The third programme under the Education Bureau (EDB)'s "i-Journey" Paid Non-local Study Leave Scheme for Secondary School Teachers in the 2017/18 school year opens for application starting from today (November 27).
      
     This three-year pilot scheme, which was announced in August, aims to offer teachers a unique learning experience through structured learning courses and overseas school attachments, inspiring them with new perspectives and the latest global education developments.
      
     Subsequent to the roll-out of the first two customised programmes, namely Interdisciplinary Learning & Entrepreneurship Education and Catering for Students with Special Educational Needs, the third programme on STEM Education has been developed to provide more opportunities for serving secondary school teachers to broaden their perspectives and enrich their experience.  
      
     The programme on STEM Education will be held at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom (UK) from mid-April to early June 2018 and will offer 15 places, making a total of 50 places offered under the Scheme in the 2017/18 school year. Participants in this programme will spend four weeks in the UK to take part in structured learning courses and school attachment overseas. In addition to the four weeks in the UK, as with the first two programmes the EDB will also arrange for three weeks of study leave so that teachers can research the theme of STEM education before departure. Upon returning to Hong Kong, they will consolidate their learning and draw up a concrete school-based initiative/research proposal for implementation. Air passage and course fees will be fully sponsored by the EDB. Funding for the employment of supply teachers covering participants' whole study leave periods will be provided for their schools. 
      
     The response from schools and teachers towards the first two programmes under the Scheme has been enthusiastic, with a total of around 120 applications received. The vetting process has begun and selection results are expected to be released this December. Applicants who have previously submitted an application for one of the first two programmes may also apply. However, they must withdraw their application in this round should their previous applications were successful and they decide to accept the offer of a place on the specific programme. 
      
     The programme on STEM Education is open for application until January 2, 2018. Further details about the scheme are available on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/i-journey).

Ends/Monday, November 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:00

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