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QUEEN'S COLLEGE.
13. The numbers at Queen's College have been diminishing for a number of years: this is due mainly to the abolition of the lowest Classes and to the pari passu system of promotions. This system is now producing most desirable results in raising the standard of written Chinese throughout the scholastic system of the Colony. The decrease in numbers which, I hope, is merely temporary and not likely to go further, was foreshadowed in my report for last year.
It has added to the cost per unit.
The Commercial Course, described in my last report, has been in working order during the year and seems popular. Owing to the withdrawal of one of the Science Masters for censorship duty the Chemistry syllabus has had to be modified. In other respects the new courses of study as described last year are being worked out normally.
14. The flourishing state of athletics is largely the result of the efforts of the Assistant Masters, and is a matter for congratulation to them and the College. It appears that Queen's College has shown during the last two years a marked spirit of renaissance. I think the Acting Head Master is perhaps rather severe in his criticisms of the Upper School, as given below.
15. The following extracts are from the report of the Acting Head Master, Mr. A. W. Grant. His complaint as to the number of subjects taught is being considered; and the reduction of subjects consequent on the introduction of alternate courses last year may perhaps be continued still further with advantage:—
Staff. The Head Master, Mr. T. K. Dealy, has acted as Director of Education since June. Messrs. de Martin and de Rome have been seconded for special duty.
Building and Equipment.—Although we have not yet got our new Laboratory, the temporary building is efficiently equipped. We hope that we shall soon have the use of a Pavilion at Causeway Bay, the funds for which have been collected among the boys and their friends.
"Curriculum. In the Upper School—Classes 1, 2 and 3—the strain of fifteen compulsory subjects prevents exceptionally good results. English is poor, and Mathematics only fair; Chinese Translation and Vernacular were also fair. Mr. Wells, the Translation Master, states in his report that more study of English and Chinese is needed in order to make the students proficient in Translation. In the Remove and Lower School English generally—with the exception of Dictation—is satisfactory.
"Class I Results.—The examination of Class I A is conducted by the University of Hongkong, the Government paying the fee for the Matriculation Examination. The certificates are awarded by the University. Our results under the test have been satisfactory. 13 students presented themselves for Matriculation and of these 11 passed (11 in 1913).
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