Tai Po Sam Yuk Secondary School students participated in the first TOEFL_® Junior_™ test this September. Students performed well in the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test, as most of their scores ranged from 750-800 out of 900. We are pleased to have invited Dr. Lawrence Yu, the Principal and Ms Yeap Foong Peng, the Vice-English Panel Chairperson to share their experience with us.

From right to left: Dr. Lawrence Yu, the Principal and Ms Yeap Foong Peng, the Vice-English Panel Chairperson

To learn the world language, to connect with the world
Dr. Yu wanted his students to have more experience in public examinations. "We have taught students the differences between American English and British English. For example, that "surname" and "last name" have the same meaning. Students should have the ability to understand American English in the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test. Students from Hong Kong need more chances to practice and apply English in their daily lives. Taking the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test can also measure students' English abilities against the global standard. In addition, our school has good relationship with many high schools and colleges in America and many of our students may consider to further their studies abroad. We want to measure the standard of our students using a worldwide recognized tool – the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test."

A good English learning environment helped students achieve good results
Tai Po Sam Yuk Secondary School aims to enhance students' English standard. "Candidates are from Form 1 to 4. The average score of our students matches overseas high school standard. For example, most of the candidates scored above 800 out of 900 which is a Grade 9 level in America. Dr. Yu and I are happy that our students achieved such good results. The TOEFL_® Junior_™ tests accurately reflect students' English standard in an objective way," said Ms Yeap.

"Students didn't have much preparation before taking the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test" said Ms Yeap. "Our school creates a good English learning environment for our students. Our school hires Native English Teachers from different places, including America, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and Singapore. Our students are well trained. They can interact with people from different background and culture. The TOEFL_® Junior_™ test also measures their abilities to understand various topics that middle school students might encounter in a classroom," she continued.

The TOEFL_® Junior_™ test gives a new pathway to the English subject
The score report of the TOEFL_® Junior_™ test reflects the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. "Our English teachers will use the analysis of score reports to adjust our teaching plans accordingly. In the coming semester, we plan to organize an advanced course for top performing students. The TOEFL_® Junior_™ test will be one of the selection criteria," said Dr. Yu.

A good English learning environment creates good learning attitudes

Four students who scored between 750- 885 in the TOEFL® Junior™ test said the test was quite difficult. The school provides them with a lot of opportunities to practise English. Also, the school has various reading schemes which help students cultivate a good reading habit. "My parents gave me more pocket money to buy books and other learning materials after receiving my test result. They are so proud of me!" Wong Wing Yiu from Form 4 said. Mak Kim Yan, a Form 1 student told us that she improved her listening skills by watching films and dramas at home.

From left to right: Wong Wing Yiu , Lorraine Tam Sze Wing , Aaron De Guzman, Mak Kim Yan

These students found that the TOEFL_® Junior_™ tests could help them analyze their strengths in different areas. Lorraine Tam Sze Wing from Form 1 with a score of 885 wants to continue her study in Singapore. She wants to be a lawyer and help people who need assistance. Aaron De Guzman from Form 1 also with a score of 855 wants to become a medical doctor. He knows that the English requirement for that subject is relatively high. The TOEFL_® Junior_™ score report can help him adjust his study plans and prepare him for the future.