English Courses
English Language (Local Curriculum)
The subject-specific learning objectives for English Language are organised under the following general areas: language forms and communicative functions; language skills and language development strategies; and attitudes specific to English language learning.
- KS1 / Lower Primary / P1-P3
- KS2 / Upper Primary / P4-P6
- KS3 / Junior Secondary / S1-S3
- KS4 / Senior Secondary / S4-S6
Text types refer to different forms of speech and writing. The intended purpose and audience of each text type determine its structural, stylistic and linguistic features.
The vocabulary items that students encounter, acquire and use at each key stage vary with the tasks and the amount of language support that students experience in the learning process.
Language items include a range of grammatical forms and structures that students need to develop as they perform various communicative functions. The range and complexity in the use of language items and communicative functions increase at more advanced key stages of learning.
In order for students to be able to use English effectively for the various purposes described in the learning targets, it is essential that they develop competence in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also need to develop language development strategies in order to be responsible for their own learning and become motivated, independent and self-directed learners.
English Language (Cambridge Examination)
A2 Key / KET
• A great exam to take if you’re new to learning English
An A2 Key, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key (KET), qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations. The exam tests all four English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. It should give you the confidence to go on and study for higher-level exams such as B1 Preliminary and B2 First.
B1 Preliminary / PET
• An English language exam that shows you have mastered the basics
A B1 Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between A2 Key and B2 First.
B2 First / FCE
• An exam accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide
A B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge English: First (FCE), qualification proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English. This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced.
IELTS
• An English test for higher education and global migration
Educational institutions, employers, professional registration bodies and government immigration agencies often require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures. IELTS is widely accepted for these purposes. IELTS is designed to test the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication.
Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner. Preparation for these exams and achievement of GESE qualifications supports people wishing to develop their proficiency in English language speaking – for personal goals, study, travel, employment, settlement or for visa application purposes.
Initial: Grades 1-3
At Initial stage, GESE exams take the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner. The examiner uses visual materials to engage the candidate and create an authentic conversation to test their speaking and listening skills.
• Unscripted conversation – using visual prompts to engage the candidate
Elementary: Grades 4-6
At Elementary stage, GESE exams take the form of a topic discussion and an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner.
• Topic discussion – on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
• Conversation – about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
Intermediate: Grades 7-9
At Intermediate stage, GESE exams take the form of a topic discussion, an interactive task and an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner.
• Topic discussion – on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
• Interactive task – ask questions and respond interactively
• Conversation – about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
Advanced: Grades 10-12
At Advanced stage, GESE exams include the following candidate tasks:
• Topic presentation – on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
• Topic discussion – about the presentation topic
• Interactive task – ask questions and respond interactively
• Listening task – listen and answer questions
• Conversation – about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
English Speech Competition
Competitors must be Hong Kong students who are aged between 5 and 23 and attending whole-day school / half-day school in kindergarten, primary, secondary and special schools, or studying full-time in universities / post-secondary institutes in Hong Kong.
All classes must be performed from memory at the competition, except, for example, solo prose reading classes.
Adjudication will be based on the overall performance of the competitors, including clarity of speech, interpretation, and audience awareness