The students brainstormed adjectives, wrote out clever character profiles and even drew pictures while progressing through the phases of story writing.

They particularly enjoyed the music used in the activity as a technique to stimulate different areas in their writing.

Our students were brave enough to act out certain scenes of their short stories after they had written the dialogue.

The programme provided structure and support in the basics of story-writing for students of varying abilities.

It allowed the students to gain confidence in story-writing.

The workshop was an important collaborative programme that the students were very proud to be involved with.

The Chinese Foundation Secondary School

On March 21, my Secondary Four schoolmates and I watched an English drama, Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Speckled Band, performed by The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection at Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre.

Students from three secondary schools attended the performance.

The acting was superb. Michael Szuc, who played Sherlock Holmes, successfully showed his character's calmness and wisdom, while Seth Micah Leslie (Holmes' assistant Dr Watson) demonstrated his funny, friendly side.

Even after the show ended, the enjoyment did not stop. We went on stage to take part in a post-performance analysis.

I tried to act out one of the scenes involving Dr Watson, when he goes back to his seat on a train while holding a cup of coffee. I believe I copied his unsteady steps quite well. Students from other schools also acted out certain scenes from the show.

It was the first time I've watched an English drama and I really enjoyed it. I felt that a live performance was much more fun than just reading the story in a book.

I hope we can participate in more of these interesting activities.

Sam Chan

Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School

The English Speaking Days of Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School on March 17 and 18 encouraged students to boost their English standards.

All the teachers and students had to speak in English during breaks, at lunchtime and even after school. It gave us a favourable environment to improve our speaking skills.

Besides speaking, the English Award Scheme organised activities to improve students' reading and writing. There were riddles and crosswords and every student discussed the answers excitedly. It helped the students widen their vocabulary and understand more about Western culture.

At lunchtime, winners of the Hong Kong Speech Festival performed. Reading aloud was also held. Form Six students, being the reading ambassadors, guided junior students who read story books aloud.

The Academy Award-winning film, The Hurt Locker, was screened after school.

Vicky Ma Wing-ki, English Award Scheme