Literacy

Literacy

Our School places a strong emphasis on biliteracy and trilingualism. Our students attain high standards both in English and Chinese. English is the medium of instruction adopted in the School for most subjects, except for Chinese, General Studies II and Putonghua.

Putonghua has been included in our curriculum for a long time. At present, the learning of Putonghua continues to be dynamically promoted in School. “Hanyu Pinyin” is taught from Primary One while Chinese culture and national identity lessons for all levels are also taught in Putonghua. For more exposure to the language, lower primary students have benefited from small-group “Putonghua Chat Rooms” at lunchtime. A Putonghua stream in the learning of the Chinese language has been commenced since September 2006 for Primary Four to Six students. In Chinese classes for all levels, students are also taught to read the Chinese texts and vocabulary in Putonghua as well.

Reading is one of the key building blocks for learning and as a result is emphasized and encouraged extensively throughout the School. Students are encouraged to develop good reading habits through weekly library periods, the use of the school library during lunch hours, the Chinese and English book clubs run by the PTA and the English and Chinese Extensive Reading Schemes which aim at enhancing the breadth and scope of literature read by students.

Theatre arts education in English has also been introduced into the formal English curriculum for all Primary Four and Five students during oral lessons to develop eloquence and confidence in using English when performing for a large audience. Along these lines of drama in education, the School organizes extra-curricular activities ranging from Shakespearean drama performances to Chinese Storytelling and Verse-speaking Competitions, as well as the Putonghua Variety Show to encourage students to further develop and strengthen their language skills in meaningful and interesting manners.

To prepare for the dynamic, complex and rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century, computer literacy and project-based learning are vital keys to success. In alignment with the school vision to develop students’ cognitive and analytical abilities, social and communication skills, and a capacity for life-long learning, project-based learning has become the centerpiece in which such purposes are achieved. Our students are equipped at an early age with the skills to acquire and utilize new knowledge to their advantage. They are able to communicate through a variety of means, including tools provided by information technology. Our students are able to display their creativity and innovation through projects and presentations, demonstrating their mastery of information technology software such as PowerPoint, Dreamweaver and Excel.