Language Learning Support Section

> Purpose & Design

The purpose of this study is to find out the extent to which a cross-key stage reading programme can enhance reading and speaking skills.

Characteristics of the programme design

The selection of the target levels
To ensure the smooth transition between primary and secondary schooling, it was suggested that extra-curricular activities with bridging purposes could be conducted for developing English at P.5-6 and S.1-3 (Bridging English across Primary and Secondary Education, 1996. P.5-6). The same group of students was tracked from P.5 second term to S1 first term. S.2 & S.3 were recruited as tutors of the enhancement programme.
The schools believed that cross-age tutoring could provide a purpose for the primary students and the secondary students to work together.
With the secondary students serving as reading tutors, reading in small groups in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere could take place. The primary students were given opportunities to practise the reading skills the secondary students taught them, discuss questions and share their ideas in English.
The worksheets were designed by the secondary students to enhance their sense of ownership. Different groups were doing different things and discussing different questions. The reading tutors were instructed to include questions which involved ‘on my own questions’, ‘text-to-self’ questions and ‘text-to-world’ questions.
Through collaboration and communication, the teachers could gain more insights into curriculum planning of English language learning to create a smooth transition from KS2 to KS3.

Assessment tools