The programme, launched last September, will go on till the end of this school year. Participants can either join voluntarily or upon the recommendation of their teachers.

'The average academic level of our students is satisfactory. However, teachers have noted a general lack of self-confidence and motivation among our students.

'Many of them are also too reluctant to, or afraid to express their own feelings and opinions. That is why we launched this programme, ' said Kwok Yuk- mei, an art teacher at the school, and a chief organiser of the programme.

The programme kicked off with the Adventure Trial last August.

Fifty volunteers from the school went to Lantau where they underwent a series of outdoor training activities including rock climbing, training in first aid and hiking at night. All the activities were aimed to enhance students' self-image, team spirit and leadership skills.

A leadership training workshop was held at the school last October.

A team of social workers from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups was invited to give seminars on how to improve communication, organisation, management and leadership skills.

Unlike the Adventure Trial, the workshop was mainly targeted at senior form students.

Ivy To Oi-shan was a Form Six student who participated in the programme.

'The Adventure Trial and the workshops strengthened ties and mutual trust among participants. Their self-confidence and capacity to deal with difficulties were also boosted,' she said

The core of the programme is the ongoing Student Leaders Scheme.

Last October, a group of 50 fourth form and sixth form students were picked to join the scheme. They help Form One students with homework on a one-to-one basis.

Student leaders also organise activities to help newcomers adapt to the new studying environment.

Ms Kwok said: 'The scheme serves to consolidate the ties between our senior and junior students. It also strengthens their sense of belonging to our school. We have decided to turn the scheme into an annual one.'

Another participant, fourth former Lai Ut-ngo, said: 'For me this has been a very eventful and rich year. My schoolmates and I have learned a lot of things. I feel my self-image and sense of belonging to the school have strengthened a lot. It is the programme that has brought about all these changes.'

Sixth former Wong Man-chi said: 'I have benefited a lot from the programme. I am no longer a shy person like I used to be.'

While the Student Leaders Scheme continues, participants are busy writing a review of the programme.

The review will be distributed to all students and parents.