ICHK’s Stewart Ross and Dave Addis travelled to Australia, to present at the World Trails Conference, sharing our innovative approaches to outdoor and experiential education with an international audience.

Their presentation and workshop, “Connecting Trail Design, Innovation and Experiential Learning,” explored the value of established trail networks as a platform for meaningful outdoor education. Using the Argyle-Ross Trail as an entry point, Stewart and Dave demonstrated how trails can connect students with local history, conservation and the natural environment.

At the heart of the presentation was ICHK’s Deep Learning unit on Marine Conservation. The unit takes students beyond the classroom through a series of experiential experiences, including mapping historic lime kilns, taking part in beach clean-ups and snorkelling activities, using art as a form of environmental advocacy, and exploring the creation of artificial reefs using 3D printing and oyster-shell substrate.

Conference participants were also given a taste of the ICHK student experience. As part of the workshop, they created their own model artificial coral reefs using clay, experiencing first-hand how practical, creative activities can deepen understanding and inspire greater engagement with marine conservation.

ICHK takes pride in being at the forefront of outdoor education in Hong Kong. Our school has long recognised the tremendous benefits that outdoor learning brings to our students' holistic development. It fosters creativity, resilience, teamwork, and a deep connection to the natural world.

The World Trails Conference in Perth adds to a growing list of international events at which ICHK staff have been invited to share the school’s work. In recent years, we have seen increasing international interest in our programmes, curricula and educational innovations. Our staff regularly contribute to education conferences and summits, lead workshops, and meet with educators interested in learning more about our approaches.

We are delighted to continue sharing ideas and innovations from ICHK with educators around the world, and to contribute to a wider conversation about how outdoor, experiential learning can empower young people to become curious, capable and responsible stewards of their communities and the natural environment.