e-Bulletin for Parents - 5 July 2024

Know more about Purchasing Textbooks for the New School Year

As summer vacation approaches, have parents started purchasing textbooks for their children for the new school year? The Education Bureau (EDB) has prepared three practical strategies to give parents a better understanding of the information and other key points to note with regard to the purchase of textbooks, enabling them to joyfully prepare their children for the new school year.

Buy Wisely and Use Wisely

Upon receiving the textbook list, parents should pay attention to information such as textbook titles, editions, and publishers’ names to avoid incorrect purchases. It is important to note that textbooks that are “Reprinted” or “Reprinted with Minor Amendments” involve only minor amendments and updates, and are not “Revised” textbooks. Students may continue to use second-hand textbooks of the original edition. Using second-hand textbooks is both environmentally friendly and cost efficient.

Be Wide-ranging

Students who use second-hand textbooks may need to buy relevant learning materials as listed on the textbook list, such as workbooks or worksheets. If the learning materials are out of stock, parents can place an order with the bookstores or publishers or check whether the school can order such materials collectively on their behalf.

Be Discerning

Parents should read the textbook list carefully. If their children already have some of the learning materials, such as dictionaries, maps and Bibles, there is no need to purchase them again because these materials can be re-used.

Before purchasing textbooks, parents can learn about the textbook supply information by browsing the “Textbook Information” webpage of the EDB Curriculum Development Institute (https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/textbook-info/index.html). They can also enquire about the actual supply situation of individual textbooks with bookstores or publishers concerned. The EDB has also prepared the e-leaflet “Tips for Purchasing Textbooks” (https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/textbook-info/leaflet_e.pdf) to explain the points to note when purchasing new textbooks or using second-hand textbooks.

If there are any doubts about purchasing textbooks, parents may call the “Textbook Information Hotline” at 3698 3947 to contact the Curriculum Development Institute of the EDB.

“Textbook Information” webpage

“Tips for Purchasing Textbooks” e-leaflet