Tests and Exams

I believe that test and exam scores are important. You need good grades to advance to the next level. However, I think that it is equally important to know how to speak and write proper English. It is great that students take tutorial classes to improve their grades. However, if students are only trained to take tests and exams, they will be ill equipped to deal with real life situations such as writing emails, blogs, letters, essays, reviews, and opinions. Students may also be uncomfortable in conversing in English if they only focus on studying to get better grades. Some students may have grades good enough to study abroad but they may not have the language skills to continue or do well in their studies abroad. I have unfortunately met many students who have excellent grades but they cannot speak or write English properly. It is really quite sad to see parents spend so much money on helping their children do extremely well in various English exams and yet their ability to communicate in English is limited.

Criticism

I will explain to students their mistakes directly. I believe students need to be encouraged and praised. However, if they make mistakes, they need to know how to handle criticism. Life's journey is filled with critical comments and I think children should get used to them at an early age. There needs to be a balance between praise and criticism.

Stories

I use stories to teach students how to think logically. When you write a story, you have to introduce the character and then explain step by step what happened to him or her. A story needs a logical progression of ideas. It also needs some embellishments and descriptive writing. I use odd stories from around the world to raise their interest level in writing but I do expect students to increase their vocabulary and pay attention to details.

Current Events

I think it's important that students know what's going on in Hong Kong and in other countries. That is why I try to discuss current events in class. No one knows for sure what liberal studies will cover so students really need to have an inquisitive and analytical mind. My hope is that my interest in current events will help students be more curious about local/international news.

We Have Moved To Boundary Street

Dear Parents,

Vivian, Stephen, Carmen, and I have moved to a new space on Boundary Street.

Our new address is: 144G Boundary Street, 1st floor. It is right across from Maryknoll Convent School. On Google Maps, you can search for Overseas Court or 144 Boundary Street. Our new space is about 1,800 square feet and we hope that you and your children will like our new center.

Thank you all for being so supportive. 

JWC