Summaries of King’s College/SaiYingPun(English) from 1880-1940

 

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**1880 Prize Distribution Day**

In 1880, among the Anglo-Chinese Schools surveyed, Mr. Fung Fú's English School in Third Street, Sai-ying-p'ún, was identified as the best. This brief mention serves as an early record of educational institutions in the area, highlighting a single school for its exemplary standards at the time.

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**1904 Prize Distribution Day**

Mr. Irving's annual report detailed the progress of the Saiyingpun School and two other free schools, which had been providing elementary English and Chinese instruction since 1901. He praised the Chinese masters' excellent work, noting their revolutionary methods—common in Europe and America—were new to Hong Kong. Previously, vernacular classes under the same roof fostered rote learning without understanding, and English acquisition was hindered by similar memorization of readers. However, a "different system" was now in vogue. The schools' organization had been entirely remodelled under English masters, leading to significant improvement in examination results for elementary geography and first-year arithmetic. While composition remained a weak point, colloquial English showed "great advancement," with senior boys speaking it courageously. The standard of Chinese language was moderate, though Saiyingpun's was the best among the three schools. This year marked a shift towards more effective teaching methodologies and improved student outcomes, particularly in English.

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**1905 Prize Distribution Day**

A significant concern emerged regarding the progression of students in District Schools. Previously, instruction beyond Standard V was not offered, but Standards VI and VII were introduced in the past year with unsatisfactory results. A key issue was students leaving school prematurely, often after Standard V, to secure jobs as junior clerks, earning between $15 and $30. Employers from various firms (shipping, wholesale, retail, engineering) provided critical feedback on these Anglo-Chinese School graduates. While acknowledging their ability to copy letters legibly and take dictation, employers universally noted a lack of resourcefulness, general intelligence, interest in work, and astonishing ignorance of practical mathematics. They cited instances of boys being incapable of handling business correspondence, dealing with foreign firms, or understanding trade quotations due to insufficient knowledge or inability to apply it. One example highlighted a senior clerk struggling with a primitive method to convert sterling to dollars. The report lamented that while some exceptions made headway, the "average boy" was ill-equipped for practical business demands, suggesting a disconnect between the curriculum and real-world needs.

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**1906 Prize Distribution Day**

Several educational innovations were introduced and deemed "unqualified successes." These included approximately 30 launch trips and walking excursions to important factories and places of interest across the Colony. Both teachers and pupils attended these outings, which were believed to provide mental, physical, and moral benefits. Specimens collected during these excursions contributed to a growing museum collection, further enriched by donations from English manufacturing firms. For the first time, drawing was taught, encompassing freehand, geometry, and brush work. During the summer, bathing parties were organized, and boys received swimming lessons. A suggestion was made to initiate an inter-schools swimming contest, similar to existing football and hygiene competitions, but with restrictions to ensure weaker schools could compete fairly, thereby promoting this "useful, healthy, and popular exercise." The school, however, was too small to participate in the hygiene shield contest that year.

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**1910 Prize Distribution Day**

Saiyingpun School, despite being the largest among the district schools, recorded the least satisfactory performance. It was notably outranked by both Wanchai and Yaumati schools. Examiners highlighted significant shortcomings, specifically reporting that the Chinese composition was "bad" and that "much left to be desired in the manners of the boys." The speaker expressed hope that the students would take these criticisms to heart and strive for substantial improvement in the coming year, particularly in these two areas. On a positive note, Saiyingpun did receive a "good report" in the hygiene examination, providing a highlight amidst the general criticism.

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**1918 Prize Distribution Day**

The school reported strong academic performance in several areas, particularly in reading and conversation across all classes. The lowest classes, where beginners received their initial English instruction from an English Mistress, Mrs. Morris, showed excellent results in English. However, arithmetic was consistently a weak point across various classes, including Class 4, Class 5 (especially A and B Divisions), and Class 6 (B Division), and Class 8. Despite this, Class 6's A Division and Class 7 overall performed very well, as did the Beginners' Class. Beyond academics, the "relations of the Headmaster and scholars appeared to be peculiarly happy at Saiyingpun School." The school also celebrated the success of three old pupils who appeared in recent University Lists, with one passing Matriculation and two qualifying for the Medical Faculty. Social life was well-maintained, with Mr. Ray raising the chess players to high efficiency, culminating in the School Team winning the Hong Kong Schools Chess League Shield.

