The Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and the Department of Mathematics of College of Science (CSCI) of CityU jointly present “Advanced Talent Education Programme for Gifted Students in Hong Kong” from May 2020 to January 2021.
Photo 1: The "Advanced Talent Education Programme for Gifted Students in Hong Kong" at a glance
This three-phase programme aims at providing opportunities for Secondary 3 to 5 students to have an early taste of university life and develop interests in their talented areas. By arranging an array of STEM-enriched learning activities, experiential activities and technology-based psychological assessment, it also seeks to enhance the visuospatial abilities, and foster the affective development of gifted students.
A seminar marking the first phase of the programme was held on 30 May 2020. Joined by representatives from the Gifted Education Section of the Education Bureau, the seminar was kicked off with the opening remarks by Dean of CLASS Professor Richard M WALKER and Dean of CSCI Professor Raymond CHAN, followed by an address by Professor NG Tai-kai, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE). Then, there was an introduction to the programme and relevant basic knowledge which prepare students for the next phases. As the enrolment from students and nominations from school principals, teachers and HKAGE were well over the programme quota, the students underwent a selection test which provides a basis for shortlisting up to 50 participants for the second phase on the same day.
The second phase encompasses four full-day advanced mathematics and 3D modelling lectures, one full-day talent psychology session, and one half-day integrated workshop with both mathematics and affective education elements. These sessions will be held on different Saturdays from June to August 2020.
Around one-third of the students completing the second phase will be selected for the third phase. They will conduct special projects like Science undergraduates do. Delving into topics such as coronavirus model, financial options model, heat conduction, fluid flows and other mathematical modelling problems, the students will gain a research project-based learning experience. This phase will last for around three months, during which students will attend weekly 3D workshops, and monthly meetings with CityU academics/researchers who will offer mentoring and support. Finally, there will be a seminar to present their achievements and learning experience.
Cover photo: Guests from the Gifted Education Section of the Education Bureau, the Deans and faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Science are pictured after the opening ceremony.
