For the 2026 Life-wide Learning Day, S1 students were divided into three groups and accompanied by teachers from Chinese History, History and Geography to visit Sheung Wan, Kowloon City and Shek O respectively. Through the activity, students learned about the development of Hong Kong as a society.
Chinese History Group – Sheung Wan community
Hong Kong in the 19th century was a cosmopolitan society characterized by the co-existence of Chinese and Western cultures. At that time, the Chinese population was primarily concentrated in the Sheung Wan district. By visiting several historic landmarks within the neighborhood—including the Man Mo Temple (文武廟), Kwong Fook I Tsz (廣福義祠), Blake Garden, the Old Pathological Institute (now the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences), and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong—we examined the social structure, daily life, and community governance of the early Chinese community.
Furthermore, the program featured a visit to Kwong Wah Printing Company (光華印務公司), one of the few surviving letterpress workshops in Hong Kong. Under the guidance of the proprietor, Mr. Yam, students have learnt the art of traditional typography and handcrafted their own greeting cards. This hands-on experience not only honored the legacy of Moveable Type Printing—one of the Four Great Inventions—but also offered a sensory escape from the digital world. It invited students to appreciate the tactile texture of paper and the distinct scent of ink, providing a profound experience of the heritage of physical printing.
History Group – Kowloon City
The Kowloon City tour provided our students with an engaging and educational experience through hands-on exploration of cultural diversity and living heritage. The visit began at the Stone Houses Family Garden, where students enjoyed touring the restored buildings. They were fascinated to see how historic structures have been revitalized into a vibrant community space, helping them appreciate the intrinsic value of heritage preservation. Next, students delved into the history of the former Kowloon Walled City and the neighboring Kai Tak area. Through interactive storytelling, they learned about the district’s transformation and its pivotal role in shaping Kowloon City. The tour concluded in the lively “Little Thailand” neighborhood. Students enthusiastically sampled Thai delicacies and chatted with friendly shop owners, allowing them to experience cultural diversity firsthand and witness harmonious community living. Overall, the tour successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world exploration. Students gained a deeper awareness of Hong Kong’s cultural tapestry, developed a genuine appreciation for social harmony, and left with a renewed curiosity about their city.
Geography Group – Beach Cleanup and Ocean Trash Survey at Rocky Bay, Shek O
The energy was high as our Geography students headed to Rocky Bay Beach, Shek O, for a hands-on mission to protect our oceans! The day kicked off with an eye-opening briefing from the Jane Goodall Institute Hong Kong (JGIHK), where students dove into the sobering reality of marine plastic pollution before rolling up their sleeves to make a difference.
Forget a simple stroll on the sand—this was a rigorous one-hour scientific survey. Equipped with tongs and data sheets, students worked in teams to meticulously sort and record every single piece of trash they picked up before it was placed in a bag. This detailed process revealed a startling truth: the coast was heavily littered with plastic fragments, food packaging, and construction materials.
“Cleanup is just the start—stopping waste at the source is the real cure.” — JGIHK Instructor
The experience was a wake-up call. Seeing the sheer volume of waste firsthand sparked deep reflections, with many students vowing to ditch single-use plastics and shop more mindfully. Despite the sweat and the occasional “ocean aroma” from the debris, the team spirit was unbeatable. Our students returned with tired muscles but proud hearts, knowing they’d taken a tangible step toward a cleaner, healthier Shek O for the community and marine life alike!