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**1923 Prize Distribution Day**

The school celebrated a remarkable act of gallantry involving one of its students. Patrol Leader Lo Kwok Chung of the school's Scout troop was decorated by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales at Government House for bravely saving a boy from drowning at Kennedy Town bathing beach. In a forward-looking statement, Mr. Irving expressed his strong hope that Saiyingpun School would increasingly serve as a "training school for the University." He aspired for the institution to educate boys to the matriculation standard, emphasizing its potential role in preparing students for higher education.

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**1924 Prize Distribution Day**

Sir Claud Severn addressed the pupils, delivering optimistic news about the school's future. He announced that large quantities of facing bricks had arrived from Formosa, signaling that there would be no further delays in completing their new premises. He expressed confidence that 1925 would be their last year before moving into what the headmaster termed "the Promised Land." With this relocation, Saiyingpun was set to become a senior school, comparable to Queen's College, and would offer great convenience to boys residing in the Western districts. Sir Claud commended the Headmaster and his colleagues for the school's popularity, evidenced by the high number of applicants they had to turn away, attributing this to their "really successful work." He also praised the School Scout Troop for their "clever individual work," setting an example of true duty. Concluding his speech, Sir Claud acknowledged the school's maintained high standard of proficiency and hoped that the new establishment would inaugurate a long period of progress as a leading Government school in the Colony.

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**1926 Prize Distribution Day**

The new King's College formally opened on Caine Road, acclaimed as the finest school building in the Colony with unrivalled facilities in the Far East. It could accommodate 20% more scholars than its current 700. This institution continued the nearly fifty-year tradition of the old Saiyingpun School, which was to celebrate its jubilee the following year. Headmaster Mr. A. Morris, alongside his wife and staff, was lauded for his pivotal role in the school's growth, increasing its usefulness eighteenfold in two decades and expanding enrollment from 51 pupils in 1905. The college emphasized developing a sense of responsibility and practical wisdom over purely academic knowledge, advocating for essential playing fields. Governor Sir Cecil Clementi presided over the grand opening, congratulating Mr. Morris and wishing the college a "right royal future of usefulness and beneficence." This year also marked King's College's first full year as a first-grade school, following its use by military authorities last year. An allocation of $350 was approved for additional servants' clothing, as the current staff was found inadequate to maintain the building's cleanliness and order.

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**1927 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College experienced a significant disruption as R.A.M.C. (Royal Army Medical Corps) units moved into its premises, along with those of the Diocesan Boys' School, to convert them into temporary hospitals. Consequently, King's College pupils were relocated and distributed among Queen's College, Ellis School, and Kadoorie School. This requisitioning occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, with Major-General Duncan of the Shanghai Defence Force acknowledging the Y.M.C.A.'s crucial welfare work for troops, emphasizing the need for healthy environments to divert them from "grog shops" in seaports. Concurrently, news from Shanghai reported the collapse of Shantungite defense and Nationalist advances, signaling rapid changes in the political landscape. By November, despite King's College no longer being used as a military hospital, it was decided not to recall students before January 1st of the following year. The college was undergoing rehabilitation, and the Director of Education, Mr. A. E. Wood, deemed it inadvisable to disrupt existing arrangements for students who had been absorbed into other schools. Pupils were scheduled to commence their new term at King's College after the New Year.

**1927: When King's College and DBS Became Emergency Military Hospitals**

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**1928 Prize Distribution Day**

Following its return from military use and subsequent rehabilitation, King's College announced the upcoming launch of nautical classes tailored for Chinese students. These classes were designed to offer a comprehensive course of 20 lectures, enhanced with models and specialized equipment, conducted over five evenings a week for two hours each session. Captain H. S. Loud was appointed as the lecturer. Upon completion of the course, candidates would be eligible to be examined for Coxswain's certificates, which would then be officially endorsed by the Harbour Master. Details regarding the specific fees and precise attendance times for these new nautical classes were slated for later publication.

