Portal for the blind Hong Kong Blind Union has launched an e-learning resources portal as part of the Jockey Club e-Learning For All (Elfa) service, a three-year project sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to help the visually impaired. Since last August, the project has provided a wide spectrum of e-learning services, which includes converting printed learning materials into accessible electronic or tactile formats. Other Elfa benefits include assistive software development, training workshops, and technical support. Teachers, parents and students can upload images of printed text documents to the site through the new portal, and receive converted files by email within 24 hours. Small classes bring IB success Nearly 30 per cent of the first batch of IB students at the International College Hong Kong, Sha Tau Kok, scored 40 points or above (out of a maximum of 45) in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme. The class attained an average score of 34.5 points, compared to the global average of 29.81. The school attributes the strong academic results partly to its small class sizes. Globally, 135,534 secondary (or high school) diploma students received their IB diploma results last week, a 6.5 per cent increase from last year. Coaching the coaches The inaugural Foundation Certificate in Sports Coaching Theory class took place last month at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to nurture professional coaches. It has been accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and recognised as equivalent to level 2 under the qualifications framework. The 30 enrollees include in-service personnel from the sports sector and former elite athletes. Chan Kong-wah, head table tennis coach at the HKSI, says many athletes are considering becoming coaches, and that the six-month course equips them with the skills to provide scientific training methods for the athletes of the future.