Thursday, 17 July 2025The S5 English Gifted Programme provided a unique opportunity for student engagement and growth. A standout feature of this experience was our role as students in leading post-writing discussions with our peers. This initiative not only fostered collaboration but also encouraged us to take ownership of our learning and enriched us with diverse perspectives and insights.
In fact, through leading these discussions, we were empowered to think more critically about our writing. This experience elevated our analytical skills and deepened our understanding of the writing process. Ultimately, the S5 English Gifted Programme has not only enhanced our discussions but has also instilled a sense of confidence and responsibility in our abilities as writers.
We have all benefited from the programme. Read on to discover what we have achieved.
5L Anya Yung:
The Gifted Programme is a valuable opportunity to enhance my writing skills. Though the questions are challenging, they push me to think critically and refine my work. Learning from peers and discussing ideas with teachers further sharpen my abilities, helping me grow into a more confident and skilled writer.
5L Emmy Leung:
In the programme, I have learned a lot about the formats and tones of various text types, especially essays. I was introduced to the thesis statement, which is an essential part of an essay. I believe this programme enhanced my essay writing style but do wish that the programme was longer.
5L Jonathan Au:
Excelling in DSE writing has always been my goal. The programme equips us with essential skills, such as improving structure and organization, while its student-led approach unlocks our potential. By encouraging independent learning, it cultivates a reflective writing process, helping us grow into confident and critical writers.
5J Josiah Lam:
This year’s gifted course on writing has been a beneficial experience as we can improve our writing skills through discussion and interactive sessions. Additional writing practices provided opportunities for us to enhance our writing further. Receiving feedback from teachers and presenting ideas to classmates also helped us learn more effectively.
5J Kuby Wong:
Although this programme wasn’t long, I have still learned some writing skills that I don’t normally focus on. Besides grammar and language accuracy, learning how to support my writing with examples and improving the overall coherence of my writing. If grammar and language accuracy are the basics, then knowledge and coherence are the main components that make my writing stand out. This programme helps me improve in those areas.
5J Michelle Yuen:
Throughout the programme, we completed several pieces of writing with guidance and feedback from different teachers. This allowed us to understand what could be improved in our writing and encouraged us to strive for excellence. The feedback sessions also enhanced our presentation skills and cooperation. Overall, the programme helped us become better writers and a better equipped for the future.
5L Perseus Hsiao:
One thing I like about the programme is that it combines diverse ideas from different people. Most of the ideas are creative and new to me. This exposure has broadened my perspective and inspired me to think outside the box. I recognized my weaknesses and gained insight into what I should work on, which has motivated me to focus on improving my skills.
5J Yody Chan:
Our group was responsible for the third writing discussion. Seeing the efforts my peers have put into their presentations, I believe we all gained in the same or even greater proportion, as teaching others reinforces our knowledge. To me, this programme is about more than just knowing how to write better; it’s also about speaking and being effective learners!
5L Yuki Ho:
I have struggled with confidence in my writing, often feeling lost during the process. Through this programme, I’ve gained insights into writing organization and learned to maintain a clear structure for essays. I realize that effective planning, like creating flowcharts, helps connect smaller ideas to my main points. Previously, I rushed my writing, but now I understand that investing time in planning enhances clarity and coherence. Overall, this programme has transformed my approach to writing, making me more aware of the importance of preparation.
This programme has been an invaluable journey for all of us. Through collaborative discussions, personalized feedback, and focused practice, we have not only honed our writing skills but also developed greater confidence and critical thinking abilities. As we move forward, the lessons and insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly shape our future endeavors in writing and beyond.