Joshua’s secondary school benefited from free Chatteris English Tutor support under our “One for One, Adopt a School” program for seven years. Recognised for his aptitude for languages, Joshua was awarded a funded internship by Ms Evelyn Fergusson at Chatteris last summer and has now joined us to support our summer programmes before starting university. Joshua shares how the authentic English learning environment created by Chatteris Tutors has significantly boosted students’ confidence and proficiency in English.

Q: How have the Chatteris English tutors placed in your school contributed to the English language learning environment?

A: The Chatteris English Tutors in my school have fostered an interactive English learning environment through various activities and larger scale events, which have significantly influenced students to learn English in more diverse ways. Activities and events such as English Week, English Funfairs and reading activities have provided students with a laid-back, fun and exciting environment to boost their confidence in speaking, using, and understanding English, which I think is greatly beneficial towards overcoming any adversities with learning the language.

Q: How important is learning English in Hong Kong in your opinion?

A: As a globalised city, learning English is a crucial stepping stone for students’ future in Hong Kong, whether it is in school exams, university prospects or within the job space, having a high proficiency in English gives students an edge in every environment to excel.

Q: What are your future career plans and how will English assist you?

A: Being accepted into PolyU for their BA in Fashion course, I am fascinated by the world of fashion and would like to pursue the path of becoming a fashion designer in the future, which will heavily require my English language skills as a university student, and as a lingua franca beyond university. I am highly interested in PolyU’s exchange programme, which entails travelling to fashion capitals around the world to expand my horizons on the subject, thus I would need English to assist my voyage along the way. Whether it is in projects, proposals, or assignments, English is a big part of succeeding in the modern world and to accomplishing my dreams.