English Language

New Senior

Secondary Curriculum

Aims of the three-year NSS English Language curriculum

• Increase language proficiency for study, work and leisure;

• Develop subject knowledge, generic skills, learning strategies and positive attitudes for lifelong learning; and

• Enhance personal and intellectual development, cultural understanding and global competitiveness in a rapidly changing knowledge-based society.

Design of NSS curriculum

S6

Compulsory Part

(75%)

About 305 hours

Elective Part (25%)

About 100 hours

S5

S4

S4-6 Compulsory Part

• To adopt task-based approach to language learning

• To apply the organising structure of Modules, Units and Tasks to facilitate the learning of the four language skills, grammar, communicative functions, vocabulary and text-types.

Modules to be covered:

• Teen Life and Beyond

• The World Around Us

• Animals and Nature

• Leisure & Entertainment

S4-6 Compulsory Part

Elective Part

Language Arts• Learning English through

Short Stories• Learning English through

Poems & Songs

Non-language Arts• Learning English through

Social Issues• Learning English through

Debating

Students are required to take three of the modules, with at least one from each group

Electives When to be covered

Justifications

Learning English Through Poems & Songs (Compulsory)

NSS 2

Reading Paper has element of poems and songs

Learning English Through Social Issues (Compulsory)

Provide a basic understanding of current issues which is essential to preparation for all papers and Liberal Studies

Learning English ThroughShort Stories (Elective) NSS 3

---

Learning English Through Debating (Elective)

---

Elective Part

Teaching Schedule

Year Content No. of lessons per 6-day cycle

Approximate No. of hours

S4 Compulsory Part

8 145

S5 Compulsory & Elective Part

8 145

S6 Compulsory & Elective Part

8/9 115

Assessment: HKDSEComponent Weighting Duration

Public Examination

(External Assessment)

Paper 1 Reading 20% 1 ½ hrs

Paper 2 Writing

Part A – Short guided task on the Compulsory Part

Part B – Long open-ended task on the Elective Part

25% 2 hrs

Paper 3 Listening & Integrated Skills 30% 2 hrs

Paper 4 Speaking Part A – Group Interaction

Part B – Individual Response

10% 20 mins.

Internal Assessment

School Based Assessment

- Group Interaction

-Individual Presentation

covering both the Compulsory and Elective Parts

15%

Levels of Performance

Minimum requirements of local universities

A typical candidate at Level 5 :

Develops ideas well in writing, and generally writes in a way suitable for the purpose in both style and content; uses accurate spelling and punctuation, and mainly correct grammar; uses a wide vocabulary, and appropriate paragraphing.

Reads a range of texts with understanding; follows the development of arguments in texts; has a wide vocabulary and is usually able to work out the meaning of unfamiliar words; can follow detailed written instructions, and select appropriate information from texts to complete a task.

Can understand spoken English at near-normal speed, in both familiar and some less familiar accents; interprets speakers’ stress and intonation to identify their attitudes and intentions; takes relevant notes while listening to a speaker.Expresses a range of ideas, in clear and well-pronounced.

Expresses a range of ideas, in clear and well-pronounced English; can hold anextended conversation in most situations; participates actively and constructively in discussions.

Design of Papers 1 and 3

• The graded approach is adopted.

• Students must complete the compulsory section and answer either the easier or more difficult section.

• Students attempting the compulsory section and the more difficult section will be able to attain up to the highest level of performance, i.e. Level 5**

• Level 4 will the highest level attainable by students attempting the compulsory section and the easier section.

School-based Assessment

• Students will read/view a number of texts (including books, films and documentaries) over the course of study and study three elective modules.

• They will take part in group discussions and make individual presentations based on what they have read/viewed, and what they have learned in the elective modules.

SBA Requirements

Parts Weighting No. of Assessments

Timeline Reporting Marks

Part A 10% At least 2 SS2 & SS3

2 with at least one mark each based on group interaction & individual presentation

Part B 5% At least 1 SS3 1 (either group interaction or individual presentation based on the Elective Part)

Further Information

• For details of the English Language requirements for university entrance under the “334” academic structure, please visit the Education Bureau’s “334 Web Bulletin”:

http://www.edb.gov.hk/334

Practice Makes Perfect

Thank You