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SCMP Reporter

A memorable show
My school staged a famous Hollywood musical, The Sound of Music, on April  7 and 8 and  it was a great success.
Form Two students were the actors and actresses while their schoolmates helped out backstage with sound, lighting and other effects.
The students sang famous songs like Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss, danced, and spoke their lines well.
It was a brilliant performance and  the spectators  sang with the actors  at the end of the show.
The students learned a lot through the performance. They enhanced their English skills and built up their confidence by displaying their talents in front of the public.
It was a memorable experience for them.
Wain Wan, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
Quality crucial for sub-degree scheme
I am writing in response to the article 'Boost for associate degree graduates (South China Morning Post, April 11).
Under Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung's plan,  the number of top-up degree places for associate degree graduates at publicly funded universities will be doubled.
The government has also encouraged  private universities to expand self-financing top-up courses for sub-degree graduates.
I welcome these proposals to help students who haven't done well in public exams.
The sub-degree scheme was a good idea aimed at low-achievers, but they have not been accepted by employers.
They should be given more places in degree programmes and receive more training.
Quality is the most important criteria in associate degree programmes.
Even as we discuss how to boost university places,  it is essential that we maintain Hong Kong's competitive edge in the face of challenges from the mainland and  neighbouring Asian countries.
Eunice Cheung Hoi-ching, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
Unfair treatment
On the surface, Hong Kong seems to be a very fair place, but in reality there is still discrimination here.
There is sexual discrimination because people traditionally think that men are better than women. But nowadays women have a better education and a higher position in society so there should not be this kind of prejudice.
Our employers don't hire elderly people because they believe  youngsters can do a better job.
But old people have experience and are often better than others.
The disabled suffer from similar unfair treatment.
Discrimination is a symbol of an undeveloped city or country. Yet, Hong Kong is supposed to be a modern city.
Au Chun-kit, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
Film fan's joy
I used to watch a film almost every night with my dad when I was young. It was one of my most enjoyable activities.
Filming is all about teamwork, with each member giving their best.  The director is the soul of a movie because he expresses his ideas and emotions through his work.
I love all kinds of films. It is pleasant to  soak up the emotions in a sentimental story, or laugh while  watching a comedy. Moreover, I acquire knowledge from good documentaries.
Watching a movie is  like eating a dessert. Sometimes you can get addicted to it.
Lee Wing-shan, Methodist College
Freedom in parks
Parks in Hong Kong have too many regulations. For example, there are signs that read, 'No dogs are allowed' or 'Don't play ball games'.
Why can't people walk their dogs in the park? Why can't they play ball games with their friends?
I think the government doesn't trust the public.  So what can we actually do in a park? Only walk? Isn't this ridiculous? Parks are meant for recreational use. People should be able to relax in the vast, open spaces. However,  there are signs  preventing them from doing all sorts of things.
Parks in foreign countries have no signs like those in Hong Kong.
The government should give people more freedom and trust  them to behave well in parks.
Tam Ka-ho, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
Embrace the Olympic spirit
The Olympic spirit highlights mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play and promotes peace around the world.
But nowadays people seem to have forgotten this motto,  and use the Games for other purposes. Pro-Tibet protesters who tried  to  disrupt the Olympic torch relay  wanted to  get global attention.
They used the opportunity to promote their own agenda which I think is wrong.
At the same time, leaders of some countries announced that they  may boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in order to show their  disapproval of the central government.
Politics and the Olympics should not mix.  Leaders should respect the  Olympic spirit.
Even in Hong Kong,  some groups are organising protests during the torch relay. I'm really  disappointed.
As  Chinese, we should  fully support the Beijing Olympics. If these groups also want to use the torch relay to get the world's attention, they're no different from the pro-Tibet demonstrators.
I hope  the police will ensure the smooth running of the torch relay in Hong Kong.
But,  most importantly,  people around the world should embrace and respect the Olympic spirit.
Mok Seen-ling, Our Lady of the Rosary College



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