NET Scheme News 2023 Spring issue 43

The cover design of this issue is composed of students’ creative interpretations of ‘The Power of Hope’, as this was the theme of our Filmit 2022 Competition. When you think of hope, and the power it has, what comes to your mind? What came to the minds of the students who entered the posters session of the competition were the following statements to inspire us to believe in the power of hope. Research shows that there is a relationship between hope, learning and wellbeing. 1 While hope sounds like it is focused on the future, it actually changes us now. When students live in the expectation that positive changes are on their way, they open themselves to a range of new possibilities. As educators, we understand the value and impact of building in our students such a positive mindset, an essential capability in the new era that will enable them to excel in this fast changing world. Thoughtful design of students’ values education experiences can be conducive to their whole-person development and help pave the way for a life of opportunity, contribution and fulfilment. An experience- sharing session on ‘A Design for Life: Values Education in English Language Education’ was organised by the NET Section on 22 October 2022 at the Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre. A total of 19 primary and secondary schools shared their ideas for promoting positive values and attitudes in the context of English Language education in their schools through a plenary session and ten breakout sessions. The articles in this issue of the NET Scheme News will tell you how our English teachers help build positive, value-rich educational environments through daily English learning and teaching. A drama show called ‘Mr Nobody Becomes Somebody’, a Seed project focused on ‘What are the secrets of happiness?’ and a Reading across the Curriculum and STEAM project called ‘How to Fly in a Playful Way’, are just a few of the many creative ideas of English teachers that have enriched students’ English learning experiences that you can read about in the following pages. As Ms Maria Wong said in ‘The Power of Hope: Building Optimism in Our Students’ on page 13,“hope was about having the enthusiasm, passion, motivation, and determination to overcome difficulties and challenges. Ultimately, we wanted to make a difference in the lives of our students and let them develop happily and healthily with positive emotions.” At the beginning of this new year, may I take this opportunity to wish you a healthy and a fruitful 2023. Please check our website to keep up to date with news about learning and teaching and to keep track of the latest developments in the NET Section. Iris Chan Chief Curriculum Development Officer, NET Section 1 Griggs S, Crawford SL. Hope, Core Self-Evaluations, Emotional Well- Being, Health-Risk Behaviors, and Academic Performance in University Freshmen. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2017 Sep 1;55(9):33-42. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20170818-11. PMID: 28850649. 1 NET Scheme News Issue 43 “Be hopeful and make it happen” “Believe in yourself; hang on to your dreams” “I was lost, but I’m found because of hope” “Believe in Hope, for it gives you the courage to ignore the voices” “A simple act of kindness creates an endless ripple of hope” Message from CCDO (NET)