The Development Stage is a significant five-year stage in the eleven-year curriculum. The main purpose is to foster and strengthen students’ abilities for life-long learning, to enable students to discover and develop their strengths and to prepare them for pre-university studies. The areas of study will include: language, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, information science, art, physical/health education and religious studies. In all these areas, students grasp related knowledge, cultivate different skills, acquire broad perspectives and establish the right value system. Learning and teaching will frequently take place outside classrooms. This includes field trips as well as overseas study trips during long holidays for students to freely participate. The course of study is more demanding at this stage. Learning and teaching materials will also be stored electronically for students' easy access, downloading and exchange. Working on different projects and assignments will require students to learn time management and handle pressure. Group-based studies and projects will require students to collaborate with team-mates, and to report their progress to teachers. Students may also take up study of a foreign language besides English. Native speakers will be employed to teach English, Putonghua and other languages so as to maximise students' exposure to the target languages. The school will also provide opportunities for students to perform in public. Through their participation in musical performances, dance, theatrical performances, choral speaking, public speaking and debates, students will acquire confidence in front of an audience. Besides, the school will encourage students to participate in various public contests so that they would accumulate experiences and broaden their horizons.