“Non Ministrari sed Ministrare” echoes in the halls. This Latin phrase means not to be served but to serve. It is the school motto of SKH St. Benedict’s School.
We are standing before SKH St. Benedict’s School in Hong Kong. It is more than just a school. It is a place steeped in history and tradition.
SKH St. Benedict’s School was founded in 1965. The Anglican Church Hong Kong Diocese established it. The school’s original name was SKH St. Benedict’s Secondary Modern School. It was a practical secondary school with a three-year program.
In 1978 the school transitioned to a seven-year industrial secondary school. At the same time it was renamed SKH St. Benedict’s Industrial Secondary School.
The government decided to eliminate industrial secondary schools in 1997. The school adopted its current name SKH St. Benedict’s School.
SKH St. Benedict’s School’s establishment was significantly supported by Rev. and Mrs. Heyward. They oversaw the school’s founding.
The school emphasizes all-round education. It operates under the Christian spirit. SKH St. Benedict’s School aims to help students grow in love and knowledge. The school wants them to build character. It also wants them to nurture their souls. SKH St. Benedict’s School hopes its students become respectful confident and contributing members of society.
The school has a spacious campus. It includes twenty-four classrooms and sixteen special rooms. There is also a multimedia learning center. An English self-learning center enriches language skills. A Chinese language and liberal studies resource center supports cultural education. The library offers a wide range of resources. A student activity center encourages extracurricular involvement. The chapel and small chapel provide spaces for reflection. The small chapel also serves as a tuck shop. An open playground completes the school’s facilities.
SKH St. Benedict’s School promotes mother-tongue education. It also strengthens English language training. English extension activities are implemented in junior forms. The English curriculum includes phonics. Diverse English classes and activities enhance students’ speaking skills. Students deliver English speeches during assemblies. They are encouraged to participate in activities like verse speaking. The school also encourages participation in public speaking and debate.
The school has established sister school relationships. These are with Beijing HuiMin School Renhua County Danxia Middle School and Guangzhou Conghua No. 2 Middle School.
Small class teaching is implemented in junior forms. This increases classroom interaction. It also strengthens individual care for students. The school uses online learning platforms. This helps foster students’ independent learning. Pre-learning strategies stimulate learning motivation. Emphasis is placed on classroom teaching quality. Lesson observation and collective lesson preparation improve teaching effectiveness. All-round learning and topic research are promoted.
The school has seen its share of notable alumni. They include Hong Kong comic artist Wong Yuk-long. Singer Kitman Mak is also an alumna. Au Ka-wang a director at the Hong Kong Immigration Department attended the school. Hong Kong artists Du Dawei and Chen Jianan are also alumni. As well as Keung Ka-ho a Hong Kong artist and model and Lam Hok-hang a football player.
SKH St. Benedict’s School continues to evolve. It adapts its curriculum to meet societal changes. It strives to provide students with a well-rounded education. The school prepares them for future challenges. SKH St. Benedict’s School remains a beacon of learning in Hong Kong.