The present education system emphasises interactive learning and teamwork. This is why students have to do many projects during weekends and holidays.

But these assignments don't serve any useful purpose. Students are wasting their time looking for information on the internet just to score a few marks in the exam.

Projects take up a lot of time, so students can't fully concentrate on other subjects.

The Education and Manpower Bureau should have a rethink on education reforms and do what's best for students.

Many young lives depend on the government's education policy. The authorities should address all shortcomings in the system without delay and help students reach their full potential.

Kammy Lin Wing-kei

St Mark's School

Wrong attitude

Some people try to relieve their pressure by hurting others or committing suicide.

They may have been desperate because they have no way to express their emotions. They have no one they trust to talk about their problems, and they suffer from depression.

They feel so insecure that death seems to be a better option.

Although things may not be good, if you think deeply, you will realise you are wrong to take your own life or hurt others.

Beside taking time out to ease your pressure, you can talk to a friend or family member and think more about different people's views.

Violet Lansky

A cool option

With Hong Kong experiencing scorching weather during summer, how can you stay cool? Go swimming.

Swimming can improve your physical strength and fitness.

The sport can also help you burn calories.

For example, a 45-kilogram child who swims for an hour will burn about 200 calories.

In addition, swimming has various categories, such as freestyle and breaststroke, which give you a wider choice.

Swimming is an excellent sport for your health and can help you cope with the summer's hot weather.

I hope you like my idea and learn to swim.

Chan Long-ting

Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College

Don't abandon pets

It is wrong for people to release their pets, such as piranhas and turtles, into public rivers and ponds in Hong Kong.

A few years ago, an alligator - now named 'Pui Pui' - was found abandoned in a river.

Recently, a piranha - originally from South America - was discovered in a fish pond in the city.

People should realise that such pets can pose a danger to the public if they are freed.

Keeping pets may have become a trend now, but owners have to be responsible for their animals.

I hope that people would

not abandon their pets, especially endangered or dangerous species, causing a nuisance as well as a threat to the public.

Honor Leung

St Paul's Secondary School

English boost

I found it very difficult to write a good essay using proper grammar and punctuation.

I read a lot of books, listened to the radio and watched TV, but I didn't make any progress.

So I joined an English course organised by the school. I feel really different when I talk to a foreigner.

My oral and listening skills have improved.

I would like to thank Mr Cross, who is in charge of the programme. He has done a wonderful job.

Ben Poon

Take a break from the computer

In New Zealand, it has been found that people who use a computer from morning till night may suffer from embolism - the blockage of a blood vessel - which could be fatal.

This condition is caused when people stay in one position for a long time and a blood clot develops in their leg.

Doctors suggest that they should do some light exercises or take a break from their work to prevent this serious illness.

Those who work on computers also risk back ache with their bad posture, while prolonged exposure to the screen could affect their eye sight.

Remember, health is your greatest asset.

Karth Wong Ka-fu

Our Lady of the Rosary College

Stop the bullies

Shy students are easy victims of school bullies.

The bullies may have fun but their behaviour will hurt their schoolmates physically and mentally.

If the victims do not resist the bullies, the intimidation - and the suffering - will continue.

We should not ignore students who are being bullied by their classmates.

We will have a lot of regrets if these victims commit suicide.

So don't just stand there. Let's stop the bullies.

Cindy Wan

STFA Cheng Yu Tung Secondary School

Girls need encouragement

People generally believe that girls don't like to play sports.

When the physical education teacher asks the students to do warm-ups, girls can be seen walking around the playground or happily chatting with their friends. There are two main reasons.

Firstly, girls don't want to stay under the sun and sweat, because this will affect their skin.

Secondly, they lack confidence. Many girls think they are not good at sports and will get hurt.

But I like playing sports because it's exciting. Most girls in my form can jump better than me, but they don't try.

If PE teachers can encourage girls to join their lessons, they will realise that playing sports can bring happiness.

Then the girls will gradually learn to love sports.

Chan Suet-yan

Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College

Take action to stop school dropouts

The government, teachers and parents all have to take responsibility for the increasing number of school dropouts. With a result-oriented education system, Hong Kong students face too much pressure.

It seems the real purpose of education - to gain knowledge and cultivate moral values - has been forgotten.

Students play truant when they lose interest in learning.

They can lose confidence due to bullying, bad academic results or p problems with their friends.

Teachers and parents should pay more attention to a child's behaviour.

Social workers can give talks to students on problem-solving techniques.

It is essential that parents fully support their children without putting too much pressure on them.

If they have any difficulties, give them a hand. I'm sure they will become independent one day.

Trista Yeung

Leung Shek Chee College