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SCMP Reporter

S. K. H. Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School 397, Kwai Shing Circuit Kwai Chung, N.T.

SCHOOLS in the New Territories are sometimes seen as academically weaker than those in the urban areas, but this is a misconception that SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School has done much to dispel.

  The Kwai Chung-based school hit the headlines when two of its students topped the honour list at public examinations last year.

   Science student Yip Chi-chung scored five straight As in the Advanced-level examination, while arts student Lee Wai-shum gained eight distinctions in the HKCEE, sharing the limelight with other outstanding students from elite schools.

  Principal Mrs Emily Kwong Ha Wai-chung admitted that schools in the New Territories gave an impression of academic inferiority because they were comparatively new, and enjoyed fewer resources than most urban schools.

  But these shortcomings could be overcome by hard work and intensive training, she pointed out.

  Mrs Kwong said remedial classes were offered to the new students before the start of each school year to raise their language standard.

  The course, which begins with basics, teaches pronunciation to ensure the students speak correct English, as well as showing them how to use the dictionary.

  ''This basic training should be taught in primary school when students first start learning English,'' Mrs Kwong said.

   ''But often students at this stage are not shown or taught these important basics, and they remain ignorant of them even as secondary students.

  ''Perhaps it is for this reason that the standard of English in Hongkong is falling,'' she said.

  One activity that raises enthusiasm for learning better English is a competition in dictionary usage, held in the first month of the school year.

  ''These lessons and the competition not only help to improve the students' language skills, but also give them the opportunity to spend more time in the school and develop an attachment to it.''   Mrs Kwong said the campus was open to students after school hours and during the holidays to study. A popular ''study corner'' is a small fish pond inside the campus.

  ''Students like studying in school because of the peace and quiet. This also heightens their sense of belonging to the school.''   Apart from intensive language training, the principal emphasised the importance of communication between school and parents, which Mrs Kwong said was necessary for the students' wellbeing and good study habits.

  ''Both teachers and parents have a shared responsibility in the students' development. Instead of putting the full burden on the teachers, parents should take an interest in their children's welfare and help them with their homework,'' the principal said.

  The school meets parents three times a year to report on the children's progress.

DESCRIPTION The co-educational secondary school, founded in 1970, is affiliated to the Anglican Church. There are 1,174 students and 50 full-time teachers, as well as an auxiliary staff of 19. PRINCIPAL The principal is Mrs Emily Kwong Ha Wai-chung, who holds a B.A. from the Chinese University of Hongkong. Mrs Kwong has 28 years of teaching experience.

TEACHING LANGUAGE English is the chief medium of instruction.

ACTIVITIES A wide range of activities available. These are divided into 30 clubs and societies, coming under interest, service, sports, music, religious and academic groups. Students interested in singing or music can join the choir, orchestra and Chinese instrument band. Regular field trips are organised for the biology, geography, geology and astronomy classes.

SPORTS Students are encouraged to take part in volleyball, handball, table-tennis, badminton and basketball.

FACILITIES The school has 24 classrooms, four science laboratories, a library with over 8,000 books, a music room, gymnasium and an assembly hall.

SCHOLARSHIPS Several scholarships offered, including the Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School Council Scholarships; Friends of Chung Shun Scholarships, Lam Woo Alumni Association Scholarships; Tsuen Kwan Tsing Outstanding Students Scholarships; Lee Tung ChengMemorial Scholarships; Grantham Scholarships; Tsuen Wan Rural Committee Scholarships; Sir Edward Youde Memorial Awards; Sing Tao Most Improved Student Awards, and the Murjani Scholarship.

PREFECTS The team of 34 prefects is headed by Yu Kwok-leung and Choi King-suen.

SCHOOL MOTTO ''The Truth Will Make You Free''.

   and problems, if any.



NT school gets full marks