***************************************************
The Secretary for Education (SED), Mr Michael Suen, today (October 3) visited Henrietta Secondary School in North Point to see the school's preparation work for the implementation of the New Senior Secondary (NSS) academic structure.
Mr Suen took the opportunity to listen to the views and feelings of Secondary 3 students, who would be the first cohort of students studying the NSS curriculum in the next school year, and to observe the students' daily school life.
During the visit, Mr Suen was briefed by the principal Mr Ma Yuen-fat on the preparation work for the implementation of the NSS. He said he was delighted to learn that the school, like many others, was actively preparing, both in manpower resources management and enhancing teaching quality, for the NSS structure.
Mr Suen said: "The curriculum under the NSS academic system can help students establish a broader base of knowledge, improve their language proficiency, sharpen their critical thinking skills and foster their attitude towards lifelong learning.
"I hope every student can have access to diversified development in accordance with their strengths and personality to better equip them to cope with the needs of further study or employment," he said.
Mr Suen also learned that the school had been using different platforms, including school talks, seminars and a website, to deepen the understanding of teachers, students and parents of the NSS implementation work undertaken by the school.
Mr Suen was concerned about the campus life of students. He observed how students of a junior class learned through liberal studies activities. He saw how the students develop their logical thinking and analytical skills through participation in small group discussions.
Mr Suen then watched students participating in activities to enhance their English proficiency. He observed students actively participating in discussions led by a native-speaking English teacher and watched an English video.
"I am pleased that the school organises different kinds of activities to give students more exposure to an English environment. I believe through more practice, students can have a better command of the language," Mr Suen said.
He emphasised that good English teaching and learning were essential to help students with the language and that they should be provided with an English language environment both inside and outside the school.
Mr Suen concluded his visit by exchanging views with staff on the medium of instruction policy and their teaching experiences.
Ends/Friday, October 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:34
NNNN
