NTK CONNECT May 2016

1

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

May 2016

Get ready for summerThank you for your positive feedback on the previous issue of NTK Connect. Many of our readers have reflected that the Spotlight feature on Mr. Ng was especially inspiring.

In this second issue, we continue to introduce two important figures. You’ve probably seen them around NTK or even have had lessons with them. Here’s a chance to learn more about these two teachers outside the classroom. In the Knowledge Enrichment section, we will take a look at the shape of raindrops. This could be something fun to learn about as the rain season will soon be here. In addition, get ready to solve another one of our Math Challenges.

Last but not least, find out what’s on offer this summer at NTK. We’re excited to add painting, calligraphy, public speaking and debate to our wide range of courses. What’s more, we’re presenting an overseas summer school program in collaboration with Delphian School, a premiere international day and boarding school in Oregon, USA.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of NTK Connect!

Delphian School in Oregon, USA

Issue 2

NTK CONNECT Issue 2

2

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

20 years on…Elton Chau, General Manager

It has been more than fourteen years since I first entered the education profession. I joined NTK in 2002, after finishing my studies at Oregon State University. I’ve always had a fascination for mathematics and was eager to teach my classmates back in my schooldays. After coming across a wonderfully inspiring math teacher in my secondary school, I made it my dream to become a math teacher one day.

Over the years, I have witnessed NTK grow, from very modest beginnings to the major operation it is now. One aspect of my role at NTK that I enjoy most is teaching math to students, while also learning about their school life and getting to know each student as an individual. Through mentoring and chatting with students, I find that many

young people today don’t really know what they want. They are accustomed to having their parents make all sorts of decisions for them. As a father myself, I know that parents have the best interest for their children, but is what we choose for our children always what the children want or need? I often tell my students that when selecting what subjects to take, for example for the IB Diploma, it’s important to choose something you are truly interested in. Otherwise, you won’t experience the fun of learning!

What’s also beneficial is that students explore and try new things, for example, by taking up internships or joining different activities and courses during summer holidays. It is by delving into different areas that students discover what they are interested in and learn to take up responsibility.

Today, NTK has grown to a larger scale. I hope that we will continue to maintain the close relationship with parents and students that we’ve established over the years. One of the aims of NTK Connect is to enable parents and students to stay connected with us, as well as to provide a channel for communication in a more personal way. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I am in full anticipation of bringing NTK to an even higher level and continuing to enrich and inspire the younger generation.

Mr. Ng and Elton believe our team of well-trained teachers can make a positive impact on each of our students

NTK CONNECT May 2016

3

David Ollerearnshaw, Director (Mathematics and Science)

I was born and raised in Sheffield, in the UK. I studied mathematics at Warwick University and then did a teacher training course. However, by that time I had realized I didn’t want to teach in a school as I wanted something a bit different and the British army looked adventurous to me. I passed one year’s officer training and then joined the Royal Army Educational Corps. After three years in the UK teaching mathematics and basic science to Royal Signal recruits I was posted to Hong Kong where I remained until 1993.

My exact role has changed over the years as NTK has expanded. My role now is to provide support for the smooth overall running of the mathematics and science departments, along with teaching, which I still very much enjoy. Whether I’m teaching a small class or individuals, the basic skills needed for a good teacher are the same: clarity of aim and the ability to get knowledge across successfully. But, depending on the student, there are “soft” intangibles that I need to imbue. Some students lack confidence after meeting with repeated failure at school. It’s important for these students to meet with success in lessons, as this will engender confidence and then this will lead to success, and so on in a virtuous circle. On the other hand, some students need to be pushed because they are coasting, and not fulfilling their obvious potential. That’s what I like about individual or small group teaching; there’s a real feeling that I can make a difference.

Although the basic principles of good teaching will never change, the learning environment at NTK has changed a lot since I started. Now students are routinely tasked with extensive report writing and investigations, even in mathematics. Students have access to a level of information, communication, and

technology unimaginable a decade ago. But this has turned into a deluge and I see some students who are overwhelmed by the need to sort through all this. I think that this is one of the key ways NTK can help students,

by allowing an experienced teacher to winnow through the plethora of information, present key points clearly, and explain to students what their priorities should be.

