Training students to think

TWGHs S. C. Gaw Memorial College Tsing Sum Street, Town Centre Tsing Yi, New Territories AT TWGHs S. C. Gaw Memorial College, students are encouraged to discover their potential and think about their prospects through a ''self-discovery'' programme.

The programme, introduced last year, was organised by the Board of Careers and targeted at Form One students.

School principal Anthony Cheng Man-wai said a lot of students had a nonchalant attitude.

''They do not want to think or make decisions for themselves because they were never trained to do so,'' he said.

''We have also noticed that many students tend to make hasty decisions when it comes to choosing a major or whether to continue their studies.'' Questionnaires were used to help students discover their potential and interests.

''They are also encouraged to think about their prospects to avoid dilemmas when choosing between their studies and a career in the future,'' Mr Cheng said.

The school also emphasises civic, peer and sex education.

As part of civic education, students are required to make most of the announcements in the morning assembly.

''They were scared to speak in public, so I decided to give them an opportunity to practise,'' the principal said. ''Now most of them can speak with confidence.'' To smoothen the transition from primary to secondary school, Forms Four and Six students are trained to lead meetings, games and study groups for their juniors under peer education programmes.

As for sex education, Mr Cheng said: ''It is not only covered by our three-year Integrated Science syllabus, but also through seminars and role play.'' Future plans include joining the School Management Initiative (SMI) scheme of the Education Department.

''We hope to form a parent-teacher association soon to promote communication between the school and parents for the benefit of students,'' Mr Cheng said.

FACT FILE BACKGROUND The school, founded in 1984, is a co-educational secondary school with 1,159 students, 52 full-time teachers and 21 auxiliary staff.

HEADMASTER The principal is Mr Anthony Cheng Man-wai who holds a Master's degree in Education (Administration) from University of Hong Kong. Mr Cheng has 13 years of teaching experience.

TEACHING LANGUAGE Students are taught mainly in English. Chinese is also used.

ACTIVITIES The school offers various academic, interest and sports clubs and activities for students. Those interested in singing can take part in the school choir.

SPORTS Students are encouraged to take part in athletics, basketball, dancing, football, handball, swimming and playing the trampoline.

FACILITIES There are 25 classrooms, an integrated science laboratory, a chemistry laboratory, a physics laboratory, a biology laboratory, an assembly hall and dance and music equipment. Field trips are organised for Geography and Biology.

SCHOLARSHIPS S. C. Gaw Memorial College Scholarship.

PREFECTS There are 60 prefects who are headed by Ng Kin-man and Mok Yuk-wan.

SCHOOL MOTTO ''Diligence, Frugality, Loyalty and Faith'' is the motto for the school.