Introduction to
English-related Applied Learning Courses (2023-25 Cohort; 2025 HKDSE)
13 May 2022
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English-related Applied Learning Courses (2023-25 Cohort; 2025 HKDSE)
English-related Applied Learning Courses
Vocational English
English Communication
(VTC)
English for Business Services
(HKCT)
English for Service Professionals (HKU SPACE)
Translation Studies
Practical Translation (CHI-ENG)
(LIFE)
English for Creative Communication
Creative English - Biz and Media
(HKCT)
Creative English - PR and Marketing (CityU SCOPE)
Applied Learning (Vocational English)
ApL(VocE)
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ApL(VocE) – Curriculum Aims
ApL(VocE) aims to:
develop students’ English proficiency and generic skills through practice in simulated or near authentic vocational contexts and application
enhance students’ awareness of the role of English in authentic work environments
develop students’ career-related competencies, foundation skills (notably communication skills), thinking skills and people skills as well as to nurture their positive values and attitudes as in ApL curriculum pillars through application and practice
enable students to lay a good English foundation for further
studies or work
ApL(VocE) – Curriculum Structure and Features
Field
Trips Site
Visits Role-
plays Case
Studies
Self- directed
Project Work
Work- related Socialising
Activities 180 hours
English for General Vocational Contexts Module 1
Listening &
Speaking QF Level 2
Module 2 Reading &
Writing QF Level 2
English for Specific Fields or Work Sectors
Module 3 Listening &
Speaking QF Level 3
Module 4 Reading &
Writing QF Level 3
Elective (Cat. B Subject) MOI: English
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ApL(VocE) – Assessments
Reading:
e.g. Vocab &
Grammar, Comprehension
Examples:
Listening:
e.g. Listening to Business Conversations,
Extracting gists, Form-
filling
Speaking:
e.g. Role-plays, Interviews, Discussions, Presentations
Writing:
Emails, Letters, Reports, Social
Media Posts
A Mini Project
Writing:Emails, Letters, Reports, Social Media
Posts
A Mini Project
ApL(VocE) – Recognition
HKDSE Elective Subject
*Unattained
(will not be shown on the diploma)
Attained Attained with Distinction (I) Attained with
Distinction (II) Terminal Exit
QF Level 3
certificate upon satisfactory completion of the whole course
Intermediate Exit Module
certificates upon satisfactory
completion of individual modules Qualifications Framework
* The result in ApL(VocE) is NOT equivalent to any level in the HKDSE English
Language Examination, nor can it be used as an alternative qualification for
English Language.
ApL(VocE) – Courses & Course Providers
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• Vocational Training Council (VTC)
• Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT)
• School of Professional and Continuing Education, The University of Hong Kong (HKU SPACE)
Link to English-related ApL Courses:
https://www.edb.gov.hk/apl/ApL_Eng
Leaflet on ApL(VocE) Video on ApL(VocE)
Vocational English
English Communication
(VTC)
English for Business Services
(HKCT)
English for Service Professionals (HKU SPACE)
Translation Studies
翻譯學Translation Studies – Course Aims
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Course Aims:
to lay in students a foundation in the basic principles and practice of translation through applied learning context related to professional and vocational fields
to develop in students fundamental language and cultural awareness of a variety of texts in Chinese and English
to develop in students essential language knowledge and skills for further studies and a range of professions requiring bilingual competency
to develop students’ career-related competencies, foundation skills, thinking skills and people skills as well as nurture students’ generic skills, positive values and attitudes in ApL curriculum pillars through application and practice
Translation Studies – Course & Course Provider
Basic Concepts in Translation
翻譯基本概念
Comparison of the Chinese and English Languages
中英文對比
Analysis of Source and Translated
Texts Translation
Strategies and Practice 翻譯策略與實踐
Application of Translation Tools
and Technology 翻譯工具和
科技應用
Course Design
MOI:
English & Chinese Practical Translation (CHI-ENG) 實用翻譯（漢英）
• Lingnan Institute of Further Education (LIFE)
180 Hours 小時
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Translation Studies –
Learning & Teaching Activities and Assessments
From sentence-level translation progressing to translation at text level
Lectures Video
Viewing
Class Discussions
Case
Studies Talks &
Visits
Examples of Learning & Teaching Activities
Examples of Assessments
Reflection on Translation
Sentence Translation
Analysis of Translated
Texts (Individual
Project)
Real-life / Commercial
Translation (Group Project)
News
Translation Written Tests Role-
plays
Translation Studies –
Possible Further Education and Career Pathways
Further Studies e.g.
Translation
English
Chinese
Communication
Career Development e.g.
Translation
Advertising
Media
Journalism
Publishing
Editing
Public Relations
Tourism
Marketing
Teaching
Bilingual Competency
English for Creative Communication
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English for Creative Communication – Course Aims
To lay in students a foundation in the basic skills and knowledge in creative use of English through applied learning
contexts related to professional and vocational fields
To develop in students essential language knowledge and skills for further studies and career pursuits in a
range of professions requiring strong language and communication skills
To develop in students a set of writing, presentation, critical analysis and cultural literacy skills essential for effective communication in different
genres, forms/modes and contexts
To develop students’ career-related competencies, foundation skills, thinking skills and people skills as well
as nurture students’ generic skills, positive values and attitudes as in Applied Learning curriculum pillars
through application and practice
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English for Creative Communication – Course Design
Language Enhancement
An overview of language/
communication- related careers, and professional
and vocational fields
Fundamentals of effective communication:
e.g. audience engagement,
tone, style, diction, voice
project, intonation
Content Development &
Presentation e.g.
- Texts to entertain - Texts to persuade - Texts to record life
Editing and disseminating creative work in
both print and new media
Development of a portfolio featuring a collection of student work developed during the course
MOI: English
English for Creative Communication –
Learning & Teaching Activities and Assessments
Examples of Learning and Teaching Activities
Lectures
Video Viewing Games
Hands-on Practices Class Discussions
Talks and Visits
Examples of Assessments
Oral/Video Presentations Individual Projects
Group Projects Written Assignments
Audio and Written Assessments Portfolio of Tasks
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English for Creative Communication –
Cluster of Professions/Trades/Industries Related to the Course
A variety of professional options in the creative industries, e.g.:
- Media and Communication - Advertising
- Journalism - Publishing - Marketing
- Public Relations
- Arts and Design
English for Creative Communication – Courses & Course Providers
English for Creative Communication
Creative English - Biz and Media
(HKCT)
Creative English - PR and
Marketing (CityU SCOPE)
• Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT)
• School of Continuing and Professional Education, City University of Hong Kong (CityU SCOPE)
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School-level Planning for English-related ApL Courses
What to offer
For each individual course - 1 class per course
- 2 classes allowed ONLY IF places available - More than 2 classes: considered on a
case-by-case basis
Consider offering other English-related ApL courses
Considerations
• To cater for learner diversity through diversifying learning opportunities to develop students’ career-related competence and English proficiency
• To ensure fair chances among all applicant schools
What to consider
Students’ interests and aspirations
School support (e.g. time-tabling, admin
support)
Capacity of course providers
Comparison of the Three English-related ApL Courses
English for Creative Communication
- Language and
cultural awareness - Creative use of
English
- Creating impacts through the use of different language techniques
Translation Studies - Language and
cultural awareness in English and
Chinese - Contrastive
linguistic approach Vocational English
- Common text types across different
businesses and industries
- Formulaic in nature
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