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The following is issued on behalf of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR):
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), Mr Michael Tien, said today (November 15) that drama, with its extensive range of meaningful contexts, could help develop students' language skills including writing.
Mr Tien made the remarks during the First Assembly for "Drama-in-Education English Alliance", a brand new co-curricular English programme launched by SCOLAR to assist 89 primary schools promote English language learning through the use of English drama during this school year.
"Diversified drama activities will encourage students to adapt or rewrite playscripts, and even create their own version based on their life experiences. The activities will boost students' confidence in using English, arouse their interest in learning the language and improve their skills," Mr Tien said.
Two programme partners, Hong Kong Art School as well as Shakespeare for All and British Council, have been engaged to provide teacher development courses for teachers of participating schools in November and December. On-site support by drama experts will also be provided to facilitate teachers to plan, prepare and implement drama-related activities in their English language teaching in the second term of the school year.
Each school participating in the English Alliance has chosen one grade level from Primary 4 to Primary 6 as its participating grade level. All students of the chosen grade level and their English language teachers will be involved in the Alliance programme throughout the school year. Students will be provided with many opportunities to participate and experience various drama-related activities, including reading of playscripts, adapting, rewriting or creating of playscripts, theatre games and acting out of plays.
Other guests officiating at today's assembly included members of the Working Group of English Alliance, Mrs Jane Or, Ms Mary Wong and Dr William Cheung, as well as representatives of the Programme Partners, School Director of Hong Kong Art School Mr Felix Leung, Chief Administrator of Shakespeare for All, Ms Lynn Yau, and Teaching Centre Manager of British Council, Mr Grant Butler.
SCOLAR was established in 1996 to advise the Government on language education issues and on the use of the Language Fund.
Ends/Saturday, November 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:55
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