Programmes - HKU SPACE Community College
Applied Learning Applied Learning

Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English)

3762-2251 yuanna.hui@hkuspace.hku.hk

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to: 

1. Provide opportunities for senior secondary students to enhance their English communication skills in authentic/near-authentic vocational and professional settings so they can cope with the demands of communication in English in general work contexts as well as specific industries (such as tourism and hospitality, airline and airport services, design and technology, and leisure and recreation) in the service sector with considerable level of confidence and clarity; and

2. Enhance students’ flexibility in articulation pathways by increasing their academic literacy, functional workplace literacy as well as critical literacy necessary for a smooth transition from a vocational training route to higher education in colleges and universities.  

Programme Information

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the Programme

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the essential terminology, skills and appropriate linguistic etiquette for a range of communicative events in the service industry;

2. Apply the basic terminology, skills and appropriate linguistic etiquette in a range of communicative events in the service industry;

3. Improve their level of academic literacy, functional workplace literacy as well as critical literacy, and become better prepared for school-to-college/university or school-to-work transition;

4. Develop basic collaboration skills, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and learning skills essential for general education and vocational education; and

5. Develop self-understanding for further studies and career development in related fields.

Modules Selected Topics Assessment Method

Module 1:

Everyday Communication

(40 hours)

Part I: Pleasure and Leisure

 

  • Giving self-introduction
  • Making suggestions and plans
  • Asking for information (locations, goods and services)
  • Describing/discussing gadgets and games
  • Interacting on social media

Listening, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

 

Speaking Assessment:

Individual Response

Part II: Local Knowledge

 

  • Giving general information about living and studying in Hong Kong
  • Talking about famous/popular places in Hong Kong
  • Recommending places and activities
  • Discussing options
  • Expressing preferences and making choices
  • Conducting small talks

Part III: Enquiry and Reply

 

  • Talking about tools, equipment and supplies
  • Greeting and attending to clients/customers
  • Accepting payments and thanking the clients/customers
  • Giving directions and instructions on the premises
  • Offering assistance and responding to enquiries
  • Answering calls and taking phone messages

 

Module 2:

Workplace Communication

(40 hours)

Part I: Process and Procedure

  • Understanding information on products and services
  • Understanding basic documents/routine work messages
  • Understanding rules and regulations
  • Understanding information on store events and promotions
  • Writing routine work messages/simple replies to answer customers’ enquiries

Reading, Vocabulary and 

Grammar Test

 

Writing Assessment:

Completing an Online Complaint Form for a Customer

Part II: Problems and Solutions

 

  • Understanding cross-cultural communication
  • Describing an event or a scene
  • Replying to complaints and suggesting solutions
  • Completing a complaint form/report for customers
  • Delivering negative news and offering apologies in routine messages

Part III: Internship and Apprenticeship

 

  • Reading about options in academic education and vocational training
  • Reading success stories of young entrepreneurs
  • Understanding specific and transferable job skills
  • Identifying strengths and weaknesses
  • Describing skills and abilities
  • Describing personal hopes and expectations

Module 3:

Business Communication I

(50 hours)

Part I: Industry-specific English 1: Tourism and Hospitality; Airline and Airport Services)

 

  • Describing facilities
  • Talking about food and beverages
  • Making and taking hotel, restaurant and flight reservations 
  • Providing check-in and check-out services
  • Participating in a problem-solving discussion/negotiation
  • Describing/explaining highlights and features in tours and itineraries
  • Describing/explaining menus to customers
  • Handling enquiries/requests/complaints from hotel guests, restaurant patrons, tourists and passengers
  • Reporting information from different sources

Listening, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

 

Speaking Assessment:

Negotiation

Part II: Industry-specific English 2: Design and Technology; Leisure and Recreation

 

  • Describing designs and designed objects
  • Describing features of a good design
  • Discussing issues related to Information Technology (e.g. security and safety)
  • Explaining the functions and benefits of leisure facilities/services
  • Explaining the functions and benefits of designs and designed objects
  • Participating in a problem-solving discussion
  • Expressing preferences for various options and reaching an agreement in negotiation
  • Answering general enquiries from guests and visitors
  • Answering fault diagnosis questions from customers and offering solutions

Module 4:

Business Communication II

(50 hours)

Part I: Communicating for Employment

 

  • Understanding the appropriate communication skills and etiquette for seeking employment 
  • Evaluating job advertisements
  • Investigating/reading about prospective employers
  • Writing a comprehensive curriculum vitae and cover letter
  • Making requests for references/interviews
  • Fighting fear by drafting and polishing responses for frequently-asked questions in job interviews
  • Describing problem-solving experiences/success stories
  • Describing personal hopes and expectations
  • Describing experiences and achievements in education and training

Reading, Vocabulary and

Grammar Test

 

Writing Assessment:

Writing a Cover Letter

Part II: Socialising at/after Work

 

  • Understanding the importance of social networking at the workplace
  • Understanding the importance of building trust, developing empathy and creating a positive work culture/environment
  • Understanding how culture affects communication
  • Understanding the importance of capitalising on a diverse workforce
  • Expressing preferences in entertainment options and arrangements
  • Writing tactfully at different social situations
  • Posting and networking on social media

Medium of Instruction
English

Entry Requirements
Students shall be current Secondary 4 students who are following the senior secondary curriculum recommended by the Curriculum Development Council (CDC).

Programme Duration
18 months

Awards
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals (QF Level 3) within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

  • Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 1 Everyday Communication and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking] (QF Level 2). 
  • Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 2 Workplace Communication and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing] (QF Level 2). 
  • Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 3 Business Communication I and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Listening and Speaking] (QF Level 3). 
  • Students who choose to exit the programme upon completion of Module 4 Business Communication II and fulfil the attendance requirement will be awarded Certificate in Applied Learning (Vocational English) – English for Service Professionals [Reading and Writing] (QF Level 3).

 

Enquiries
Email: yuanna.hui@hkuspace.hku.hk
Tel: 37622251