NET Scheme News 2024 Spring issue 45

As I write the preface for this issue of NET Scheme News, themed “Get Booked: Fostering a Love of Reading and Learning”, I feel privileged and humbled. Since joining the NET Section in early December 2023, I have been warmly welcomed into a vibrant community of over fifty colleagues,each bringing diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives to our shared mission. It is a privilege to work with and learn from such a passionate team, and this publication is the perfect place for you to see the fruits of their innovation and collaboration with the equally committed English teachers in Hong Kong to enrich students’ English learning experiences and foster a profound love for learning. Reading is a passport to countless adventures and endless knowledge. It opens new worlds, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Our role extends beyond teaching reading skills; it involves instilling a genuine passion for reading that expands students’ horizons. We delve into the art of creating an immersive reading environment that transcends the walls of the classroom, encouraging our students to explore the rich tapestry of literature. We explore how reading can provide both comfort and intellectual challenges. Above all, we foster an environment where reading is not just an educational necessity but a pursuit of personal growth and joy. In this issue, you will find strategies, success stories and innovative approaches that schools have employed to make reading more enjoyable and more intellectually stimulating. From introducing captivating readers that entice young minds to the integration of STEAM into literature, the different avenues through which students connect with books are explored. You will also discover inspiring narratives of cross-curricular learning brought to life through filmmaking, the dynamics of school literacy programmes, and the joyful engagement fostered by the “Battle of the Books”. Collaboration remains one of the cornerstones of the NET Section, and our commitment to the tripartite partnership between English panel heads, NETs, and advisory teachers is unyielding. You will read about the range of initiatives we undertook on two Joint School Staff Development Days,which exemplify our dedication to fostering collaboration and driving innovation among English teachers. We look forward to your continued support and invite you to visit our Section’s website regularly to keep updated on the latest developments in learning and teaching, and enjoy the wealth of resources developed by the NET Section. May 2024 bring you and your family good health, prosperity, and a multitude of captivating books to discover! Jenny Yeung, Chief Curriculum Development Officer NET Section Unleashing the Power of Reading, Collaboration and Innovation Ms Jenny Yeung (centre) with the management team 1 NET Scheme News Issue 45 Message from CCDO (NET)