Pupils at the former Pegasus school began the new academic year yesterday under a new name, with more teachers, a refurbished campus and increased use of Putonghua.
The youngsters at Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School - previously called Pegasus Philip Wong Kin Hang Christian Primary School cum Junior Secondary School in Yau Tong - were among one million pupils starting the new term. Yesterday was also the first day for secondary students in the new 3+3+4 academic structure and a new curriculum, with the introduction of liberal studies as a core subject for senior secondary students.
Fukien Chamber of Commerce Education Fund took over the school in mid-July after its former operator, the Pegasus Social Service Christian Organisation, pulled out abruptly in May. The new sponsoring body has since spent about HK$5 million on upgrading facilities.
The school's chief principal, Lam Kin-wah, also the principal of Fukien Secondary School, said the chamber had bought 60 new computers. It refurbished the libraries, a gymnasium and a table tennis room. 'The school has changed in many ways, and in ways for the better,' Lam said.
Students also had a taste of patriotism when they sang the national anthem at assembly for the first time.
There has been a slight drop in the number of students from last year - down from 532 to 522. Of the 52 teachers, 41 have been retained.