XN000022-1975-04-22 — Page 10

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Everything is free in the school - free secondary education in

Chinese, English, mathematics and social studies, free board and lodging,

free school uniforms, and free books. In addition, each recruit is paid

a monthly allowance of $60 to cover miscellaneous expenditure.

The school differs from others because 40 per cent of the curriculum

is devoted to outdoor activities, such as canoeing, climbing, hill welking,

camping, sailing, sports, athletics, and physical training.

Voluntary extracurricular activities include drama, music, photo-

graphy, folk dancing, judo, and karāte.

Response to the school has been enthusiastic and spontaneous from

the start. In 1974, more than 4,000 teenagers applied to join, but limited

accommodation permitted only 180 to be accepted after careful selection.

Most of the recruits come from families in the lower-income

middle class, and have had junior secondary education. The school's first

batch of 30 graduates passed out in August 1974, and all opted to join the

Royal Hong Kong Police-Foree. The school's annual output of cadets is 150,

and the majority are also expected to, choose careers in the police force.

When the Duke tours the school he will see youngsters at work,

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but he will not realise unless he is told that these cadets have so completely

absorbed the physical and character-building emphasis of their training that

they are already much changed in their attitudes. They are much fitter than

when they entered, heavier, taller, and better built.

They take a genuine pride in their personal smartness and bearing,

and now reflect a sincere desire to serve, to be productive, and useful

members of society.