NET Scheme News 2024 Summer issue 46

For over two decades, the NET Section has dedicated itself to collaborative partnerships with English educators across Hong Kong and it has been at the forefront of professional support for schools. In pursuit of a collective goal, our team of Advisory Teachers and Regional NET Coordinators collaborate with NETs, local English teachers and professional partners from different fields to support English language education in Hong Kong. As we move into the 2024/25 school year,we are excited to expand our Learning Hub support services, aligning them closely with the latest curriculum initiatives to continue to nurture communities of collaborative and reflective practice. Communities of practice are crucial in fostering a culture of continuous professional development among educators. By participating in these learning communities, teachers engage in a cycle of learning, experimenting, reflecting and sharing. The NET Section is committed to providing such networks and professional input to foster teachers’ growth. We aim to make our Learning Hubs a fertile ground for teachers to exchange insights and enhance their pedagogical skills. This edition of our newsletter provides a window into how the NET Scheme has been fostering collaboration, embracing innovation and enriching the language learning environment for our students. Discover how our PDNETwork platform facilitates collaborative and reflective learning for teachers. Highlighting the success of the ‘Speak 2 Write’ and ‘Thinking Routines’“Seed” projects, we showcase the tangible benefits of collaborative educational environments. Additionally, our Story to Stage Puppetry Competition and the Speak Up - Act Out Drama Competition illustrate our commitment to nurturing students’ language skills through theatrical engagement. Insights from our pilot Literacy and e-Learning Hubs in the 2023/24 school year feature a range of professional development activities that have yielded fruitful outcomes.The articles capture the rewarding learning journeys that students take, for example, when joining a public speaking competition and a cooking competition conducted in two schools, providing insights into creating a dynamic language learning environment. Our vision extends beyond academic achievement. We aim to foster holistic educational experiences that place students at the heart of all endeavors.The vibrant and creative multicultural team of colleagues at the NET Section will continue to collaborate with schools to drive innovation in English education. As we look forward to another rewarding school year, we invite all of you to participate in our competitions, workshops, and Learning Hubs. Stay tuned for our new and long-anticipated initiative: the Once Upon a Book Storytelling Competition, set to be launched in October 2024. This competition promises to captivate and inspire, as it encourages students to share the joy of reading in creative and engaging ways. Together, let us continue to refine our craft and build a future where every learner thrives. Jenny Yeung, Chief Curriculum Development Officer NET Section Teamwork Makes the DreamWork 1 NET Scheme News Issue 46 Message from CCDO (NET)