NET Scheme News 2025 Spring issue 48

Exploring the Power of • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 NET Scheme News Issue 48 Welcome to this issue of our newsletter, in which we explore the many facets of “connection” within the education context and celebrate the collaborative spirit that is fundamental to the work of the NET Section. Language, at its core, is a powerful tool for connection. It enables us to bridge cultural divides, share knowledge, and open doors for exploring the world. The Education Bureau has all along been dedicated to equipping students with the skills and confidence to become global citizens who can communicate competently and thrive in an interconnected world. At the NET Section, we strive to connect with teachers, students and the wider community through our professional development programmes, school support services, Learning Hubs, competitions, and innovative projects to make English learning a meaningful and empowering journey for every student. In this issue, you will find stories and insights about how connection manifests in education. Examples include the collaboration across subject departments to showcase students’ achievements in language learning, partnerships between a school and a non- governmental organisation, the synergy between a secondary school and its sister school in the Chinese Mainland, and team efforts to integrate English learning with Chinese culture. The importance of connecting students’ English learning with real life is highlighted in these stories. Additionally, one article explores the impact of helping students make emotional connections with English texts, while another features a reflective piece from the seconded teacher of the NET Section, who shares how her interactions with various schools and programmes have infused her teaching approach with fresh insights. Last but not least, we share how our Once Upon A Book initiative connects the promotion of reading, storytelling and community service in an organic way. Through these narratives, we aim to illustrate the power of connection – together we can do so much. Progress and change in students does not happen overnight. However, as long as we stay committed to our cause, the diligent steps we take will eventually connect and yield positive results. Every effort, no matter how small, is a step that brings us closer to success. Jenny Yeung, Chief Curriculum Development Officer NET Section Message from CCDO (NET)