When I look back now it’s hard to believe how much the company has expanded, first into academic courses, then consulting, and now with NTK’s own publishing division. My only regret is that I didn’t take any pictures as NTK has “upgraded” over the years. It would be a true eye-opener for new staff to see the very first teaching set-up. Since the pace of change in our lives seems to be getting more frenetic by the day, I’m cautious about predictions of the future. But as NTK has always focused on quality, and that focus will never change, I am certain that NTK will be at the forefront of educational support and expand further in the years to come.

Mr. O and a former colleague at NTK in the late 1990s

Mr. O in the Royal Army Educational Corps in the 1990s

Witnessing the growth of NTK

NTK CONNECT Issue 2

4

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

Contrary to the popular depiction of raindrops falling in tear-shapes, raindrops are actually not tear-shaped at all. The misconception probably derives from pictures and cartoons. Then, what should be the shape of a falling raindrop? It turns out that there are basically three possibilities.

The shape of a normal water dropBefore we figure out the shape of a falling raindrop, you should know how a water drop behaves when it is stationary.

Water molecules are held together by an intermolecular force called the hydrogen bond, in which the hydrogen atoms in one water molecule are attracted to the oxygen atom of another water molecule. As a result, the water molecules are attracted to each other. What’s more, water molecules on the outer water surface are pulled inward to form a “skin” of water. You can imagine the water molecules are squeezed until they can’t be squeezed any more. So a resting water drop has a spherical shape.

Each water molecule is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. They are held by covalent bonds. The hydrogen bond between water molecules is labelled in the diagram on the right.

A falling raindrop… • is spherical, if its diameter is smaller than 2 mm

• is like the top half of a hamburger bun, if its diameter is smaller than 5 mm but greater than 2 mm

• will split, if its diameter is greater than 5 mm

As a raindrop falls, it encounters air resistance around it. If the size of the raindrop is small enough, the effect of air resistance is negligible, so it remains spherical. If it is larger, the air flow at the bottom of the drop is greater, which means there is a larger air pressure at the bottom. If the size is even larger, which usually is a result of smaller drops combining, the raindrop will split as it falls because of the greater air resistance.

Are raindrops shaped like teardrops?

Covalent bond

Hydrogen bond

O O

O

H H

H

H

H

H

< 2 mm < 5 mm > 5 mm

By Ken Choi, NTK General Science Department

NTK CONNECT May 2016

5

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

Scan the QR code for the answer.

Imagine that you have three coins A, B and C. A and B are the same size, but C has half the diameter, like this:

Try to guess the answer first, then check with some coins. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try to find a formula for how many times a circle of radius r will rotate about its own centre if it goes once around the circumference of a circle with radius R.

By Mr. David Ollerearnshaw,Director of Mathematics and Science

You roll coin B once around coin A, keeping A fixed, with no slipping. How many times will B turn round its own centre?

Question 1

You roll coin C once around coin A, keeping A fixed, with no slipping. How many times will C turn round its own centre?

Question 2

ROLLINGALONG

Coin

BCoin

A

Coin

ACoin

C

Coin

BCoin

C

Coin

A

We look forward to working with you and introducing your company to our parents and students. Companies interested in becoming our collaborating partners are welcome to contact our Marketing Department

at 2577 7844, or email marketing@ntk.edu.hk.

NTK CONNECT Issue 2

6

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

NTK Rewards ClubFor over 20 years, NTK has worked with parents in helping their children achieve academic success and gain entrance to elite universities worldwide. NTK Rewards Club is our way of conveying our gratitude for your trust and continuous support. We will continue to seek new collaborating partners to bring you more special privileges.

