St. Paul's College, Hong Kong
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St. Paul's College is the oldest school founded in Hong Kong. The school was officially established in 1851 and its Council has had special status in Hong Kong, that it is a statutory body incorporated by a local ordinance, the St. Paul's College Council Ordinance. The aim of the school is, according to the Ordinance, to "provide education to Chinese youths in the English language upon Christian principles".
The school opened with one tutor and nine students. Today, the school has about 1,250 students, bearing little resemblance to its humble beginning.
St. Paul's College receives special attention from historians as the world's first Anglo-Chinese school. Its founder, the Revd Vincent John Stanton, is also the first Colonial Chaplain of the former Colony of Hong Kong.
The Chinese characters in the school motto (寅畏上主是為智之本) are from Proverbs 9:10. They are usually translated in English as "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (KJV). The fact that the motto is in Chinese is significant. While it was more the fashion at that time to use Latin for such a purpose, the far-sighted founders of the school saw St. Paul’s College as a hub to foster bilinguals and to bring together the cultures of the East and the West.
Today, St. Paul's College continues its excellent achievements both academically and in extra-curricular activities. Students excel in public examinations. Students bring home trophies won in international as well as local music and sports competitions. The school's old boys contribute in the government and as well as in the academic, professional and business arenas.
The year 2001 marked the 150th Anniversary of the school, and in the same year the school decided to join the Direct Subsidy Scheme, under which the school is given more freedom in the enrollment of students and the design of the curriculum.
The current principal of the school is Timothy W H Ha. Timothy Ha is also Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. Ha is retiring as Principal this August and the Vice Principal H W Wong is expected to be the Acting Principal during the interim period, until a new Principal is appointed.
Currently, there are six classes for each of Forms 1 to 5, and three classes for each of Forms 6 and 7.
See also
- Education in Hong Kong
- List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
- I. M. Pei, a graduate of St. Paul's College, and a famous architect