
The admission to Poly might be the best thing that's happened to me in the past four years.
When I first came to Poly Property, I felt like I was entering a maze of intricate structures. On campus, there are many chairs and washbasins. The campus is open, and anyone can come and go freely. The floor is red brick. The school also has a very good geographical location. At the exit of Hung Hom MTR Station, it is only one stop away from Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok. Walking to Tsim Sha Tsui is also very convenient.
The school library holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I have free time, I love to spend it here. It's not just because of my love for studying, but also because of the cozy atmosphere. The air conditioner is always running, creating a comfortable environment as soon as you step inside. The library offers a range of facilities, including separate quiet areas and discussion groups with large computers that students can use for free. Additionally, there are spacious independent study rooms on the third and fifth floors, as well as small rooms equipped with whiteboards and monitors for group discussions. Even in the regular study area, there is a sense of privacy with each desk being separated and equipped with sockets for convenience while studying.
Our residence, Hung Hom Old Hall, is conveniently located near a variety of food options and only a short 15-minute walk from school. It is situated just across the bustling bridge, next to the subway station. This particular bridge is always bustling with activity. Each morning, complimentary newspapers are distributed, while street performers often grace us with their talent at night. We also have the opportunity to vote for our favorite performer, Yao, later on. The hostel in Hung Hom offers a great deal of freedom and basic necessities such as internet, electricity, and water are always available. Additionally, my aunt visits twice a week to take care of any garbage disposal needs. Cooking facilities are conveniently available on each floor of the building. I was eager to start cooking when I first arrived in Hong Kong and bought all the necessary utensils and ingredients; however, my busy schedule prevented me from pursuing this hobby.
Poly's courses are divided into four levels, each consisting of lectures and experiments. While some classes include both teachers and students, others require a group project for Grade 3 and Grade 4 students. At the beginning of each semester, the teacher will provide details on class structure and grading criteria. A unique aspect of studying at Poly is that history textbooks are not required - instead, teachers print out handouts for distribution in advance. Final grades are determined by either a test or an exam, with the former taking place in the first semester and the latter being held during the exam month after this semester ends. The test accounts for 30% of the total grade and involves a comprehensive analysis conducted by the teacher. The exam carries more weight at 50% of the overall score and can accommodate up to 500 students in a grand gymnasium setting.
During my time at Paulie's, I took four classes. One key difference between Paulie's and my regular school is the level of independence. There are no bells to dictate the schedule, allowing teachers to adjust class times as they see fit. Interestingly, both of my teachers for an 8:30 am class preferred to start after 9:00 am. Additionally, students have the freedom to select their own school hours, eliminating any blame from teachers and relieving concerns about being disqualified for not attending class. In one particular class, I only noticed on the day that I spoke up how many students were not paying attention – less than half of the total number in the room. Of course, certain teachers are strict, such as one of my classes which spans four consecutive terms.
There are two tests, twice a knowledge check, and almost twice every two weeks in the laboratory. There are many classes that do not talk about the necessity of expanding thinking, which once made me feel helpless and collapsed, but I did learn a lot of useful things in this course. Generally speaking, Paulie's class is not difficult, but the homework and experiments did not copy the written materials, which is still challenging. The amount of knowledge you gain depends entirely on your self-discipline.
GSAP and an EXCELL course are two very interesting things about Poly Property.
GSAP provides a platform for students of diverse cultural backgrounds to connect, and each member hosts an activity every semester. Upon my arrival at Poly, I was immediately drawn to the numerous GSAP posters displaying a variety of engaging events. These activities, such as matcha-making, noodle-mixing, and postcard design, were highly appealing to me. Additionally, there were also outdoor excursions to Diamond Hill and Lamma Island. I eagerly scanned through each poster and eagerly signed up for multiple events. My most memorable experiences through GSAP were the outdoor trips to Lamma Island and Devil Mountain, as well as the jiaozi-making session in our dormitory. These interactions allowed me to meet many kind-hearted and fascinating individuals, resulting in cherished and unforgettable memories.
In addition to technical courses, Poly Property offers EXCELL courses that are tailored to the interests of students
Lifelong learners are enhanced through courses taught by external teachers, requiring an additional payment of HK$ 50 per course. Some individuals struggled with the decision to enroll in five classes, specifically Cantonese, Spanish, Tree Expert, Starry Night in Hong Kong, and Hip Hop Music. However, certain participants were not successful. Looking back, there is still a sense of remorse. The Tree Expert and Starry Night classes also included an outdoor component on Taiping Mountain, providing a unique perspective for non-tourists. Surprisingly, the bustling port was absent as the group ventured along a peaceful jogging path while the instructors educated students on various plants and flowers. Unfortunately, the lessons were conducted solely in Cantonese, leaving some participants unfamiliar with the content.