Art and science complement each other

Recently, I participated in two very different events in Causeway Bay. My horizons were dramatically widened in just a few hours.

I attended a lecture on the topic 'How to read a Chinese poem'. I'm a science student and have very little opportunity to read beautiful words.

The lecturer taught us how to read and appreciate the beauty of the words in the poem, and how to write our own poetry.

I also went to the Hong Kong English Public Speaking Contest 2006. The speakers' logical thinking and general knowledge was outstanding! I hope to be a good public speaker just like them one day.

Remi Wong

STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Thanks for your letter, Remi. Science students can learn a lot from the arts - and not just in terms of aesthetic appreciation. The arts can teach us to think creatively, and this helps with problem-solving. The arts also help with communication skills, which are vital if you want to get your ideas across to a wider audience.

And likewise, arts students benefit by nurturing an interest in the sciences.

The structure of the school curriculum tends to make us think of ourselves as either a science or an arts person, but I think there is much to gain from having an interest in both areas. Don't put yourself in a box.

Kate, Editor