While English Language is a compulsory subject since primary school level, the cabinet decided to introduce a supplementary subject for upper secondary students. English for Science and Technology (EST) is introduced as an elective subject to complement the main English Language syllabus.
The implementation is in line with globalization and rapid growth in information and communication technology (ICT) fields. As such, learners should take up this subject as the syllabus and curriculum is designed specifically to enable learners to improve their knowledge in related fields.
While the general English Language is introduced to encourage students to pick up English as second language to ensure that they can maintain interpersonal relationship by conversing in the language, EST is meant to foster learners’ knowledge in science and technology fields.
The syllabus aims to teach students matters related to science and help them to grasp basic concepts, laws and principles in science as well as to understand various scientific methods and thoughts in global language.
The knowledge and skills gained in everyday lessons will eventually empower them to think critically in science and technology-related issues. EST basically covers various areas namely physics, chemistry, biology, additional science, mathematics and environmental education. The beginning of the syllabus allows students to get up-close and understand ideas of science in English. Topics and syllabus are arranged based on several key concepts – time, place, space, size as well as other branches of science and technology.
EST is designed with emphasis on contents and ideas expressed in English Language. Therefore, learning and reading the concepts and principles in English is the main priority for the subject. Among some of the objectives for implementation of EST in the curriculum for upper secondary level are to enable learners to read and understand information related to science and technology in English; understand texts in spoken and written form on science and technology fields through various electronic sources; ability to access and search for science and technology-related information wisely on the Internet; present information related to science and technology clearly in future workplace if needed as well as to analyze and think critically on issues relevant to science and technology before voicing personal opinion or suggestion.
By the end of two-year lesson, hopefully students can read different text types as well as understand various spoken texts related to science and technology fields; understand phenomena namely plants and animals, rocks and structures, and possess the ability to analyze key ideas, theories, principles and applications to convenient them in applying it should they face challenges in everyday situation.
Besides, learners are expected to present the results of experiments clearly and accurately by lining out instructions and write brief reports, draw out charts and graphs to illustrate the results. In order to write brief reports or notes on particular experiments, learners must first improve their grammar and English proficiency. They should be able to distinguish relative clauses, imperatives, suffixes and compound nouns. It is utterly important to familiarize yourself with various key terms to be able to present the report and results accurately.