Press Release

(Hong Kong – 29 April 2017) The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (the ‘HKAGE’) held the Secondary Student and Parent Orientation 2017 at Pui Ching Primary School today to welcome over 2,300 new secondary student members and their parents. The HKAGE received 2,709 nominations this year and admitted 2,345 secondary students as members.

Professor Ng Tai Kai, Executive Director of the HKAGE, welcomed the new members at the orientation and introduced the newly-established Student Services Team. He hoped that the orientation could give new members and parents an idea about the Academy’s unique courses, services, and learning opportunities which could bring out the best in the participants. Mr Albert Hong, Head of Academic Programme Development Division, Ms Tiffany Sin, Deputy Head of Affective Education Division, and Ms Shirley Kwok, Head of Advanced Learning Experiences Division, encouraged new members to participate actively in HKAGE courses and activities to embark on a remarkable learning journey that can unleash and develop their talent and potentials. In addition, Mr Eric Fung, Head of Research Division, shared with the attendees a study on the academic performance of gifted students in STEM-related public examinations. The data showed that HKAGE student members had an outstanding performance in the STEM-related subjects.

Moreover, several secondary student members shared with us their unforgettable learning experiences at the HKAGE. Ugo Lee, a student member in Sciences Domain, said leadership courses were his favourite. He recalled that in ‘Numbers Around Our Life’, the instructor unveiled the secrets behind numbers by using such daily examples as telephone number, student ID and HKID number. Ho Tsi Lok, a student in Sciences and Mathematics Domain, told the crowd that the Academy’s courses can feed his curiosity. He said ‘Big History and Collective Learning’, a programme combining Sciences and Humanities, was the most inspiring one and it was different from regular subjects taught in school. Through which, the participants learnt to predict the future of mankind through explorations of the Earth and the Universe.

Upon joining the HKAGE, student members can choose from a variety of programmes in different domains according to their interests to acquire knowledge beyond textbooks. Some educational yet interesting programmes are recommended:

•    Future Curator Training 2017 (HUMS1011):

The course is designed for secondary students with great potential or performance in studying history and culture. It is themed around the history and development of the medical services in Hong Kong.

•    The Quest for Dark Matter (SCIS2033):

Dark matter has been one of the most compelling enigmas of modern science. This course lays the foundation for understanding our current findings of such elusive matter. In addition, the instructor will impart basic astronomical knowledge to and provide observation skills training for participants.

•    Delegation and Resources Allocation (LEAS2331):

Student members will learn about delegation skills and attitude, methods as well as techniques of resources allocation. They are also encouraged to step out of the classroom and take on outdoor challenges, putting teamwork and management skills into practice under different circumstances.

•    Further Excursions in Geometry and Algebra with GeoGebra (MATS3210):

Use GeoGebra for geometric and algebraic constructions, design, investigation, and solutions to enhance students’ understanding of Mathematics and allow them to bring their creativity into play as well as improving their problem-solving skills.

After the ceremony, some parents joined the Affective Education programme briefing session and visited the Q&A booth to have a better understanding on the Academy’s courses and services.

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Over 1,000 new members attended the HKAGE orientation.
Professor Ng Tai Kai, Executive Director of the HKAGE, delivered a welcoming speech in the ceremony.	HKAGE secondary student members Ambrose Lee (left), Ugo Lee (middle) and Ho Tsi Lok (right) shared their learning experiences with the attendees.

Appendix I: Key Facts about the HKAGE’s Secondary School Nomination 2016/17

1.    The number of schools participating in the nomination and students nominated and admitted

2.    Breakdown of newly admitted students by learning domains

3.    Gender ratio of newly admitted students

4.    Timeline for Secondary School Nomination 2016/17

Appendix II: Key Facts about the HKAGE’s Self Nomination for Secondary Students 2016/17

1.    The number of students nominated and admitted

2.    Breakdown of newly admitted students by learning domains

3.    Gender ratio of newly admitted students

4.    Timeline for Self Nomination for Secondary Students 2016/17