On Friday's Backchat, Liberal Studies.

A task force reviewing the local school curriculum is calling for a major overhaul of the subject, including stripping out discussion of current affairs, before the government decides whether it should be kept as a core subject for secondary students.

In a report submitted to the Education Bureau on Tuesday, the group said major changes are needed to address controversies surrounding the subject.

The task force cited allegations that the subject was responsible for the “violent and radical behaviour of some youngsters in the recent social unrest” and that teachers had “abused” the subject as a “platform to put forward their own political views”.

Is it fair to blame liberal studies for radicalising youngsters? Do you agree with the report that ongoing events were not suitable for class debate as it would be difficult to “engage in impartial and evidence-based discussions”. Or is tackling current affairs a key part of 21st century education?

8:30-9:00
Dr John Tan, former and first Chief Curriculum Development Officer in Liberal Studies of the Education Bureau
Joe Hui, lecturer at the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership. Hong Kong Education University
9:00-9:30
Colin Lai, Executive Committee Member - Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union