Press Release

(Hong Kong – 6 January 2025) To enrich the talent pool that keeps pace with 21st century development, the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (Academy/HKAGE) continues to enhance its intake channels for gifted students by adding a new nomination slot for students with talent in the visual arts domain under the Principal’s Nomination in the 2024/25 school year. The principal of each primary or secondary school can nominate one student aged 10 to 18 with visual arts talent. 

Along with the current Principal’s Nomination quota for students from S2 to S4 with leadership potential, each secondary school principal can now nominate a total of two students through this channel, whereas each primary school principal can nominate one student of the appropriate age. Students nominated in this way can submit their personal profiles directly to the Academy for assessment, exempt from taking the online screening programme. The Principal’s Nomination process has already begun, and the application deadline is 12:00 noon on 24 January 2025. 

Synergy Created when Arts Meets STEM  

To meet global technological development needs, educational policies have evolved from STEM to STEAM, incorporating the Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. When "Art" intersects with STEM, scientific concepts can be expressed through artistic methods, and technology enhances artistic projects. The Academy is expanding the admission of gifted students with visual arts talent through the Principal’s Nomination, enabling students with diverse talents to engage in interdisciplinary exchanges. This enriches their experiences and broadens their perspectives, fostering intellectual and cultural growth.

The HKAGE student curriculum has recently expanded to include more art courses, featuring traditional arts such as Cantonese opera and musical theatre, alongside design courses that integrate 3D technology and artificial intelligence. For the 2024/25 school year, new programmes will include creative media courses, picture book and 3D animation creation, as well as tea and music appreciation courses.

Nurturing Future Leaders 

Since the 2022/23 school year, HKAGE’s Principal’s Nomination Leadership Domain has enabled secondary school principals to nominate one student from S2 to S4 with leadership potential to join the Academy's selection process directly. Two cohorts totalling more than 200 gifted students have entered through this channel, participating in both enrichment courses and the Leadership Training Programme. This comprehensive and systematic training enhances their leadership skills, preparing them to realise their potential in schools and communities as future leaders.

The Leadership Training Programme incorporates three key elements: Leadership Knowledge, Value Education, and Practical Skills. It encompasses five major areas: Critical Thinking, Problem-solving, Interpersonal Communication, Teamwork and Organisational Skills, as well as Citizenship Responsibility and Community Service. The programme consists of more than 10 core courses and multiple electives. Students who meet specific requirements throughout the school year will receive gold, silver, or bronze awards as recognition of their achievements. 

Arts Programmes

Visiting Fine Art Asia, Asia’s leading fine art fair	Music Course: Listening and Guided Appreciation
Creative and Practical Drama Programme	IP Character Design Course

Leadership Programmes

Leadership Training Camp	Member Project Showcase
Leadership Workshop	Celebrity Talk

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