Schools at various levels are introducing environmental education in different ways, often through interdisciplinary approaches. In recent years Aldrich Bay Government Primary School (referred to as ‘Aldrich’) in the Eastern District has focused on climate change as a central theme. Through knowledge building, hands-on activities, and campus facilities, the school is guiding students to address climate change and encouraging them to take active steps to mitigate its effects.
Currently, there is no formal climate change curriculum in Hong Kong’s primary schools. Most schools incorporate related topics into general knowledge subjects or interdisciplinary learning. Aldrich began its climate change education program six years ago. Principal Chui Ka Cheung recalls how Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 significantly impacted the school, uprooting trees and damaging facilities. This firsthand experience made the effects of climate change very real for both teachers and students, motivating Principal Chui to promote climate change education through engaging activities.
From Knowledge Building to Practical Activities
Initially, Aldrich approached climate change education cautiously, participating in green initiatives organized by various organizations such as the Education Bureau and World Wildlife Fund. As they gained experience, they began creating their own activities. Principal Chui emphasized collaboration, stating, ‘We don’t just do this alone; we organize competitions with other schools’, sharing resources with the wider educational community. The school partnered with environmental organizations to co-host two ‘Hong Kong Discovery School Adventure,’ encouraging students to explore nature. Students participated in online quizzes and field trips to Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, learning about Hong Kong's ecology and biodiversity, embodying blended learning. They also held a parent-child photography competition focused on natural ecology, extending environmental awareness to families.
(Students learn about coastal ecology at Sharp Island with expert guidance. ）
（Students participating in the ‘Hong Kong Discovery School Adventure’ visit Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve）
Aldrich emphasizes ‘learning through experience,’ hosting experiential learning weeks each year. During these weeks, students engage in diverse themes and activities. For example, this year, fourth-grade students created a large mural on climate change while learning about the natural ecosystems of Hong Kong and China. Sixth-grade students explored innovative environmental facilities in smart cities. Principal Chui noted that these weeks help students build knowledge and encourage them to reflect and generate ideas for further activities. He observed that students are becoming more thoughtful, learning to analyze data and pay attention to various non-profit organizations.
(Fourth-grade students creating a large mural on climate change.)
Creating a Green Campus through Energy Conservation
Since implementing climate change education, Principal Chui has noticed significant changes in students' attitudes toward the environment. They are more reflective about energy usage, asking questions like, "Do we really need the air conditioning set this low?’ and ‘What should we do if we often forget to turn off the power when leaving the classroom?’ In 2020, the school upgraded all its air conditioning units to energy-efficient models and installed an Energy Monitoring System (EMU) along with motion detectors. Principal Choi plans to share this data online for students to monitor classroom energy usage, promoting competitions among classes to save energy. Additionally, Ai Guan's campus features several eco-friendly facilities, including a nature education center, a tree observation path, a weather station, energy-generating bicycles, and a composting greenhouse, creating a smart campus focused on sustainability.
(The school rooftop features a weather monitoring station.)
(Classrooms equipped with energy monitoring systems.)
（Students conducting research along the tree observation path on campus.）
Leading Students to Explore the World
The impacts of climate change are global. In addition to local investigations, Aldrich teachers lead students on international trips. They have visited the Columbia Icefield in Canada, wetlands, recycling centers, and water resource centers in Singapore, as well as the Haizhu Wetland and Heyuan in Guangzhou. Principal Choi mentioned plans for another trip to Heyuan in December to study water resources, followed by visits to Australia and Singapore in March. He also envisions connecting with primary schools in several countries to hold international conferences, similar to a mini–United Nations, where children can discuss climate change issues online.
(Teachers and students have traveled as far as the Columbia Icefield in Canada.)
With a background in liberal arts, Principal Chui is passionate about birdwatching and has actively promoted climate change education over the years. He hopes to instill in the next generation the understanding that climate change is not a distant issue; it is always present. 'While this is a serious matter, if everyone takes a step forward and acts, we might be able to change the Earth,' he believes. He contends that environmental education is not difficult; it simply requires the willingness to act. His hope is that not only students but also the broader public will amplify their influence and inspire those around them.