Learning Without Walls 2024/25 Highlight: Programme 5 Forest School： Spark Adventure in English Creative Writing

This year marked the debut of Forest School: Spark Adventure in English Creative Writing as part of the LEWOWA programme. Both teachers and students, being “city people,” felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as the first day approached – what would it be like to spend a week immersed in the forest?

Held at Ark Eden, a forest school and permaculture centre, the programme provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with nature and reflect on their relationship with the environment. It was a truly enriching and eye-opening experience, filled with activities such as building a fire, foraging for ingredients in the garden to prepare a three-course jungle feast, and learning about sustainable living through a visit to an Eco House. Students also participated in a beach cleanup at Green@Mui Wo, recycled the collected waste, cooled off in rock pools after visiting a waterfall, and made compost using buffalo dung and freshly chopped grass. Other hands-on activities included caring for a worm farm and planting loofah and beans in nutrient-rich soil.

The programme concluded with students presenting their personal writing projects, which offered heartfelt and poignant reflections on their newfound commitment to leading more mindful and sustainable lives as global citizens. This week in the forest was, without question, a life-changing experience for everyone involved.