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**1929 Prize Distribution Day**

At the Prize Distribution Day, Governor Sir Cecil Clementi commended the school for its university examination successes and highlighted the increasing parental involvement, noting the strong response to the Head Master's invitation to observe classes. He stressed the importance of this cordial relationship for the school's success. The Governor proposed the formation of an Old Boys' Association, inspired by Queen's College's successful alumni group. He noted that 4,856 pupils had attended the school (including its Saiyingpun predecessor) since 1879, with nearly 900 currently enrolled. Additionally, Sir Cecil addressed the "playing field problem," assuring that the Government was sympathetically considering providing better facilities. He also praised the senior scholars for their significant ambulance work, specifically mentioning their vaccination of 27,688 Chinese during a smallpox outbreak. In terms of resources, $5,400 had been provided for King's College equipment in the 1928 Estimates, with $3,100 provisioned. Due to late delivery, $5,998.44 from the previous year's Estimates remained unspent, requiring a revote of $5,300 as the equipment had finally arrived.

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**1930 Prize Distribution Day**

Headmaster Mr. H. G. Wallington, in his 25 years in the East, noted the exceptional popularity of the woodwork class, which saw 120 students voluntarily participate after school hours, producing excellent work from tables to splints. The photography class was also popular, inspiring a suggestion for a school section in the University Amateur Photography Exhibition. The Acting Governor acknowledged King's College's rapid growth, doubling its student body to 940 in just three years, and lauded its "finest school building in the East" and modern facilities. However, examination results for University Matriculation and Junior Examinations were disappointing compared to the previous year, with only 11 out of 21 matriculation entrants succeeding, and 42% passing the Junior Local Exam. Four matriculants did enter the University, two with government scholarships.

Sports facilities were fully utilized, with daily swimming pool use and St. John Ambulance Brigade Trophies awarded. The playground hosted competitive volleyball and basketball, with the Junior League team winning their cup. Ping Pong and tennis were also popular. A new gymnasium apparatus was fitted, but a full-time gymnastic instructor was urgently needed. The Scout Troop was efficient, and a new St. John Ambulance Brigade division of senior pupils won the prestigious Ralphs Shield. A lightning strike significantly damaged the north wing, smashing the roof and splitting a main beam, fortunately during the holidays. Separately, the St. John Ambulance Brigade appealed for public funds to extend its motor ambulance service, which was in critical demand, having only one functioning vehicle. Lady Margaret Ho Tung made a $100 donation to the Nursing Division's Sewing Guild.

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**1931 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College held its first annual athletic meeting at Caroline Hill, which was a great success despite strong winds affecting race times. Both Mr. J. J. Ferguson and Headmaster Mr. Alfred Morris congratulated participants and organizers. Mr. Morris emphasized the importance of sports in school life but cautioned against making them the "end and aim." Prizes were awarded, with Wong King-fuk taking the Senior Championship and Leung Wai-sang the Junior. In a separate incident, Headmaster Mr. A. Morris reported a burglary at his office; a gramophone and a silver shield, valued at $80, were stolen overnight, with entry gained through a broken fanlight.

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**1932 Prize Distribution Day**

This year saw significant student migration from the senior classes, with 21 promising pupils leaving for competitive entrance examinations to prestigious institutions like the Customs College in Peking, the Naval College at Whangpao, or Ling Nam University in Canton. A "disappointing feature" of the examination system was boys migrating to other schools after failing, due to "loss of face," prompting advice for guardians to ensure continuity in schooling.

The school's second annual sports meeting was held successfully, with Li Pui-sum winning the Senior Championship. King's College also hosted two successful concerts in the Great Hall. The second annual concert featured a Chinese comedy "The Fool Assistants" and an English pantomime "Old Curiosity Shop," alongside various musical performances. A later, well-attended concert, under the patronage of the Acting Governor, was held to aid the Ambulance Brigade funds, featuring choirs, pianists, singers, and a Chinese play "The Invisible Dukes."

