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Hong Kong won three bronze medals at the Third International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from December 3 to 12.
It is the first time Hong Kong had participated in IJSO. The Olympiad invited 180 scientifically gifted secondary students from 31 countries for a science quiz. Participating countries included South Korea, India, Russia, Germany, UK, Brazil and Nigeria.
The syllabus for the IJSO was adapted from International Baccalaureate Programme for 15-year-old students covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics up to Secondary 6 level. The competition comprised one multiple-choice Test, Theoretical Examination and Experimental Examination. Other than participating in the competition, students also enjoyed guided tours to various museums and historical centres as arranged by the IJSO hosting country.
The Hong Kong team has been groomed by the Gifted Education Section, Curriculum Development Institute, Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB). The Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong was commissioned for the IJSO Student Training from July to November. The training was to help students develop their potential in science.
The team comprised members who were the best performers of a local science competition, Hong Kong Budding Scientists Awards (2005-2006), co-organised by the Gifted Education Section, EMB, Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, Union of Heads of Aided Primary Schools of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Education Alumni Association.
The Hong Kong team was led by Dr Ann Sin-nga Lau, one of the trainers of the IJSO student training programme and Mr Joseph Kin-tak Leung and Mr Johann Yeuk-mon So of the Gifted Education Section of EMB.
Members of the Hong Kong team were:
Sung Hoi (S4) Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee Bronze medal
Kung Yik She Secondary School
Cheung Siu-long (S4) Ying Wa College Bronze medal
Wong Yin-wai (S4) Ying Wa College Bronze medal
Ho Chi-wai (S3) Ying Wa College
Ngai Cheuk-yan, Vivian (S4) Heep Yunn School
Wong Ching-yan (S4) Heep Yunn School
The snapshots and relevant information of the Third IJSO can be found on the website of the Hong Kong Budding Scientists Awards (http://resources.emb.gov.hk/gifted/bs/).
Ends/Thursday, December 21, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:00
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