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15. The cost of each pupil in average attendance, including a sum of $3,380 for new desks which is a non-recurrent charge, is $55.76, a very considerable increase over last year (+$32.05) and over 1908 ($43.51). But the share of the total cost of the school paid by the Government and the share paid by the boys in fees have not materially altered. Formerly fees were at the rate of $36 per annum; now they are $60.
16. The discipline of the boys, though marred by the occurrence above alluded to, has been good in a passive way, and is, which I think much more important, shewing signs of a more active development. It is not easy for a day school to develop an energetic corporate life; doubly hard for a school of Chinese boys. But I am glad to report that the Class 1 boys are apparently cultivating something of the Public School spirit, and are beginning to understand that the honour of the College is in their keeping. The adoption of a distinctive badge may, and I believe will, do much to foster this feeling. It is especially desirable that the College should cultivate the habit of being first in public competitions between schools, whether the subject is a hygiene examination or a football match. It would be better if in athletics the College was more frequently represented by Chinese, and not so often by its Indian pupils. Boys of Queen's College should habitually ask themselves, not, "What am I getting from the College?" but, "What am I doing for the College?"
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17. I have from time to time pointed out that the College has suffered from a lack of the complex organisation, which should fit it for the varying needs of its pupils. It will be seen from the Headmaster's report (paragraph 21) that something has been done to improve this state of affairs. The more elaborate course of Vernacular studies will make it possible for those boys who desire it, to go deeper into the literature of their own country than the bulk of the school. Further, the study of mathematics has been put on a proper footing, Mr. Grant having drawn up a syllabus for the whole College which admits of a certain amount of specialisation in the subject. This principle of differentiation of studies will be pursued further, so far as means and Staff permit.
18. An important change rendered necessary by the Oxford Local examinations is that the bulk of the promotions must take place at Midsummer. During the year an important change has been made in the manner of assessing marks for promotions. Hitherto all subjects have counted alike. Now the results of the more important ones carry many more marks. Moreover, weight is attached to the periodic Class examinations conducted by the Class Masters.
19. A large part of the College has been refurnished during the year, and money has been spent on structural changes and improvements in lighting. In one Classroom it is now possible on a bright day to read without artificial light; which was not so before. A distinguished educationist after a recent visit to the College, asked the question, "What was it originally designed for?". Still it has been possible to adapt the building to some extent, at any rate, to the purposes of a modern school.