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The Primary Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme introduced in the 2002/03 school year has come into full implementation in the current school year.

"This year, the bureau has recruited an additional 150-odd Primary NETs to establish a 330-strong NET force to extend NET support to all the schools participating in the Primary NET Scheme," said Mr Chris Wardlaw, Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower today (September 11).

He revealed that this year's recruitment exercise had received an encouraging response, with some 1,100 applications mostly from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

"As such, we are delighted to have selected and brought the best NETs to Hong Kong and are confident that they will enhance both the professionalism of local English language teachers and the learning of English among our students."

For participating public-sector primary schools operating six classes or more, some 310 Primary NETs are provided on the basis of two schools sharing one NET. Schools with fewer than six classes are provided with peripatetic support. All the schools are supported by a 40-member central Advisory Teaching Team, including 20 NETs.

Each Primary NET will work in partnership with experienced English language teachers of the schools assigned. In addition to undertaking teaching duties to provide students with an authentic English learning environment, they will also help develop school-based teaching strategies and curriculum materials, and contribute to the professional development of fellow teachers.

Since 1987, the Government has encouraged secondary schools to employ NETs. In 1997, there were about 30 Secondary NETs. Now there are about 800 NETs, including some 470 Secondary NETs.

"Most NETs have a professionally rewarding experience in Hong Kong," Mr Wardlaw said. "On average, three out of every four NETs accept a second contract if offered."

Mr John Wong, a NET from Australia, has had a wonderful experience working with the teachers and students at Tai Po Public School.

"The Hong Kong teachers are able to provide valuable local knowledge and experience, while I'm able to contribute ideas, activities and resources used overseas. The diversity of our experience allows us to try different activities and teaching styles to meet the needs of the students," he said.

Besides co-teaching with the local teachers, Mr Wong also conducts extra curricular activities, including drama, poetry, phonics activities, English conversational classes, English Activity Days and excursions, to enhance students' interests in learning English.

"These activities provide the students with the opportunity to use and learn the English language. One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is when students feel confident enough to come and speak to me in English outside of school," he said.

On his personal life in Hong Kong, Mr Wong said that living in a foreign country was never easy, but the teachers at his school had provided him with valuable support both in and out of school.

"The teachers have played the role of part-time tourist guide, advising me on different places I can visit on the weekend. Over the last 12 months, I have explored many parts of Hong Kong, taking in the sights and sounds of the Chinese culture," he said.

Also appreciating the co-operation between West and East was Nancie Brown, an experienced NET from Australia teaching at Good Counsel Catholic Primary School in Sham Shui Po and Lai Chi Kok Catholic Primary School since last year.

"Each and every staff member in both schools, both teaching and support staff, welcomed me with open arms and excitement. They ensure that I am invited and, more importantly, included in lunchtime gatherings and social outings, and there is always someone to translate what is happening in the community and the schools, without any request on my part," she said.

"These kind, warm and generous people quickly became more than work colleagues - they became my family and friends."

On her teaching experience in Hong Kong, Ms Brown said that through creative textbook adaptation, teachers in her two schools were finding that students' interest and confidence in learning and using English had greatly improved.

"With English being the international language of business and finance and the urgency to equip Hong Kong's future workforce with a high level of English proficiency, it has been a real privilege to have been given the opportunity to be a tiny part of this exciting process," she said.

End/Thursday, September 11, 2003

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