TRADITIONAL subjects like mathematics and science are no more important in preparing students for the outside world than home economics, a senior officer of the Curriculum Development Institute said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth Art and Needlework Exhibition of St Paul's School (Lam Tin), Lilian Lo Siu-ngan said it was a misconception to consider traditional subjects like mathematics and science as more vital than artistic subjects.
'Actually, home economics is one of the best ways to prepare students for the world because in the process of creating arts, they explore ways to solve their problems and improve themselves,' Ms Lo said.
Such encouraging remarks were gladly received by students at the exhibition. Among them were Loretta Wong Ching-pui and Shirley Lam Lee-lee, who won merit prizes for their fine arts work.
'I want to work as a graphic designer when I finish school and I think people working in artistic trades carry the same importance as science graduates,' fifth former Shirley said.
To fulfil her dream, she regularly goes to galleries and reads reference books. She also demonstrates the practical side of arts by making use of the mugs and jugs she made in ceramics class.
Shirley's classmate Loretta said the greatest joy of creating art was to have somebody appreciate her work, usually her family.