THE Hongkong Sze Yap Commercial and Industrial Association Wong Tai Shan Memorial College was active both in academic study and social and inter-school activities last year, principal Law Kam-yau proudly announced. Speaking at the school's 14th speech day, Mr Law in his school report praised students and teachers for their enthusiasm in extra-curricular activities. Mr Law said the school last year gave its full support to a cleaning project organised by the Community Chest, raising more than $6,000. Other charity activities included selling flowers by the school's Community Youth Club, blood donation by nearly 150 students and teachers to the Red Cross, and four flag-selling days. Mr Law said over 500 students joined 76 inter-school competitions, including a dance festival, a music festival, a school band competition and a slogan contest. ''Education should not be limited to academic study. We hope our students can learn more about civic education and raise their awareness by joining other social services,'' he said. To enable students to enjoy a broader curriculum, Mr Law said two subjects - Principles of Accounts and Computer Studies - would be added to the Form 4 arts stream next year. ''We are making every effort to improve our curriculum and upgrade teaching standards, hoping our students can study in a better environment and enjoy good facilities.'' Association chairman Wong Fook-pui, who was the guest-of-honour, advised students to value their lives and to pursue a proper and healthy lifestyle. ''In recent years, Hongkong has been rolling on a ''money wave'' and many youngsters are becoming more money-and pleasure-oriented. Living without goals, life becomes meaningless and weak. ''Youngsters should grab every learning opportunity in school so that they can be taught the right attitude towards life,'' said Mr Wong. Supervisor Shum Choi-sang also warned students not to fall into temptations like drug abuse and idol-worshipping. ''Some youngsters are too keen to follow the latest fashion and neglect their homework. They should keep in mind that studying is their responsibility and should never be given up,'' said Mr Shum. The school had 207 students sitting for the HKCEE last year, with more than 90 per cent obtaining at least five subject passes. Science student Chan Chun-kau was among the best, scoring eight distinctions. He received a scholarship worth $200,000 from the Li Po Chun United College. Fifty-four students sat for the Advanced-level examination and the average passing rate was 93.7 per cent. Among the students, 49 obtained places in the six local UPGC-funded tertiary institutes.