In aquatic events, the St. John Ambulance Brigade held its annual sports at the King's College Swimming Bath, with the "King's College (Present Boys)" winning the Chater Shield and Lau Po Hei securing the individual championship. Separately, the Boy Scouts' Association held its annual swimming sports at the V. R. C. bath, where two records were broken, and the 1st Sea Scouts won the Bird Challenge Cup. The South China Athletic Association also held its annual harbour race with significant Chinese participation.

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**1933 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College achieved a notable success in life-saving, with 20 candidates from the college successfully passing the Royal Life Saving Society's Proficiency Certificate and Bronze Medallions test. The examination, held at the Chinese Athletic Association Bathing Pavilion, saw Mr. C. W. Brand, the official representative of the Royal Life Saving Society in Hong Kong, commend the exceptionally high standard of proficiency attained by the students. Mr. Chan Sik Pul, who trained the group, was particularly congratulated for these excellent results. Following this achievement, King's College publicly announced its readiness and willingness to provide qualified life-saving members for various events, including school launches, picnics, bathing beaches, and swimming sports, inviting applications for such services.

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**1934 Prize Distribution Day**

Mr. Alfred Morris, the highly respected Headmaster of King's College, announced his retirement after 30 dedicated years in educational and public service, coinciding with his 60th birthday on June 18. Having previously led the Sai Ying Pun School and then King's College, he guided hundreds of students, mostly Chinese, who now held influential positions. Beyond education, Mr. Morris devoted over 16 years to charity, serving as Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade. He was instrumental in establishing numerous free nursing centres, stations, and clinics across Hong Kong and the New Territories, providing crucial assistance to the sick and poor. Both the King's College and Sai Ying Pun School Old Boys' Associations planned farewell parties in his honor, and Chinese merchants also organized a function led by Sir Shou-son Chow to recognize his wide benevolence and humanitarian efforts, particularly his establishment of over ten free clinics in the New Territories. Separately, a concert for Cancer Research was scheduled at King's College Hall, featuring Mr. Lum Siu Mui performing the historical dance of Queen Yu Ki.

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**1935 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College contributed $20 to the Sir William Peel Fund for the Protection of Children, bringing the total subscribed amount to $17,583.60 before the fund's closure at the end of June. The "Jubilee Number" of the King's College Magazine was released, featuring the school's entrance on Jubilee Day and illustrations of local Jubilee celebrations, along with portraits of Their Majesties the King and Queen. A significant development was the formation of the King's College Old Boys' Association, established at a meeting in the College, chaired by acting Headmaster Mr. W. L. Handyside. Over 80 past pupils attended, adopting a constitution to foster a corporate existence for old boys, strengthen relations with the College, and encourage intercourse among alumni. Membership was opened to all 'Old Boys,' past and present staff, and prefects, with an annual subscription of $2. The association elected its first slate of officers for the coming year, including Mr. W. Kay as President and Mr. Chung Hon-ki as Hon. Secretary.

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**1936 Prize Distribution Day**

Hong Kong's English schools experienced a significant drop in enrollment, decreasing by 950 students from 18,036 to 17,086. The English-centric, 8-year curriculum, perceived as shallow in Chinese studies and expensive, faced criticism for failing students who transferred to Mainland schools. Despite this general trend, King's College showed strong academic performance, with students achieving distinctions and passes in the HKU Entrance examinations.

In extracurricular activities, King's College Division scored the most points at the Annual Ambulance Aquatic Sports. The school's badminton team demonstrated its prowess, initially declining a challenge from the Chinese "Y" team due to perceived experience disparity, but then achieving a clean sweep in the "B" Division of the Men's Doubles Badminton League, defeating Kowloon Tong "B" 9-0. This victory highlighted the strength of players like H. P. Woo and H. L. N. Chung, and John Pan.

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**1937 Prize Distribution Day**

Mr. Kay, a school official, voiced a critical perspective on examinations, suggesting they were not an infallible measure of ability and that a student's future should not solely depend on one test. He advocated for considering school record, character, and leadership potential. He also noted that only 10-15% of senior boys entered University, yet the curriculum was largely tailored for them. A new School Certificate Examination, not qualifying for matriculation, was introduced, requiring an additional year of study for university hopefuls.

