Upon finishing his DSE, railway enthusiast Jason can finally feel relieved and have much time for his favourite hobby - joyriding on railways. ‘I came here by Tuen Ma Line just now and some people recognised me and wanted to take photos with me.’ Going viral on the Internet because of his lyrics rewriting about Tuen Ma Line, Jason visited BGCA Youth Integrated Services Centre in Sheung Wan this day with his ‘signature outfit’ – a red T-shirt and jeans – to share with us his story.
Sitting for mock examinations
Jason joined activities organised by the BGCA DSE Club previously. Jason joined the Club in March this year, knowing that the Club provides free papers, online mock examinations and post-exam analysis to candidates. ‘We usually have to pay for the papers. Thank you for providing us free papers.’ He shared with us that he stayed home most of the time while preparing for DSE, but would come to our centre in Sheung Wan from Choi Hung to get the free papers. ‘There’re many attractive things on the streets. I wanted to walk around and was reluctant to go home early. After getting the papers, I would wander in Sheung Wan and only enter the MTR station until I reached Admiralty.’
Most DSE candidates usually spend much time staying at home, doing revision and completing past papers. Jason is no exception. He only left his house for 2-3 times during his study leave period. Recalling his routine during that period, Jason said he would start doing revision every day after watching COVID-19 briefing in the morning. In order to acquire much practical experience, he joined mock examinations online and found answer-checking sessions useful. ‘Candidates who got 5** last year were invited to share with us. They’ve got many skills and tips. I’ve learnt plenty of writing techniques and vocabulary items which can be applied in the examination. Also, marking schemes are offered for Math papers, so I can check answers on my own. I find this practice quite good.’ F.6 students with different backgrounds attended mock examinations together via Zoom, supporting and encouraging each other online.
Jason’s active participation in mock examinations and eagerness to share his feelings impress Samantha, one of our social workers. ‘He participated actively in the paper analysis sessions and asked inspiring questions which his peers and he then discussed. Tutors we got all know there’s a student who is willing to learn and complete every paper seriously.’
Being a railway fan since young with joyriding as his favourite
The folk song ‘Greensleeves’ is often played when students attempt listening papers. Jason joked that he had rewritten lyrics for this song many times. As a railway enthusiast, he sang new lyrics of ‘Greensleeves’ to show his jubilance when Tuen Ma Line opened. He said that he likes railways and enjoys observing trains of different models since he was young. He met a group of railway fans in 2018. They exchange information and fun facts of railways. Plus, they joyride on trains together when they are free.
Meeting friends through railways, Jason can share his hobby with others and feel being accepted. ‘Given my special education needs, I experienced being excluded before. Our mind-sets and behaviours are unlike others sometimes. Some people aren’t willing to take my opinions.’ He pointed out that there are a number of transport fans who are in special education needs. After getting close with them, Jason said they can support and encourage each other.
Aspiring to be a journalist and studying Journalism in Hang Seng University
Apart from joyriding, another pastime of Jason is interviewing people and videotaping the whole interview. In the past, he asked railway fans at Hung Hom station about suspension of the old platform. He also tried asking YouTubers of younger ages and got to know more about interests of children nowadays. Speaking of his aspiration, Jason would like to be a journalist who works at a television station. On DSE result release day, Jason got admitted by the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication Programme of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, pursuing his dream.
About the BGCA DSE Club
Established in 2020 by BGCA social workers from schools and youth centres, the Club aims at supporting DSE candidates by providing them the latest information of the examination, leisure activities, sharing sessions and emotional support services.
The 5th wave of COVID-19 laid in March. Face-to-face lessons and mock examinations of local secondary schools were suspended, affecting DSE pupils to prepare for the public examination. In a bid to lend a helping hand to students, we organised mock examinations with reference to DSE time table. F.6 students from various schools were allowed to complete, discuss and analyse the questions on Zoom. In addition, we invited DSE candidates from the previous cohort to share their tips and skills, cheering up for the pupils.
Besides, in 2022, the DSE Club held activities for candidates, such as self-study cafe programme, mock interviews for university, sharing sessions of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ careers and pillow fights. Emotional support services were available after DSE results were released. We fight side by side with students.
IG : bgca_hk_dse
