The Setting up of the Task Force on Language Support


In June 2003, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) issued the Final Report of Language Education Review - Action Plan to Raise Language Standards in Hong Kong, which sets out a number of recommendations for raising the standard of language proficiency in Hong Kong.

One of the major concerns is how to create a more motivating language learning environment. To achieve this, the concerted efforts of the whole community are indispensable. Of all the stakeholders, the language teaching force in schools obviously plays a vital role in raising students' confidence and competence in both languages.

SCOLAR recommended the setting up of a task force of teaching consultants to provide Chinese language (including Putonghua) and English language support services to all primary and secondary schools with a view to enhancing the professional capacity of Chinese and English panel heads and teachers to implement the curriculum reform. The Task Force on Language Support was formally set up in September 2004 to take forward this recommendation.

Over the past years, the Task Force has been collaborating with different universities, the media, other bureaux within the government, educational institutes outside Hong Kong and very experienced language experts to conduct professional development activities, organise student learning activities, foster professional exchange, and publicise the process and outcomes of schools’ efforts in improving language education. In the coming years, the Task Force is well-prepared to work shoulder to shoulder with language teachers to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.