In sports, King's College faced a challenging badminton season. Despite a strong initial run, they suffered their first defeat in the "B" Division to St. John's, largely due to a weak third pairing and some key players being off-form. However, the college hosted the Hong Kong Badminton Association championships. King's College's annual athletic meeting saw two new records set in the Senior Long Jump and Junior 400 Metres, with Au Kwong-wai crowned Senior Champion and West House winning the House championship. At the St. John Ambulance Brigade annual swimming sports, the Chinese division won the overall championship, with King's College coming in second. Later in the year, King's College badminton team experienced mixed results in the "A" Division, securing a win against University "B" but suffering significant losses to top-tier teams like Recreio "A" and University "A."

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**1938 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College experienced a mixed year in sports and academics. In the Men's Doubles Badminton League, King's College secured a solid 7-2 victory over University "B" and an 8-1 win against St. Andrew's. However, they faced tough competition from top-tier teams, suffering an 8-1 defeat against the Chinese Y.M.C.A. and an overwhelming 9-0 loss to Club de Recreio 'A'. Notably, the King's College volleyball and basketball teams achieved success on an overseas trip, defeating the "怒吼" (Roaring) team in Macao in both sports, with their experience and skill being a decisive factor.

Academically, King's College demonstrated strong performance in the School Certificate Examination. Out of 816 candidates across all schools, 554 were successful, with 49 receiving Honours. King's College contributed significantly to these results, with 6 students achieving Honours (Fok Koon Hung, Hang Fu Shan, Benny Ho, Leung Wai Kwan, Mok Yuk Sun, Wong Ki Lun) and an additional 62 students passing the examination.

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**1939 Prize Distribution Day**

Mr. William Kay, the esteemed Head Master of King's College, announced his impending retirement, marking the end of a distinguished career that began in the Education Department in August 1913. Having previously served as Acting Head Master of Saiyingpun English School and Head Master of Wanchai English School, Mr. Kay, who turned 52 this year, was also known for editing Queen's College's "The Yellow Dragon" magazine and serving as Chieftain of the Hong Kong St. Andrew's Society. His professional engagements included attending the Educational Congress at Oxford and the Pan-Pacific Seminar Conference in Honolulu.

Separately, King's College held its summer school prize-giving ceremony, where Mr. J. J. Ferguson, an Assistant Master, distributed awards to approximately 200 boys and girls. Mr. Ferguson, presiding in the absence of Principal Mr. H. G. Wallington, commended the prize-winners and teachers, expressing his anticipation of teaching the boys in the future.

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**1940 Prize Distribution Day**

The Acting Governor attended King's College Speech Day, where significant changes in educational policy were discussed. Class 4 students were largely concentrated at King's and Queen's Colleges, resulting in King's College having five Class 4 divisions. Headmaster Mr. H. G. Wallington expressed concerns about "private students" – five from Class 2 – who passed the examination without formal school entry, highlighting that such boys were often too young for immediate university entry and their early departure deprived the school of talented students. He feared this trend could encourage others to bypass school processes.

In other news, King's College announced results for its Class 8 entrance exam, accepting 50 students with 10 on reserve. The new Teacher Training College (Northcote Training College) was projected to open in February 1941, featuring comprehensive facilities including gyms, classrooms, laboratories, and an air-raid shelter. In sports, King's College student Pan Sai On, an acclaimed table tennis player famous for defeating a world champion, retained his school championship title. Furthermore, King's College was recognized as the best boys' school in the English schools exam results for the year.

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**1941 Prize Distribution Day**

King's College demonstrated notable success in sports this year. In the Junior Division League badminton, the college team achieved a significant upset by defeating Chung Wah. This victory was particularly commendable as one of King's College players, K. H. Lo, was playing with a leg injury, placing a greater burden on his teammates, Chan, Chung, Woo, and Liu, who performed exceptionally well.

The school also hosted its eleventh annual athletic sports at the Caroline Hill track, where a remarkable ten new records were established. Mrs. J. J. Ferguson, wife of the Second Master, presented the prizes. Sin Kwok-bun regained his Senior title as champion, while Wong Man-ying was crowned the Junior champion. In the inter-house competition, West House emerged victorious, securing the House championship with a total of 163 points.