ESD Exemplary Schools Scheme

ESD Experimental Schools are welcomed to enroll for the ESD Exemplary Schools scheme every year, based on the requirement of the China National Working Committee for UNESCO on ESD, every exemplary school should undertake a review once a year. 

Aim:

• Give importance to the requirement of education for sustainable development and enhance the quality of the ESD exemplary schools;
• Explore new examples, share new experiences and make preparations for the 2014 UNESCO UNDESD Conference
• Promote the understanding and practice of ESD among exemplary schools and make the best use of their exemplary role.

Criteria for successful exemplary schools:

• ESD Experimental Schools may apply for ESD Exemplary Schools status if they have very good results, including the principal and staff adopting the ESD principle in promoting teaching and learning, the school premises and culture being built on environmental protection, health and ecology concepts, as well as positive feedback from various sectors.

The following four conditions are mandatory for acquiring exemplary school status:

1. The principal and the school management team have a good understanding of the concepts of ESD, and adopt them as the essential direction in the education of people, school operation, curriculum framework, school culture and management, with emphasize on practical effectiveness;
2. Regarding adopting the value of ESD for guidance, for the establishment of a classroom teaching mode and for curriculum development, at least 60% of the teaching staff should be able to produce identifiable and typical experiences. A high quality team of teachers, consisting of some of the key teachers as outstanding representatives, should be formed to promote professional development of the teachers;
3. Under the basic rationale of ESD, a school campus design should show enough ecological concerns on the choice of building materials, office equipment, as well as teaching and learning facilities, the economic use of water and electricity, and environmental protection; the school culture should be nurtured to support the teachers and students on their active quest for humanistic spirit, thereby serving as a model for the households and the society;
4. With ESD as the vehicle, school education is promoted to serve the society; active concern is given to the practical problems of sustainable development in the surrounding; education activities are tailored made on some special topics, the results of which play a positive role on local ecological environment as well as economic and social sustainable development.

Target: For existing ESD Experimental Schools (Application form Appendix 2)

Fee: The assessment fee is HKD 3,500 (subject to annual adjustment) (Oversea transportation fee will be covered by school)