Queen's students stay true to form

Students from Queen's College have rarely failed to deliver at the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE). And this year was no exception, although only one student gained 10 straight As.

Science student Li Chung-fai heads the list along with six others who scored nine As - Kwock Yin-lun, Anson Wong Man-hoi, Max Chan Chau-fai, Johnny Fong Ka-keung, Kenneth Lau Kin-shing and Alex Wong Ho- lun. Last year, five science students from the school obtained 10 straight As, while four candidates gained top marks in 1997.

This year's winners attributed their success to active participation in extra-curricular activities and faith in God.

'Appreciation of music and spiritual support from Christianity have helped me deal with exam stress,' Chung-fai, who plays the flute, said.

'I think God guides me all the way, giving me the chance to re flect on things and come up with the right solutions.

'The change in the exam format made us think more rather than just memorising everything,' Chung-fai said.

He gained A(1)s in Chinese Language, English Language, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, Additional Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Biology and A(2)s in Mathematics and Computer Studies.

The 17-year-old said he enjoyed studying science and mathematics because they embodied the miracles of nature.

With students facing a tight schedule and an intensive curriculum, Chung-fai said it was important to have a study plan which allowed better time management.

He said students preparing for the HKCEE should start their revision early and tackle past papers in order to develop their exam skills and spot their weaknesses.

If given the chance, Chung-fai said he would like to study abroad. He hopes to specialise in mathematics or engineering at university.

Ho-lun scored A(1)s in English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Economics, Computer Studies, Principles of Accounts, Biology, A(2)s in Physics, Chemistry and a B(4) in Chinese Language.

Being a sports fanatic, Ho-lun said basketball helped him stay fit and healthy. 'We need a lot of energy to do 10 subjects. Sometimes when I get stuck or find it hard to concentrate, I play basketball or take a stroll.' Following a stint in a law firm during the summer, the 17-year- old has decided to become a lawyer. 'The job requires good bilingual ability and a systematic mind which allows critical thinking and logical analysis.' Ho-lun said he might also consider studying engineering or business at university.

Chau-fai, 17, gained A(1)s in English Language, Chemistry, Additional Mathematics, Economics, A(2)s in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Computer Studies, Principles of Accounts, and a B(3) in Chinese Language.

He said he had been working hard for the HKCEE since Form Four. He did lots of revision and exercises to reinforce classroom learning. He said taking part in forums with classmates gave him more confidence and enabled him to strengthen his study skills.

He plans to study engineering at university and has his sights set on a technology-related career.

Man-hoi, 17, a member of the school's debating team, said he wanted to study medicine, with a special emphasis on genetic engineering and cloning.

He obtained A(1)s in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Additional Mathematics, Economics, Computer Studies, Principles of Accounts and a B(3) in Chinese Language.

Man-hoi said the Internet had opened up new horizons to expand one's knowledge. His view was shared by classmate Ka-keung, who excels in computer graphics and publishing.

Ka-keung, who designs home pages, enjoys reading English novels and studying languages during his free time.

His result slip comprised A(1)s in Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, an A(2) in Economics, and a B(4) in Principles of Accounts.

Ka-keung said he would like to join a profession where he could maximise his English language skills.

Yin-lun, 17, said the education system did not encourage all-round development and should give more recognition to non-academic achievers.

He plays chess and is a member of the school's debating team and English society. He is also involved in peer counselling.

Yin-lun gained A(1)s in English Language, Economics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, A(2)s in Biology, Physics, Additional Mathematics, Computer Studies and a B(4) in Chinese Language.

Kin-shing, 16, scored A(1)s in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Computer Studies, Principles of Accounts, A(2)s in Chinese Language, Economics, Biology, and a C(5) in English Language.

Kin-shing, who plans to study engineering at university, said students should explore their potential in different areas.