Ever since 2004, the Education Bureau (‘the Bureau’) has been diligently promoting the Sister School Programmes. What began as a visionary initiative has now evolved into a steadfast commitment, as the program has been solidified since the 2018/19 academic year, ensuring continuous support and subsidies for local public and private schools that have forged sister school partnerships with esteemed institutions in mainland China. With the 2023/24 academic year on the horizon, the Bureau's financial backing has reached unprecedented heights, with a substantial subsidy of HKD 160,000 being allocated to participating schools. Amongst the pioneers of this transformative program is the distinguished King's College Old Boys' Association Primary School (School 2) (‘the School’), nestled in the bustling enclave of Sheung Wan. Boasting an impressive legacy of over two decades in organizing cross-border exchange activities, this institution has become an exemplar of bridging the gap between local talents and their counterparts in mainland China. In recent years, the School has further bolstered its commitment by forging sister school partnerships with esteemed primary schools in the vibrant cities of Beijing and Xi'an. This strategic collaboration has not only deepened cultural understanding but has also unleashed a wave of educational innovation, empowering teachers and students to engage in immersive learning experiences.
Principal Lam Shuk Fong, from the School, shared its longstanding tradition of organizing annual cultural exploration activities during the Easter holiday since 2003. These journeys did not only allow students to delve into the rich tapestry of mainland China's cultural heritage but also provided invaluable opportunities for meaningful exchanges with mainland schools, despite the fact that the Sister School Scheme had yet to be fully realized during those early years. In 2021, the School established its first official sister school relationship with Fengtai Experimental School Affiliated to Beijing Institute of Education, in a groundbreaking collaboration with the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers. The shared vision of promoting STEM education was the catalyst for uniting the two schools together. Building upon this success, last year witnessed yet another momentous partnership with Xi’an Gaoxin Experimental Primary School, led by Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations (FPTAs).
(The School has extensive experience in coordinating exchange activities with mainland China.)
Experiential learning deepens cross-border exchanges
For more than two decades, the School has been at the forefront of cross-border exchanges, amassing a wealth of experience that has left an indelible mark on its students. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the historic depths of Henan, the footprints of their educational odyssey span across the diverse tapestry of mainland China. Principal Lam recognised the immense efficacy of their cross-border initiatives, remarking that the exchanges ‘offer students real world experiences that transcend the knowledge contained in books’.
(Hong Kong students actively engaged in classroom activities with their mainland counterparts for academic exchanges.)
(Students worked out together in the morning.)
This year, from March to April during the Easter holiday, approximately forty students from primary four to six at the School, led by their principal and teachers, embarked on a six-day expedition to Xi'an, where they will have the opportunity to visit their sister school. Immersing themselves in the local culture and educational environment, the students would actively participate in the sister school's flag-raising ceremony, attend classes, engage in artistic and sporting activities, and exchange insights with their mainland counterparts. These experiences will not only foster cross-cultural connections but also provide a window into the academic progress and vibrant campus life of their mainland counterparts. Principal Lam emphasised her commitment to teaching the Chinese language in Mandarin so that students would be able to effortlessly communicate with their newfound friends in Mandarin. In addition to visiting the sister school, she also thoughtfully arranged visits to museums as well as automotive, aviation, and 3D printing companies. These excursions aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of technological advancements in mainland China.
(The Sister School Program fosters cross-border student exchanges.)
From Preparation to Reflection
In anticipation of their exchange tour, the School diligently prepared a comprehensive two- to three-week pre-exploration phase for its students, during which they could acquaint themselves with the destination's climate, geography, history, and culture. A learning booklet that tasked students with various assignments, such as writing, photography, interviews, and reflection exercises, was also meticulously crafted so that they could forge a deep personal connection and genuine appreciation for the destination they were about to encounter. Upon their return to Hong Kong, these learning booklets would be presented to the entire school as a tangible record of their educational adventure, including all of their discoveries, observations, and experiences.
(Students were required to participate in preparatory courses before the expedition.)
(During the presentation, students introduced to their classmates what they had learned on the tour.)
Due to the pandemic disruption, the School had to resort to online communication and remote teaching with its sister school in Beijing. Despite the challenges, they organised virtual robotics competitions and videoconferencing speech contests. While technology bridged the communication gap between the two schools, Principal Lam felt that it couldn't substitute for in-person interaction and exchange. As a result, she has planned a visit to the sister school in Beijing, scheduled for next year, to foster a lasting bond between the two sister schools. Anticipating the future development of the Greater Bay Area, Principal Lam envisions a promising prospect of forging sister school partnerships with educational institutions in the region. Given the geographical proximity between these schools, it will facilitate more convenient and frequent exchanges for their teachers and students alike.