on 30 June.

China Daily

(HK Edition 06/30/2010 page1)