HEC
PERMISSION FORMS/ENTRY FEES DEADLINE: March 7th, 2008
THIS YEAR’S HEC CAMP DATES: July 26th-30th, 2008
Please contact the HEC Camp Coordinators at heccamp |at| gmail.com if you are interested in coming to HEC camp!
HEC Camp Volunteers: Please download these documents (and don’t forget to make sure that you type your name in on the first page) and give them to your supervisor if he/she needs more information about HEC. The PDF version is for your reference, in case the formatting is changed in the process of converting between operating systems. Please contact us if you have any problems!
HEC Camp Supervisor Documents - PDF File (992KB) Recommended
HEC Camp Supervisor Documents - MS Word (12.4MB)
HEC Camp Supervisor Documents - English Translation - PDF File (180KB) Recommended
HEC Camp Supervisor Documents - English Translation - MS Word (108KB)
WHAT IS HEC?
The Hokkaido English Challenge (HEC) is a Hokkaido-wide English speaking contest that offers students the chance to improve their English and win amazing prizes, like a homestay in an English-speaking country, an electronic dictionary, or a place at the annual HEC English summer camp (five days of unadulterated fun and mayhem!).
Started by Hokkaido JETs in 1994, the purpose of HEC is to encourage students to use and improve their spoken English, to interact with their ALTs, and to reward them with fantastic prizes for their efforts. It gives ALTs the chance to become more involved in their students’ study of English and gives both student and ALT a great goal to work towards together.
The test format is in contrast to examinations students sit in school, with a heavy emphasis on communicative ability rather than written or grammatical accuracy. It is organised by ALTs residing in Hokkaido and funded by money raised at HAJET events held throughout the year. ALTs regularly laud it as one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve had as an English teacher and many choose to help out year after year. It has enjoyed great success since its inaugural year and its success has inspired others to use similar formats for camps in other prefectures across Japan.
HEC is proudly sponsored by HAJET and supported by the International Affairs Division of the Hokkaido Governor’s Office.
Why should you and your students get involved?
Every year HEC gives students a unique and memorable experience. For the two lucky winners, HEC gives the chance to explore a new culture, absorb a different way of life, and take their interest in English beyond the classroom. For all prize winners, HEC Summer Camp offers the chance to bond with ALTs from across the world, and to build confidence with their English and in themselves. In past years, the camp staff have watched students go from standing shyly in the corner of the room to dancing around the campsite! All students who enter, regardless of their levels, can become more comfortable using English in front of their ALT and feel a sense of pride in having risen to a challenge.
As ALTs, you can enjoy watching your student(s) progress with their English and develop an interest in travel or study abroad as a result of your endeavour. Involvement in the judging process or at summer camp will build your professional experience and improve confidence in your English teaching abilities. It is also a fantastic way to meet ALTs and enjoy your time together in Hokkaido.
Prizes
JUNIOR HIGH Level
1st Prize - Homestay in an English-speaking country*
2nd and 3rd Prize - Electronic Dictionary
4th-40th Prize - HEC Summer Camp invite***
SENIOR HIGH Level
1st prize: Homestay in an English-speaking country*
2-3rd prize: Gift certificates worth 20,000 and 30,000 respectively**
1-10th prize: A place at HEC Summer Camp***
*Two-week long homestay to English-speaking country of student choice. All expenses paid.
**Subject to change.
***A five day English summer camp hosted solely by ALTs, where students can take part in activities such as playwriting, hiking, campfires, a disco and the Crazy Olympics. It’s truly an unforgettable experience! All expenses are paid, except travel costs.
All prizewinners receive a certificate in recognition of their efforts and progress.
The Test
The oral test is based on the grammar and vocabulary taught during the students’ first year of study. It lasts around twenty minutes and is administered in front of a video camera, which is then sent off to judges for marking. Preparation for the test is at the discretion of the students’ ALT. To be eligible to enter, students must have entered their first year of junior or senior high school in April 2007, and must not have spent more than three consecutive weeks in an English-speaking country.
Previous Tests
How Do I Get Involved?
There are many ways to involve yourself with HEC, whether you choose to enter students or not. If you don’t have time to commit to HEC, there are still plenty of opportunities to show your support for this worthy cause, especially at HAJET events and fundraisers held throughout the year.
Every year we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated ALT volunteers to fill any of the following roles: regional judge, head judge, test writer, or HEC camp staff (including camp coordinators, group leaders, first aid, driver, chefs, crazy Olympic coordinators and a disco DJ among others). No previous experience is necessary.
If you would like to enter your students or volunteer, please download the HEC Essential Guide 2008, which has information on entry fees, deadlines, how to enter, as well the necessary permission slips and letters.
If you’re interested in entering students in the Hokkaido English Challenge, attending camp, or even just asking a few questions, please join our Google Group.
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| Subscribe to Hokkaido English Challenge |
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Charlotte Green, HEC Coordinator 2008
