Language upgrade: Secretary for Education Michael Suen explains the proposal to fine-tune the medium of instruction for secondary schools on a radio talk show.

Secretary for Education Michael Suen says the proposal to fine-tune the medium of instruction for secondary schools aims to improve students' learning of English, adding the Government's mother-tongue education policy will remain unchanged.

Speaking on a radio talk show today Mr Suen said in recent years class observations and public examination results have affirmed mother-tongue teaching is effective in helping students acquire subject knowledge and enhancing their learning interest.

To address universities' and employers' concern about graduates' English standard, the Government proposed some adjustments to give students more exposure to the language.

Under the proposed framework, schools can exercise more flexibility. To enhance the English learning environment for students who mainly learn in their mother tongue, the percentage of total lesson time allowed for English-medium extended learning activities will be increased.