General Information

Native-speaking English Teacher (NET)

Since 1997, native-speaking English teachers (NETs) have been introduced to secondary schools and in 2002 NETs and English language teaching assistants (ELTAs) have been introduced in primary schools.

These schemes aim to support and strengthen English language learning and teaching in one form or another by

	providing an authentic environment for children to learn English and develop their confidence in using English for communication;
	developing innovative learning and teaching methods, materials, curricular and activities suited to the needs of local students;
	promoting the professional development of local teachers;
	encouraging effective networking amongst schools when appropriate; and
	disseminating good practices in language learning and teaching developed within the scheme through regional teacher development programmes such as experience- sharing seminars/workshops and networking activities.

Under the Secondary NET Scheme, each school is allocated one NET and schools using Chinese as a Medium of Instruction may opt for a second NET.

Under the Primary NET Scheme, NETs are allocated to two primary schools operating 6 classes or more on a sharing basis. Schools without a NET are offered a cash grant to buy the services of an ELTA. In the 2003/2004 school year, all primary schools will receive a NET on a sharing basis.

NETs are required to:

	undertake teaching duties and try out good teaching models/practices related to the learning, teaching and assessment of English;
	organize and conduct extra-curricular activities related to English learning and teaching such as school-based English day camps, story-telling activities, drama, songs, verse speaking, extensive reading, etc; and if applicable, contribute to other extra-curricular activities such as IT, art and craft activities and sports;
	provide support for the English panel, including school-based curriculum development and professional development as well as preparing and developing learning/teaching materials;
	act as an advisor on language teaching and learning and as a language resource person.

Support for the Primary NET Scheme

Each school is required to assign an experienced School English Teacher (SET) to work in partnership with the NET towards the above objectives. The SET acts as a bridge between the NET and the school management and facilitates collaboration between the NET and the English Panel.

The Government provides support for the Scheme by way of an Advisory Teaching Team (ATT), which comprises 20 NETs and 20 Local English Teachers (LETs) seconded from primary schools. The ATT designs and operates regular development programmes for the NETs and the SETs as well as conducts school development visits to individual schools. It monitors the effective deployment of the NET, provides support for the development of innovative/effective teaching methods and related curriculum resources and disseminates good teaching practices in primary schools. The ATT also provides peripatetic support for schools with less than six classes.

In addition to setting up the ATT, Professional Support Teams (PSTs) have been formed to support the ATT and the Primary NETs as well as monitor and evaluate the Scheme.

Primary Literacy Programme - Reading (KS1)

The PLP-R (KS1) is a pilot project of the PNET Scheme, which aims to enhance the English reading proficiency of students through a sustained literacy progarmme with a focus on reading. A further objective is to provide Professional Development to English teachers. Founded on the "Learning to Read. Reading to Learn" initiative of EMB, the programme is being implemented in 105 Hong Kong schools throughout the 2004/5 - 2005/6 school years.

The programme is achieved by the consideration of four components:

 Teaching reading to second language learners,

 assessing reading,

 classroom environment and

 classroom management.

 

P1 and P2 teachers and NETs in the PLP-R programme receive intensive training in these four components. Students are engaged in a range of reading experiences, including shared reading, guided reading, story telling and home reading activities. The programme caters for learner diversity by providing students with multi-sensory activities, small group reading experiences, intense formative assessment of every child, and parent and library involvement.