Thematic Sharing

Every year, there will be three thematic sharing about nature connectedness and outdoor education. Speakers from various sectors, such as o environmental educators, school teachers, parents, social workers and scholars, will be invited to share their expertise. The interflow of concepts, ideas and importance for the nature connectedness will be promoted with co-learn and co-construction of the new pathway for pushing the outdoor education in Hong Kong.

Sharing the Practices of Using Outdoor Environmental Education as A Teaching Strategy for the Kindergarten Subject Nature and Living

Nature is an indispensable "mentor" that aids in the personal growth and spiritual development of young children. Integrating outdoor environmental education with the school curriculum not only allows children to flexibly use their senses to explore their surroundings, but also fosters a love and appreciation for nature.

Video playback

Date
5 December, 2024 (Thu)
Time
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)
Supporting Organization
Education Bureau
Supporting Organization
for Thematic Sharing
Child Education Centre for Teaching & Learning, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin)

Speakers

Dr. CHENG Hiu Ping, Heidi
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Childcare, Elderly and Community Services,
Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin)
Presentation topic
Strategies for Implementing Environmental Education in Kindergartens in Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Ms. SUN Ka Man
Elementary Environmental Education Panel Head,
Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Presentation topic
The Joys and Efforts of Implementing Outdoor Environmental Education for Children in Hong Kong
Dr. Xoni MA
Founder and Education Director,
Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong
Presentation topic
Hong Kong Nature and Early Childhood Environmental Education

School Case Studies

Ms. DING Wing Sze
Principal,
SKH St. Joseph's Church Kindergarten
Presentation topic
Strategies for Selecting Materials for
Nature Curriculum Design
Ms. WONG Kwai Ying
Vice Principal,
SKH St. Joseph's Church Kindergarten
Presentation topic
Strategies for Selecting Materials for
Nature Curriculum Design
Ms. CHAN On Yan
Principal,
CCC Tuen Mun Church Kindergarten
Presentation topic
Exploring the Joy of Nature:
Starting a Wonderful Journey for Children

Sharing the Practices of Using Outdoor Environmental Education as A Teaching Strategy for the Secondary School Life-wide Learning and Other Learning Experiences

Holistic development education requires a diverse curriculum. Life-wide Learning and Other Learning Experiences are regarded as indispensable parts of school education, fostering students' lifelong learning abilities. Outdoor environmental education is one of the teaching approaches under Life-wide Learning and Other Learning Experiences, and it can be integrated with activities on other themes to provide a more comprehensive learning experience for students.

Video playback

Date
8 November, 2024 (Fri)
Time
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)
Supporting Organization
Education Bureau
Supporting Organization
for Thematic Sharing
Ednovators

Speakers

Dr. CHENG Nga Yee Irene
Professional Consultant,
Department of Science and Environmental Studies,
The Education University of Hong Kong
Presentation topic
Fit for Everyone?
Ms. Holly WONG
Biology Teacher,
Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Presentation topic
The Value of Outdoor
Environmental Education for Students
Dr. Xoni MA
Founder and Education Director,
Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong
Presentation topic
Experience, Journey and Hope - Prospects for Implementing Outdoor Environmental Education in Secondary Schools

School Case Studies

Mr. Tong Ling Pun
Teacher,
Cheung Chuk Shan College
Presentation topic
A Balanced Approach to Nature Education
Mr. Lau Chun Hung, MH
Former Secondary School Principal
Presentation topic
Opening Outdoor Learning Models
for Children's Futures

Sharing the Opportunities and Practices of Using Outdoor Environmental Education to Advance the Teaching of the Primary School Subjects Science and Humanities

Education emphasizes fostering students' curiosity and instilling correct values, helping them become individuals with good character and diverse skills. We should seize the opportunities presented by the new primary curriculum to lead students outdoors, allowing them to personally experience various natural events and appreciate the wonders of life. Compared to traditional teaching methods, outdoor environmental education can provide students with more sensory stimulation, thereby enhancing teaching effectiveness.

