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New subject is unnecessary
The Hong Kong government has decided to introduce national education into the curriculum as a required course. Many parents and teachers oppose the move.
They say the subject portrays the mainland's political system in an overly favourable manner. 
Some students, meanwhile, say that adding yet another subject to their curriculum will increase their workload.
On the other hand, supporters of the new course say it will enhance students' sense of belonging to the motherland. 
I believe the course is unnecessary. We can learn a lot about the mainland from newspapers and other types of media. We also cover China in Chinese history, geography and literacy lessons. 
All in all, I agree that the subject should be cancelled.
Jasmine Fong, Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College
Young techie is a worthy role model
My role model is Chan Yik-hei. In 2004, he came second in the Engineering Category of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for his robot Total Equip. It was developed for domestic security. Chan had modelled it after R2-D2 of the Star Wars movies. He was just 15 at the time. 
Last year, he set up Bull B Tech, a firm that specialises in creating apps for Apple products.
Despite his young age, Chan has made a big contribution to the development of technology in Hong Kong. We should learn from his attitude. 
Although he did not do very well in the HKCEE, Chan's perseverance paid off. He was accepted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for a four-year course.
Many of us, like Chan, may not be high achievers. However, if we can focus on our interests, we can be successful.
Huynh Ching-yan, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
Bullying knows no bounds or borders
Bullying has long been a highly controversial issue. A terrifying case took place in the US, where a 10-year-old student was bullied by his teachers. 
A secret video recording showed the teachers taunting Akian, an autistic boy, by calling him names. 
Only one of the two teachers was fired; the other was reassigned.
Such cases are totally unacceptable. Verbal attacks cannot cause physical harm to the victim, but they cause a different type of damage. Physical violence may only hurt someone for a few days, but the effects of bullying can last for a lifetime. And when teachers are bullies, the situation becomes intolerable. 
Some people may argue that students are bullied because of their bad attitude. The youngsters may be too proud or have no friends. However, no one is perfect. We should learn to accept other people's shortcomings while appreciating their talents.
Teachers should try their best to help bullying victims integrate with their classmates. Also, bullies should receive severe punishment. This is the only way to reduce the soaring number of bullying cases.
To root out this problem, we should educate students about bullying. Teachers should emphasise the importance of acceptance and harmony.
Bullying is a serious issue. As students, we should have zero tolerance for both physical and verbal bullying at school.
Jensen Ho Chun-ho, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School
Parents, too, should use Facebook
According to a recent study, more parents are using Facebook. That's a welcome development.
Facebook can help parents and their children establish stronger bonds. It can help parents understand their children better. 
Take my experience, for example. I wanted to spend more time with my friends. My mother was very angry, and she didn't allow me to go out. I was angry and sad. 
However, my father told me I had to learn how to respect others. I reflected on the issue and had a long talk with my mother. I know I am not a good girl. I always argue with her and I am not polite enough. 
But I will try my best to change. Our relationship is very good now. I encouraged my mother to have a Facebook account. Sometimes she chats with me online. We now have some topics to discuss at dinner. 
Carman Cheung, King Ling College



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