(......Continued)

We have ensured our campus hostels are lively communities where students can develop social and life skills to supplement their studies. In 2002-03 we continued to run tailor-made personal and professional development programmes. In addition, students organised their own activities, including high-table dinners, orientation camps and inter-hostel competitions.

Although part-time students cannot take part in campus life to the same extent, we also actively extend our care and support to them through counselling and career guidance services.

Developing all-round skills
We believe that students who participate in extra-curricular activities will acquire knowledge and skills that will better prepare them as teachers. Accordingly, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of pursuits either as organisers or participants.

Student-led Personal Development Programmes reflect this emphasis. A wide range of interest groups was arranged in 2002-03 including leadership development, careers, culture and creativity, service learning, environmental learning and sports and recreation.

Our Quality Teacher Development Award Scheme helped students chart their progress in five key areas of professional development. Activities during the year included personal development programmes, professional enhancement, general education, community service projects and cultural activities.

Helping each other
Both academic and non-academic support is catered for through our Personal Tutorial Scheme. This aims to enhance students' overall personal and professional development. Small discussion groups focus on issues such as teacher professionalism, choice of electives, challenges of field experience, adapting to their new environment and individual personal concerns. Feedback from students in 2002-03 showed that they greatly valued the support provided.

Helping the wider community
Students are encouraged to participate in the wider community as a means of enhancing their awareness of community needs and developing the pastoral skills they will need as teachers. Over a third of our full-time students regularly engage in community service of various kinds.

Examples last year included serving as counsellors for primary school children, helping the elderly, working with at-risk adolescents and operating an on-line tutor project for Radio Television Hong Kong.

Student groups also actively contributed to environmental protection projects, preventive health care projects and services for children with disabilities.