A new scheme has been launched that uses television programmes to promote English teaching and learning among secondary school teachers and students.

The Standing Committee on Language Education & Research unveiled the pilot project today, called English in the Air.

Based on two English teenage television shows Road Scholars and Lizzie McGuire, to be broadcast on TVB Pearl from February 5, the project involves the development of teaching and learning materials and organisation of team-based competitions for students.

Hong Kong Education City has designed a website housing the materials needed to participate in the project and providing information on its activities.

Committee Chairman Michael Tien said surveys showed television was the most popular mass medium among students.

"We believe television can be better employed as a resource for learning English. English in the Air promotes the active use of television as a learning tool. Through creative competitions, we also hope to motivate students to use English outside their classroom and exercise their creativity," Mr Tien said.

Assistant Professor of the Polytechnic University's English Department Dr Terence Lo has been commissioned to develop teaching and learning materials and activities for the project.

Road Scholars will be broadcast every Wednesday at 6.50pm, while Lizzie McGuire will run from April 2.