Membership categories

GOLDSILVER

DIAMOND GOLDSILVER

DIAMOND GOLDSILVER

DIAMOND

Membership Monthly Family Spending Save Rewards Book Purchase Discount

Diamond HK$ 38,000 or above 12% 35%

Gold HK$ 25,000 – 37,999 8% 30%

Silver HK$ 18,000 – 24,999 5% 25%

Summer School ProgramNTK is excited to introduce an overseas summer school program for students who would like to have the experience of studying in the US or UK in the summer. Delphian School’s Summer at Delphi program includes academics, challenging activities, sports camps, weekend trips and a whole lot of fun. An English Language Immersion camp program is also offered.

With approximately 300 students attending Delphi’s Summer Program from all around the world each year, summer at Delphi is sure to be an international experience. For more details, please speak with one of our Customer Relations Officers.

Gift 1 No. of students referred... You can receive tuition vouchers worth… 1st student $500 2nd student $600 3rd student $800 4th student or more $1000

Gift 2Any NTK study guide of your choice

NEW STUDENT REFERRAL PROGRAMRefer your friends and family to NTK and earn great rewards!

NTK CONNECT May 2016

7

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

For more details, please call 2577 7844 (Main Campus) or 2718 3000 (Kowloon Campus) to speak with one of our Customer Relationship O�icers today or email enquiry@ntk.edu.hk.

Aim High, Reach for Success!Course period: Now to 10 June, 2016

Grab the last minute opportunity to prepare for the best results! There’s no need to be stressed. NTK is always here to steer you in the right direction and help you reach high.

Register NOW!Course features

Course structure

■ Revise important and challenging topics ■ Build exam techniques

Extra courses o�ered on the following subjects of high popularity

■ English (1st language) (Edexcel & CIE)

■ Mathematics (Edexcel)

■ Chemistry (Edexcel)

■ Physics (Edexcel)

■ Biology (Edexcel) ■ Economics (Edexcel)

Private lessons are available upon request.Students will be given a set of test papers to complete at least two days before the lecture.

EXTRA IGCSE Last Minute BoosterHong Kong Campus Only

■ Gain exam tips and strategies■ Drill and review popular exam questions

A+A+A+A*Paper drilling 1 to 2 hours of lecture

NTKAcademicGroupwww.ntk.edu.hk Posting: 11-04-2016 Expiry: 10-06-2016

The IGCSE exams are coming – grab the last minute opportunity to prepare for the best results! In the past two months, we have received tremendous registrations for our exam booster courses. To accommodate overwhelming student enrollment, we’re pleased to open additional IGCSE Edexcel courses on the following subjects:

English 1st Language* Mathematics EconomicsBiology Chemistry Physics *Suitable for both Edexcel & CIE

Private lessons are ideal for students who require greater flexibility in their course schedules and learning needs. Students can choose their preferred timeslot, teacher and which syllabus to follow at their own pace. Private lessons also cater to higher level specialized subjects for which NTK does not currently offer courses.

• The complimentary lesson is valid until 18 June 2016.• Students must complete their lessons within the stated

period in order to enjoy the complimentary lesson(s).• Payment for the lessons must be completed in one

transaction.

Terms and conditions apply

NTK CONNECT Issue 2

8

德勤教育集團德勤教育集團

Main campus:

3/F – 5/F & 7/F (Front office), Lee Garden Five,

18 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2577 7844 Fax: (852) 2881 6708

Email: enquiry@ntk.edu.hk

Kowloon campus:

2/F, The Avery, 16 Hau Wong Road,

Kowloon City, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2718 3000

Hong Kong:

Weekdays 9:30am – 9pm

Saturday 9am – 6:30pm

Kowloon:

Weekdays 9:30am – 8:30pm

Saturday 9am – 6:30pm

www.ntk.edu.hk www.facebook.com/NTKAcademicGroup www.youtube.com/user/NTKAcademicGroup weibo.com/2661471982 2758744382

Highlights

Spotlight

Knowledge Enrichment

Math Challenge

What’s New

2016 Summer CoursesBanana Art Club & NTK – Summer Fun Art: Studio Arts Exploration

NTK is collaborating with Banana Art Club and introducing a special Studio Arts Exploration camp that includes watercolor, manga drawing and acrylic painting/calligraphy. No prior art experience is required!

