This week’s question: If you could visit any country for one day, which would it be and why? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, October 1.
Kwong Ho-yin, 13, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored By Sik Sik Yuen): I would create a subject named “Life Skills and Well-Being”. In today’s fast-paced world, many students lack practical life skills. This subject would cover financial management, basic home repair, cooking nutritious meals and mental health management. These skills are vital for independent living. Financial management helps students avoid debt and plan for the future. Home repairs save money and foster self-reliance. Cooking nutritious meals promotes health, and mental health management ensures emotional stability, which is crucial for overall well-being.
Joanna Lu Tsz-ning, 16, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College: “Emotional Smarts and Social Skills” would teach students to recognise and understand their own feelings. With a better understanding of themselves, students can manage their emotions more effectively. For instance, when they feel angry, they will learn to pause and think before acting. Social skills are equally important. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with others, both through verbal communication and body language. They will practise active listening – paying attention to what others say – asking questions and demonstrating genuine care.
Zoe Lam Tsz-ching, 13, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College: I would include a topic on sleep. Today, children are involved in many extracurricular activities. They often go to these activities straight from school, sometimes not getting home until late. Sleep education would help children learn how to improve their sleep quality, understand the optimal times to go to bed and discover ways to ensure a restful night.
Fidel Hu Xiao-ying, 16, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School: Cooking is an essential life skill because it saves money and ensures nutritious meals. Cooking can be challenging. Techniques such as frying, steaming and boiling require attention to detail, which can significantly affect the final dish. That’s why I believe cooking should be taught as a new subject in schools.
Oa Yang Tsz-ching, 12, Pui Kiu College: I would propose a “Life Studies” subject. It would foster a positive environment in schools while teaching essential skills such as communication, relationship-building, self-awareness and other practical abilities that are valuable for students. This subject can help prepare students for life outside of school and enhance their ability to adapt to various situations. Most importantly, it would make education more relevant and connect directly to the realities of daily life.
Chen Yuxin, 16, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College: The topic of “Planting and Farming” goes beyond theoretical knowledge about crops; it emphasises practical methods of farming. I believe that these skills are fundamental aspects of our lives. Farming provides us with food, while planting shapes the landscape of our cities. Both are crucial parts of our existence and require complex skills that we often underestimate.
Kayle Chang Po-ki, 17, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: I would introduce a new school subject called “Positive Thinking Education”. This course would instil essential qualities in students that are crucial for future careers and life planning. Developing a positive attitude towards problem-solving is vital. Fostering a mindset of lifelong learning helps students bounce back from setbacks.
Kayvin Tsang Ka-wing, 16, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School: The subject of astronomy. It sparks curiosity about the universe, encourages scientific thinking and helps students understand concepts related to space, planets, stars and the cosmos. Studying astronomy can make science more engaging and help students appreciate the complexity of the universe.
Idek Ngan Siu-hang, 16, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College: I would add decision-making as a subject. Students would learn to analyse real-world dilemmas – ranging from managing personal finances and evaluating news sources to resolving interpersonal conflicts. The goal is to develop mental resilience and intellectual self-defence, empowering them to make wiser, more deliberate decisions in their lives. In a world filled with overwhelming information, this skill is essential for building a fulfilling and responsible life.
Li Tung, 14, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College: If I could create a new school subject that is essential for life, it would be fraud prevention. Young people today frequently use their phones, making them susceptible to scams. These lessons would be an effective way to teach students how to protect themselves and their property.
