Education exchange: Secretary for Education Michael Suen meets students at Henrietta Secondary School in North Point.

The curriculum under the new senior secondary academic system can help students establish a broader base of knowledge and improve their language proficiency, Secretary for Education Michael Suen says.

Visiting Henrietta Secondary School in North Point today Mr Suen said the system can also sharpen students' critical thinking skills and foster their attitude towards lifelong learning.

During the visit Mr Suen listened to the views of Secondary 3 students who will be the first batch of students studying the new senior secondary curriculum in the next school year, and was briefed on the schools' preparation work for the implementation of new system.

"I hope every student can have access to a diversified development in accordance with their strength and personality to better-equip themselves to cope with the need of further study or employment," Mr Suen said.

Mr Suen also observed how students learned through liberal studies activities, and develop their logical thinking and analytical skills through small group discussions. He then watched students participating in activities targeted at enhancing their English proficiency.

"I am pleased that the school organises different kinds of activities to give students more exposure to an English environment. I believe through more attempts and practices, students can have a better command of the language," Mr Suen said.

He said good English teaching and learning is essential to help students learn the language and they should be provided with an English language environment both inside and outside the school.