Science Lab Camp

Adopting the theme of the natural world, this camp introduces students to important scientific principles through hands-on experiments, providing a strong science foundation for students to study more advanced topics in the I/GCSE and IB curriculum.

New Publications

Planning to study abroad? This is the TOEFL® test pack you can’t miss!

Public Speaking & Debate

This course enables students to form and articulate their own ideas with clarity and confidence, giving them an immense advantage in today’s competitive world.

Junior Research Project

This camp aims to equip students with integrated knowledge of math and science. Through activities, experiments and lectures, students will inquire into a wide range of scientific ideas and conduct research in small groups.

Hong Kong

Kowloon

SAT® ACT® AP® SSAT TOEFL IBDP IBMYP GCE AL CAMBRIDGE PRE-U I/GCSE CEE IELTS

SAT® ACT® AP® SSAT TOEFL IBDP IBMYP GCE AL CAMBRIDGE PRE-U I/GCSE CEE IELTS

Hong Kong’s leading educational service provider for students following US, UK or IB curricula

德勤教育集團

德勤教育集團

H K ’ l di d i l i id

2016 SUMMER

Course Brochureg ,

Hong Kong’s leading educational service provider for students following US, UK or IB curricula

H K ’ l di d i l i id

2016 SUMMER

Course Brochureg ,

• Official ACT® test center, UCAS center and Edexcel Academic Partner Center

• AP® courses authorized by College BoardTM• Aided thousands of students to obtain A*s at IGCSE and GCE level

• Guided numerous IB scholars to achieve 45 points and SAT subject test takers to score 800• 20 years of success in sending thousands of students to

Oxbridge, Ivy League and elite universities worldwide

• Official ACT® test center, UCAS center and Edexcel Academic Partner Center• AP® courses authorized by College BoardTM• Aided thousands of students to obtain A*s at IGCSE and GCE level

• Guided numerous IB scholars to achieve 45 points and SAT subject test takers to score 800

• 20 years of success in sending thousands of students to Oxbridge, Ivy League and elite universities worldwide

The TOEFL® test is an internationally recognized English language proficiency test, helping millions of students gain

admission to English-speaking schools and universities worldwide, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

PLANNING TO STUDY ABROAD?THE TOEFL MAY BE YOUR CHOICE!Start preparing today!• Gain confidence about how the TOEFL iBT® test works

• Know what to expect on the day of the test

• Improve your score by working through realistic practice tests

The PRACTICE TEST PACK FOR THE TOEFL TEST includes:

• Three complete TOEFL tests covering Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing sections

• An MP3 CD and audio script with authentic Speaking and Listening tasks

• Answers for all four sections of the test, including sample answers• A detailed guide in traditional and simplified Chinese with useful tips and strategies

to every section of the test to help you get the best result

www.youtube.com/user/NTKAcademicGroup

www.ntk.edu.hk/page/en/Publications (852) 2894 8322 publishing@ntk.edu.hk

www.facebook.com/NTKAcademicGroup

Visit our online sales platform at books.ntk.edu.hk

For more course details, download our 2016 Summer Course Brochure now at www.ntk.edu.hk.

Jointly published by NTK Publishing and HarperCollins Publishers

What’s included:

• Three complete TOEFL tests covering Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing sections

• An MP3 CD and audio script for Speaking and Listening tasks• Answers for all four sections of the test• A detailed guide in traditional and simplified Chinese with useful tips

and strategies to optimize your score

IBDP Biology (HL & SL) is part of our new and exciting IB360 series of publications. This series provides complete, focused coverage of theory combined with an abundance of practice questions.

• Concise explanations of key terms and concepts• Common student mistakes and exam tips• End-of-chapter exercises with answers provided• Full-length practice tests

Coming soon