Students Fear School Closures Will Hit Their Grades

With Hong Kong's primary and secondary schools suspending face-to-face lessons once again from Wednesday, some students have expressed concern over how their studies will be affected.

The government announced on Sunday that all schools must suspend in-person classes for the rest of the year as coronavirus infections in the city climb again.

A student surnamed Lee who is going to sit his DSEs next year told RTHK he is worried that switching to online classes may affect his preparation for the exams.

Compared to taking classes at school where he can ask questions to teachers directly, it is sometimes harder for him to focus during online lessons, he said.

Lee said he would prefer to go into school for classes if he had the choice.

A primary six student, meanwhile, said he was also unhappy about the school closures.

"It’s a bit inconvenient to attend classes by using a computer, and textbooks are better for learning. Sometimes the internet connection is not stable and I will miss some parts of the teaching," he said.

A form five student surnamed Lam said he thinks students are generally more attentive during face-to-face lessons, and the school closures will affect his preparation for the DSE exams.

"The school suspension is affecting me seriously as I may drop 4 to 5 marks in the DSEs."

Lam added that his school has pushed back its exams to after Christmas, but now he feels stressed about having to study during the holiday period.