Citizenship, Economics and Society / Citizenship and Social Development

Overview

Hong Kong’s modern humanities and social sciences framework offers a progressive, comprehensive learning pathway designed to prepare students for the complexities of the 21st century. Spanning from Junior Secondary Citizenship, Economics and Society (CES) to Senior Secondary Citizenship and Social Development (CS), the curriculum seamlessly integrates personal, local, national, and global dimensions.


Through these interconnected subjects, students explore foundational modules in economic literacy, public governance, and national development, complemented by experiential learning such as the Mainland study tour. The curriculum aims to broaden students' global horizons, cultivate critical thinking, and instill a deep sense of civic responsibility and national identity. By analysing contemporary issues from multiple perspectives, our students develop the essential skills, positive values, and objective insights needed to navigate an interdependent world and contribute meaningfully to society.

 

Curriculum Goals 

Phase Curriculum Goals
Junior Secondary (CES)
  • Develop self-understanding, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, and awareness of rights and duties.
  • Explore governance of the HKSAR, public finance, economic performance, and human resources of Hong Kong.
  • Examine intimate relationships, our country’s economy and world trade, political structure and international participation, and responses to global issues.
  • Cultivate positive values and attitudes, a sense of national identity, law-abiding awareness, and the qualities of informed and responsible citizens.
Senior Secondary (CS)
  • Understand the meaning and implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, the situation of the country, sense of national identity, and cultural diversity of Hong Kong society.
  • Analyse changes in people’s lives and overall national strength, the development of our country, Hong Kong’s integration into national development, and participation in international affairs since Reform and Opening-up.
  • Explore the interconnectedness and interdependence of the contemporary world, including economic globalisation, technological development and information literacy, sustainable development, and public health.
  • Develop critical thinking, positive values and attitudes, and readiness to contribute to society and the country through knowledge construction and the mandatory Mainland study tour.

 

Subject Highlights

To enrich students’ learning experiences and unleash their fullest potential, A-School offers both English and Cantonese as the Medium of Instruction (MOI) for Citizenship, Economics and Society (CES) and Citizenship and Social Development (CS). Students may apply at the end of each academic year. Applicants who pass the enrolment test can enrol in the English-medium CES/CS class for the following academic year.


The CES curriculum (Secondary 1–3) restructures essential learning contents into 12 modules that cover personal and social development, resources and economic activities, and social systems and citizenship. It builds a solid foundation aligned with primary education and prepares students for senior secondary studies, with strengthened emphasis on values education, Constitution and Basic Law education, national education, national security education, and financial literacy.


The CS curriculum (Secondary 4–6) comprises three core themes: Hong Kong under “One Country, Two Systems”; Our Country since Reform and Opening-up; and Interconnectedness and Interdependence of the Contemporary World. The mandatory Mainland study tour, together with related project learning, enables students to experience Chinese culture and the latest national developments and achievements first-hand.


Beyond the classroom, enrichment programmes and experiential learning—including inter-school debates, project-based learning with design thinking, innovation and social impact competitions, academic weeks, and community visits—foster critical thinking, innovation, civic responsibility, and whole-person development.

 

Chinese Debate

Social Innovation

“Make an Impact” Product Design CompetitionContent

“Good Food Initiative” Infinite Lunchbox Design Competition

CES Project-Learning (Social Integration with PHAB Association)