Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme

The NET Scheme comprises the Enhanced NET Scheme in Secondary Schools ("ENET Scheme") and the NET Scheme in Primary Schools ("PNET Scheme"). The ENET Scheme was launched in public sector secondary schools in the 1998/99 school year, following the Chief Executive’s Policy Address in 1997. The PNET Scheme was first implemented in public sector primary schools in the 2002/03 school year. Under the NET Scheme, one NET post is provided for every public sector primary school having six or more classes and every public sector secondary school. The Scheme also covers special schools which develop and implement a school-based English Language curriculum in accordance with the central curriculum framework.

NETs play the role of a resource teacher and help enhance the learning and teaching of English at the school level. They support local English teachers and collaborate with them to design and implement the school-based English language curriculum and to promote the development of the English panel.

Both the PNET Scheme and the ENET Scheme aim to support and strengthen English language learning and teaching in local schools through:

• providing an authentic environment for students to learn English and develop their confidence in using English for communication;
• developing innovative learning and teaching strategies, materials and activities suited to the needs of local students;
• promoting the collaboration between NETs and local English teachers;
• strengthening the professional development of local English teachers;
• encouraging effective networking amongst schools; and
• disseminating good practices in language learning and teaching through professional development programmes for teachers such as experience-sharing seminars, workshops and networking activities.

Since its establishment in 2002, the NET Section has been supporting the implementation and evaluation of the NET Scheme. It provides professional support for schools to maximise the benefits of the NET Scheme through the functioning of an Advisory Teaching Team and a Regional NET Coordinating Team – the former catering for the needs of primary schools and the latter supporting secondary schools.