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
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Learning English Through Debating (Elective)
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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