To enhance the teaching of English Language and increase exposure of students to English, a Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme has been implemented in Hong Kong public-sector secondary and primary schools since the 1998/99 and 2002/03 school year respectively.

The objectives of the Primary NET Scheme are to:

• provide an authentic environment for children to learn English;
• develop children’s interest in learning English and establish the foundation for life-long learning;
• help local teachers develop innovative learning and teaching methods, materials, curricula and activities suited to the needs of local children; and
• disseminate good practices in language learning and teaching through region-based teacher development programmes such as experience-sharing seminars/workshops and networking activities.

The objectives of the Enhanced NET Scheme are to:

• enrich the English language learning environment in schools;
• enhance the learning and teaching of English with linguistically and culturally authentic materials and resources; and
• strengthen teaching capacity through school-based professional development and collaboration between NETs and English panel members.