All the world's a stage: Chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research Michael Tien (front row, second from left) and other guests kick off the drama-in-education English alliance.

Drama, with its extensive range of meaningful contexts, can help develop students' language skills, including writing, chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research Michael Tien said today.

He made the remarks during the first assembly for the drama-in-education English alliance, an English programme the standing committee launched to help 89 primary schools promote English-language learning through drama.

"Diversified drama activities will encourage students to adapt or rewrite playscripts, and even create their own version based on their life experiences," he said.

"The activities will boost students' confidence in using English, arouse their interest in learning the language and improve their skills."

SCOLAR has engaged the Hong Kong Art School, Shakespeare for All and the British Council to provide teacher development courses for participating schools in November and December.

It will also provide drama experts to give on-site support, helping teachers to plan, prepare and implement drama-related activities in their English-language teaching in the second term.

Each participating school has chosen one grade level from Primary 4 to Primary 6 to participate. All students in that grade and their English-language teachers will be involved in the programme throughout the school year.