During a recent inspection, the Hong Kong Education Bureau warned students at two local schools that they were singing China’s national anthem too quietly.
The tests were conducted at the Hong Kong and Macau Lutheran Church Primary School in Tseung Kwan O and the Yan Tsai Hospital Lam Bok Yan Secondary School in Tsuen Wan.
Teachers at these schools were instructed to help students “develop the habit and confidence” of singing the national anthem loudly and enthusiastically. The report said the flag-raising ceremonies at the schools were “solemn” and well-done, but the singing could be improved.
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The emphasis on singing the national anthem loudly and confidently is seen as a symbolic expression of loyalty and patriotism.
The push for patriotic education in Hong Kong has intensified since Beijing passed a national security law in the semi-autonomous city after mass protests erupted in June 2020. The law requires schools to remove books deemed a threat to national security and encourages activities that foster national pride, such as paper cutting and sugar painting.
At least six of the 20 schools whose inspection reports were posted on the education bureau’s website were recommended to strengthen their patriotic education curricula, including by organizing field trips to mainland China and promoting activities related to national security.
The external investigations are part of a school development and accountability framework the department implemented in the 2003-2004 school year. They involve analysis of documents provided by the school, observation of lessons and activities such as flag-raising ceremonies, and discussions with teachers and parents.
This is not the first time authorities have taken issue with students singing the national anthem. An annual comprehensive inspection report released in December 2023 also criticized teachers and students for singing the “March of the Volunteers,” the official name of China’s national anthem, too quietly, but did not name any specific schools.
The report also criticised schools for not covering “recent developments in the country” in core liberal arts subjects.
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau said some special schools for students with intellectual disabilities need to ensure that teachers are adequately trained in national security, and called on parents to support the effort by encouraging their children to take part in activities.
While two schools received warnings, two others were praised for promoting patriotic education: Chinese Christian Keizi Primary School in Wong Tai Sin city presented exhibits on Chinese culture, geography and national security, while SKH St. Peter’s Primary School in Shek Tong Tsui city taught students about national identity and organized an exhibit on China’s space program, increasing parent knowledge and fostering students’ sense of national belonging.
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