Video playback

Date
1 November, 2024 (Fri)
Time
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)
Supporting Organization
Education Bureau
Supporting Organization
for Thematic Sharing
Ednovators

Speakers

Dr. WAN Wai Yan Sally
Professional Consultant,
Department of Curriculum and Instruction,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Presentation topic
Connecting with Nature and Community: Exploring the New Curricula of Primary Humanities and Primary Science
Mr. CHAN Kam Kong
Curriculum Coordinator of Advanced Environmental Education,
Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Presentation topic
Nurture via Nature: Building Students' Environmental Literacy through Inquiry-Based Outdoor Learning
Dr. Xoni MA
Founder and Education Director,
Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong
Presentation topic
Summary of Science and Humanities - Opportunities in Primary Outdoor Environmental Education

School Case Studies

Ms. LAM Po Yee
Teacher,
Ho Lap Primary School
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Presentation topic
Making Learning Green
Mr. NG Kam Hiu
Vice Principal,
Church of Christ in China Kei Chun
Primary School
Presentation topic
"Mountain Trail Adventures" - Entering the Wilderness Classroom
Mr. CHAN Chi Shing
Vice Principal,
Po Leung Kuk Tin Ka Ping Millennium
Primary School
Presentation topic
Tin Chin Amusement Park

Outdoor Environmental Education and Environmental Sustainability cum Hong Kong Outdoor Education Month Kick-off Ceremony

Children in Hong Kong grow up in a materially prosperous society, which can often lead to overlooking the importance of environmental sustainability. However, the current education curriculum may not thoroughly and comprehensively promote environmental education, potentially undermining children's awareness of crucial concepts such as "caring for nature" and "waste reduction at the source", preventing them from recognizing the significance of sustainable development.

To address this issue, we have invited three expert speakers with extensive experience in environmental teaching and the implementation of sustainable development policies. Under the theme of "Outdoor Environmental Education and Environmental Sustainability", they will explore how to incorporate the concept of environmental sustainability into outdoor environmental education. This will allow students to personally experience the realities of climate change and environmental pollution, and practice environmentally friendly and pro-environmental behaviors in their daily lives.

Furthermore, to encourage greater public engagement in nature activities and showcase enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits, we have designated October to December as "Hong Kong Outdoor Education Month". We are honored to have Prof. WONG Kam-sing, GBS, JP, the former Secretary for the Environment, conducted a simple yet significant kick-off ceremony for "Hong Kong Outdoor Education Month".

Video playback

Date
2 October, 2023 (Mon)
Time
2:15PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)

Panel speakers

Prof. WONG Kam-sing,
GBS, JP
Former Secretary for the Environment,
HKSARG
Mr. Yip Chung Sing
(Starfish)
Principal,
RTC Gaia School
Mr. Dickson Wong
Biology Panel Head,
Ho Koon Nature Education Cum Astronomical Centre
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)

Promoting Outdoor Environmental Education in Schools

Living in the bustling city, we seem to have overlooked many precious nature and wildlife in Hong Kong. Spending long hours in the classroom, looking out the window at the buildings, students may feel like Hong Kong is a concrete jungle. They are busy with homework and exams, leaving almost no time to stop and explore nature.

To keep students connected with nature in their school life, our sharing will focus on the theme "promoting outdoor environmental education in schools". Three experienced experts in education sector will share how to integrate outdoor environmental education into school teaching, and explore how to use outdoor activities to positively develop students' academic, moral and well-being through interaction with nature. In addition to discussing practical experiences of promoting outdoor environmental education in schools, the experts will also discuss the possibility of incorporating environmental education into the curriculum through curriculum reform.

Video playback

Date
27 August, 2023 (Sun)
Time
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)

Panel speakers

Dr. Sylvia Chan, MH
Principal,
Ying Wa Primary School
Mr. Kwok Chi Tai
Principal,
Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre
(Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Prof. Lam Chi Chung
Adjunct professor,
Department of Curriculum and Instruction,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Outdoor Environmental Education and Well-being of Children

Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis with beautiful nature and rich biodiversity.

However, as the pressures of life and school increase, our children may have fewer opportunities to experience this happiness. As mentioned in the book Last Child in the Woods, children may suffer from "Nature-deficit Disorder" and experience various problems due to their disconnection with the nature.

Therefore, we have invited three panel speakers with rich experience in children and youth education, outdoor and environmental education to discuss how to use nature-based activities to benefit children's health and cultivate their awareness of environmental care and protection, as well as establish a connection between children and nature in modern urban life.

Video playback

Date
30 July, 2023 (Sun)
Time
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Venue
Swire Marine Discovery Centre – Blue Ocean Hall, A Deck, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
(Central Star Ferry Pier No. 8)

Panel speakers

Prof. Raymond Sum
Associate Professor,
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education;
Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies),
Faculty of Education, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr. Heidi Cheng
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Childcare, Elderly and Community Services,
Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin)
Mr. William Tsang
Founder and Chief Facilitator,
Nature Bathing