The Centre for Enhancing English Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Education, was invited by the Education Bureau to offer the "English Language Teaching Programme for Shenzhen Teachers of English 2009/2010" from March to July 2010, followed by a six-month consultation period. The programme combined theory and practice, with the aim of facilitating participants to put theory into practice. Regarding the delivery of the programme, expertise in English learning and teaching was solicited from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

        The Centre for Enhancing English Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Education, was invited by the Education Bureau to offer the "English Language Teaching Programme for Shenzhen Teachers of English 2009/2010" from March to July 2010, followed by a six-month consultation period. The programme combined theory and practice, with the aim of facilitating participants to put theory into practice. Regarding the delivery of the programme, expertise in English learning and teaching was solicited from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

        The programme was the first of its kind in Hong Kong. It aimed to offer professional training to 30 English teachers from five Shenzhen schools operating Hong Kong children classes on the basis of the English Language Education Key Learning Area Curriculum (Primary 1-6), with the following objectives:

w               To enable participants to have a thorough understanding of the English Language Education Key Learning Area Curriculum (Primary 1-6) in Hong Kong

w               To enable participants to understand how to prepare students of the aforesaid Shenzhen schools, on the basis of the English Language Education Key Learning Area Curriculum (Primary 1-6) in Hong Kong, to take part in the Hong Kong Secondary School Allocation System and continue their studies in Hong Kong

w               To enable participants to keep abreast of the latest trends in English language learning and teaching, especially the latest theories of teaching English as a second language at primary level

w               To enable participants to translate language teaching theory into classroom practice

        The programme consisted of three stages. In Stage I, a series of workshops and seminars was delivered from 6 March to 17 April 2010 in Shenzhen to equip participants with the knowledge and pedagogy in the teaching of English. Prof. Barley Mak introduced the participants to the English Language Education Key Learning Area Curriculum (Primary 1-6) in Hong Kong and the essential elements of an action plan. Dr. Winnie Lee elucidated how to utilise the task-based approach with the use of a variety of materials. Other topics included catering for learner diversity, developing students' phonic skills and vocabulary building skills, developing a "reading to learn" culture, teaching poems, songs, short stories, plays and pop culture and promoting assessment for learning.

        Participants were given the opportunity for collaboration, reflection, sharing and hands-on activities regarding different programme content. They were encouraged to integrate what they had learnt with their everyday teaching. In Stage II, school visits, lesson observations, workshops, as well as sharing sessions were conducted from 3 to 7 May 2010 in Hong Kong. This was a unique opportunity for these Shenzhen teachers to visit primary schools in Hong Kong and observe local English lessons. They then developed their own action plans which were intended to consolidate and reflect upon their learning and experiences gained from the programme. In Stage III, from May to June 2010, participants tried out their action plans in their own schools in Shenzhen. Facilitators from Hong Kong observed their classes and gave comments and suggestions.    

        This programme provided participants with stimulating and insightful experiences which have benefited not only their language and professional development, but also their global outlook and personal growth. Participants produced quality action plans and teaching materials, for re-use in their own schools. Their knowledge acquired from the programme can also be disseminated to their fellow teachers. Participants who had fulfilled all the programme requirements were awarded a Certificate of Completion. Their enthusiasm throughout the programme was very much appreciated. We believe the programme is an endeavour that is well worth continuing with.