Classroom

The climate and lack of space in Hong Kong aren’t always conducive to outdoor education. But some schools are embracing what they have around them, and finding ways to get kids outside and engaged with the local natural environment.

has done just that with its Forest School approach. We sat down with the Head of Early Years, ELEANOR LORAN, to find out more.

Eleanor has been in Hong Kong for 11 years, and has worked at DBIS for just as long. She started as a Year 1 class teacher and Year Group Leader, Deputy Head of the Primary School and today is Head of Early Years. Her knowledge of Discovery Bay and its surrounds as a local gives her a unique perspective on how the school’s backyard can be brought inside.

The Early Years campus recently introduced the Forest Schools approach. Eleanor tells us, “DBIS is extremely proud and happy to be implementing the Forest School approach but no one is happier about it than the Early Years students!” Based on a programme from the UK, Forest School is all about getting your hands dirty, having some fun and learning important skills at the same time, so it’s no wonder the kids love it. Of the programme, Eleanor says, “Exploration and investigation are at the heart of it, linking perfectly to the fun, enquiry-based philosophy running through the DBIS Early Years curriculum. Through imagination and play the children are introduced to far-reaching concepts that ignite a true desire for learning and a respect for the outdoor world that simply can’t be achieved through traditional classroom lessons.”