From CSS to the UK: The Inspirational Journey of the Tam Family

We were delighted to welcome Mr. Wing On Tam, the parent of two CSS alumni, back to our school for a meaningful visit and inspiring conversation on 21 August 2025. His children, Shiu Chung Tam and Ying Man Tam, both Juniper House students before, have reached impressive milestones in their academic and professional journeys after graduating from CSS and furthering their lives in the UK.

During our conversation, Mr. Tam highlighted how CSS not only prepared his children for life abroad but also fostered their enduring passion for medicine and nutrition through its learner-centered culture.

Could we begin with a brief self-introduction?  Perhaps share what brings you back to campus and what you most look forward to during this CSS visit?	It’s a pleasure to be back. My background is in education - I lectured in computing at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education for more than two decades before my family and I moved to the UK, where I now teach at a university college at Lincoln College University Centre. My connection to CSS, though, is through my two children, Shiu Chung Tam (Juniper House 2012–2015) and Ying Man Tam (Juniper House 2015–2019), both CSS alumni, who graduated this summer in the UK.  Simpson graduated in medicine after a 6-year study of MBBS at the University of Cambridge, and Christy graduated in Nutrition and Dietetics after a 4-year study of a Master's degree in Nutrition (MNut) at the University of Nottingham. Seeing their success, I felt it was important to come back and express my gratitude to the wonderful teachers here. I'm really looking forward to sharing our story and hopefully offering some useful insights for current parents.
Moving from CSS to the top UK universities is a significant leap. What were some of the most rewarding or challenging aspects of this transition for Simpson and Christy that you think would be valuable for CSS students or parents to know?	Their proactive approach to gaining real-world experience was key to their success; Simpson joined a shadowing programme at an NHS hospital in Boston, UK, while Christy volunteered in the dietetic department at Kowloon Hospital. For CSS students aspiring to study in the UK, building a strong academic foundation is crucial. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the school’s resources, such as forming study groups and utilizing the library, to excel in their exams and prepare for the rigors of university-level study.
Simpson chose medicine, and Christy pursued nutrition – both highly competitive fields. Did their experiences at CSS play a role in sparking these specific career passions?	Absolutely. CSS gave them a really good foundation in maths and science in their secondary schooling. But more than that, the teachers were more like mentors. They used an explorative approach that gave the kids the room to really follow what they were curious about.  From my perspective, that’s what makes CSS special: it’s this supportive, student-centred culture rather than a traditional, teacher-centred model. Teachers and students interact as equals, with instructors serving as guides who encourage exploration. And the strong English skills they built there were huge - it gave them the confidence to go after these big dreams without hitting a language barrier.
You specifically thanked our teachers, Ms. Tan Tan Chan and Mr. Jimmy Cheng. Could you share a memorable story or concrete way you feel these teachers (or other CSS staff) made a lasting difference in your children's development or career paths?	We’re so grateful to teachers like Ms. Tan Tan Chan and Mr. Jimmy Cheng, who were so dedicated, both in the classroom and with extracurricular activities. I also have to mention the home economics teacher who was so kind - she even baked cakes for Christy!  Lastly, I’d really like to thank former Principal Siu Ming for welcoming my children to CSS and supporting them throughout the journey. He might remember; I’ve been around since the very first Open Day back in 2007, when Simpson was just in Primary 1.

As Mr. Tam reflected, “Every CSS student who plans well, focuses, and keeps on studying could achieve their own dream,” and his family’s story stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the CSS experience. 

We extend our gratitude to Mr. Tam for sharing this inspiring journey, and we are proud to see our alumni and their families carry the spirit of CSS into the world, sparking renewed efforts to empower our students.