LSSLN has launched a long term service programme called “IES Project Series 2011” (IES stands for Independent Enquiry Study). It is a service-learning activity for HKU LS students to facilitate secondary school students in Hong Kong. The IES Project Series 2011 has been listed as one of the activity of the centenary celebration of the HKU and we have granted the permission from the Centenary Celebrations Secretariat to use the “HKU100” logo at our promotional items (For reference: http://100.hku.hk/index.php?p=3&t=m&y=2011&m=6 )

In February 2011, the LSSLN has sent introduction packages to local secondary schools (510 in total) introducing the “IES Project Series 2011” as well as the “IES Project Competition 2011”. So far two workshops had been held for the secondary students to learn more about Liberal Studies and the Independent Enquiry Study Project, a number of year one & two HKU LS students had participated as both the organizer and workshop facilitator. In coming July, reports from participated teams will be received and they will be evaluated by HKU LS students under the guidance of professors from Faculty of Education (mainly course coordinators and teaching consultants of BEd Liberal Studies).  In August 2011, there will be a closing ceremony concluding the performance of secondary school participants of the IES Project Competition and awards will be given to outstanding teams to encourage them to work hard in coming future for Liberal Studies.

In June 2011, we have started another activity under the “IES Series 2011”, which is called “Liberal Studies Summer Courses 2011”. The LSSLN will make use the free time at semester break and design summer programmes for Secondary Four and Five students (in the coming 2011/12 academic year) to attend. The course will be started at mid-July 2011 and it will last for around two weeks. Application forms are being sent out to Panel Head of Liberal Studies at secondary schools in Hong Kong to request teachers encouraging students to join. At the end of the course, participants will need to give a speech to present their learning outcomes of the course, and this will provide an opportunity for them to present themselves as well as reflecting what they have learnt. Similar to the workshops for IES Project Competition, HKU LS students will act as course facilitator and guide the students to learn effectively from the short term courses.

In coming academic year, the LSSLN would continuously organize activities for both HKU LS cohorts and secondary students. We are also interested to extend our “Service, Learning, Legacy” motto to facilitate a more large scale of secondary students (studying Liberal Studies) in Hong Kong. Community services such as Liberal Studies Review workshops are planned for HKU LS students helping the students in need.