About Forest-Beach School

CLAIRE JONES is Forest-Beach School Leader at Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong.

How do you deal with Hong Kong’s heat and humidity on Forest-Beach School days?

Teaching Beach School alongside Forest School means that in the hot and humid months of the year children can paddle and feel the breeze from the sea. The children have a drink and snack when they arrive and are reminded to have water breaks throughout the session. The type of clothing children wear is important, too. Wearing a hat not only protects children from the sun but also keeps them cool. UV-protective swimwear with long sleeves protects from the sun, and when it gets wet it keeps children cool by staying damp.

Children learn how to adapt in different situations and they develop resilience by feeling uncomfortablly hot and sweaty at times. They learn to make decisions about what they need, and to develop confidence and independence. At Malvern College Pre-School, we also encourage children to talk about how they are feeling and we support them to recognise what it feels like to be hot or cold.

You’ve taught Forest School in other countries; what’s great about Hong Kong’s outdoor classroom?

Hong Kong is an amazing place to teach outdoors, with a rich biodiversity that allows children to come into contact with living things that previously I’ve only shown them in books or in captivity.

At Forest-Beach School, children investigate which animals live in different habitats in the local area. They learn how to care for unique species like stick insects and lantern bugs, observe giant land snails and a wide variety of plant life.

It’s a privilege and a great pleasure to be able to be part of and lead these experiences for Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong.