ICHK Hong Lok Yuen is delighted to unveil its vision to be a leader in outdoor learning and Forest School education.
Our beautiful green campus at Hong Lok Yuen provides us with the perfect location to develop this pioneering approach in Hong Kong.
Research shows that if children have regular access to a rich outdoor environment, they will have greater self-esteem, be more confident and develop better concentration, resilience and independence.
Innovative work is now underway to establish our very own Forest School and outdoor classroom in our grounds.
The development of our Forest School is aimed at further enhancing our educational programme. It is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning where children are encouraged and inspired through positive outdoor experiences.
Principal Ruth Woodward said: “The aim is to engage students in learning activities and harness skills which involve respecting the environment, whilst looking after themselves and others around them. As well as developing a deep appreciation and empathy for nature, it will encourage our students to become independent, use their imagination, take appropriate risks within boundaries and initiate learning for themselves.”
Over the next year, this approach will be embedded into the curriculum, and teacher Ho Mei Chau has started working towards becoming a qualified Forest School leader. As part of a pilot scheme of work, his students are already experiencing weekly lessons in the beautiful location of Tai Po Kau.
Links have also been forged with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens, where plans are under way to integrate our Units of Inquiry with workshops led by the experts at KFBG. Through these weekly sessions, students will be able to gain a deeper understanding about sustainability, animals, biodiversity, trees and plants, whilst exploring the beautiful natural environment of the farm.
To establish our passion and commitment towards outdoor learning, we will be working towards becoming the first school in Hong Kong to gain a Learning Outside the Classroom Mark. To gain this accreditation, schools must show a high level of commitment towards providing quality outdoor learning experiences for their students.
These are all the experiences which will help our students to thrive, and prepare them for the next stage of their educational journey.
Press note: For further information please contact Claire Griffiths at [email protected]
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