NET Scheme News 2024 Summer issue 46

The Story to Stage Puppetry Competition for Primary Schools,organised by the NET Section since the 2014/15 school year, has become an invaluable platform for students to explore the exciting journey from devising a story to their final performance on stage through the art of puppetry. This competition recognises the immense pedagogical value of puppetry in enhancing English language learning and fostering creativity. Puppetry is a versatile tool that greatly enhances English learning in the primary school classroom. The tangible, imaginative nature of puppetry sparks students’ enthusiasm and confidence by making language learning less abstract. The process of developing scripts, designing puppets and props, and performing puppet shows encourages students to utilise essential skills such as creativity and communication. Additionally, the collaborative nature of preparing a puppet show fosters important social skills like teamwork and problem- solving, which complement students’ overall language development. The competition has grown tremendously over the years, expanding from a pilot scheme with 17 participating schools in its inaugural year to 124 schools and 139 entries in the 2023/24 school year. To accommodate the increasing number of participants, the adjudication team has also expanded, allowing for more comprehensive assessments and valuable feedback for the entries. A Fantastic Theatrical Journey from ‘Story’ to ‘Stage’ with Puppetry In the early years, schools were selected by lottery to participate. In the 2019/20 school year, the competition was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the 2020/21 school year, the competition has transitioned to video submissions, which has enabled more schools to get involved. In the 2023/24 school year, we took a further step to combine video submissions and live performances, culminating in the inaugural Story to Stage Championship of Hong Kong held on 27 June 2024. The winning teams from each video submission session came together to deliver captivating on-stage performances, creating a truly memorable and enriching experience for all involved. Through the Story to Stage Puppetry Competition for Primary Schools, students embark on an enchanting theatrical journey that nurtures their creativity, language skills, and confidence. As the competition continues to grow,it serves as a testament to the transformative power of puppetry as a unique and engaging pedagogical approach to English language learning. Puppetry Team NET Section Scan the QR Code for more details about the competition. 16 NET Scheme News Issue 46 The Art of Puppetry