To support local primary schools in navigating the changes, challenges and opportunities brought about by the introduction of the new Primary Science Curriculum, which places growing emphasis on scientific inquiry, STEAM learning and sustainability education, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is launching the Nature-based Eco-literate Experiential Education Programme (NEEEP).

This three-year initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Drs Richard Charles and Esther Yewpick Lee Charitable Foundation (RC Lee Foundation), with a donation of HK$2.2 million supporting Phase One of the programme.

Positioning KFBG as a ‘Nature’s Classroom’, NEEEP invites schools to co-create meaningful, place-based learning experiences in an authentic natural environment, where students can explore nature through all their senses. The programme aims to:

• Co-develop locally relevant eco-literate experiential pedagogical materials with schools;
• Strengthen teaching practices through nature-based professional development and training;
• Engage students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences on campus and at KFBG;
• Foster a network of like-minded schools committed to sustainability and environmental education;
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and resource sharing within the local primary school community.

Key Figures at a Glance

• Programme duration: academic years 2025/26 to 2027/28.
• Total of 12 local primary schools to be engaged.
• 80% subsidy for professional development training for teachers.
• 33% subsidy for student field trips to KFBG or in-school experiential activities.
• Co-development of 30 sets of school-based eco-literate experiential teaching materials.
• A shared platform to disseminate all pedagogical resources to local primary schools.

Eight Proposed Eco-literate Education Themes

CLICK HERE to learn more about Eco-literacy and Effective Learning
CLICK HERE to view the curriculum mapping between the Eco-literate Education Themes and the New Primary Science Curriculum.

Why Become a NEEEP Partner School?
Becoming a NEEEP Partner School means embarking on a collaborative journey with KFBG as your school embraces the new Primary Science Curriculum. Through this partnership, your school will gain access to invaluable support and enriching opportunities, including:

• Collaboration with relief teachers and KFBG’s interdisciplinary teams to co-develop school-based pedagogical materials tailored to your context;
• Capacity-building opportunities that draw on real-world, locally rooted conservation stories and resources;
• Access to KFBG as a nature-based classroom for student field trips, Professional Development Days (PD Days), and teacher workshops;
• Exposure to both local and international best practices in eco-literacy and experiential education;
• And, more importantly, dedicated financial support provided by the RC Lee Foundation and KFBG to bring this vision to life.

Key Dates
Application deadline: On or before 15 June 2025
Alignment meetings: Mid-June to Early July 2025
Partnership confirmation: Early July 2025
Partnership agreement processing and signing: July to August 2025
Programme commencement: August 2025

Target Audience
Local Primary Schools

Capacity
8 schools in 2025/26
12 schools  in 2026/27
12 schools  in 2027/28

Selection Criteria
Priority will be given to schools that demonstrate:

• Strong leadership support in uplifting teaching effectiveness in science education, nature-based education and experiential learning;
• Commitment to integrating experiential learning into the science curriculum;
• Willingness to co-develop curriculum-aligned pedagogical materials;
• Previous involvement in interdisciplinary or community-based projects (e.g. Science × Art exhibitions) is a plus.

Application
To apply as a NEEEP Partner School, please CLICK HERE to fill out the Online Application Form by 15 June 2025.

Enquiry
Please contact Ms Doreen Chan at 2483 7132 or Mr Delton Li at 2483 7187 from our Holistic Education Department, or email doreen.chan@kfbg.org / delton.li@kfbg.org

Related Links

• Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.

• Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.

• Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.

• Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
  
  
• Corporate Programmes: Our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.