To cultivate students’ interest and literacy in science from a young age, and in alignment with the new primary school science curriculum, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved over HK$265 million through its Charities Trust to initiate Hong Kong’s first large-scale inquiry-based learning (IBL) project — JC CoolScience. The project brings together local and international expertise, combining in-classroom and beyond classroom science learning and structured teacher training to provide comprehensive support for primary school teachers and students.

A launch ceremony for the project took place today (16 October). Officiating guests included May Chan, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and other guests.

Club Steward Ann Kung said the Club is a staunch supporter of education development. From inspiring kindergarten students’ curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics to promoting computational thinking education in primary schools, and incorporating artificial intelligence into the secondary school curriculum, teaching materials of the Club’s related pilot projects’ have been adopted in schools’ curricula by the Education Bureau. These initiatives enable students to develop digital skills to meet future challenges. The JC CoolScience project builds on these foundations, aiming to foster students’ science literacy and cultivate a spirit of scientific inquiry among the next generation.

To run for 4.5 years, JC CoolScience supports the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, while aligning with the new primary school science curriculum introduced this academic year. The project aims to enhance teachers’ capacity to deliver IBL pedagogy in science and spark students’ curiosity through hands-on scientific exploration both inside and outside the classroom.

With The Education University of Hong Kong as its strategic partner, and in collaboration with renowned institutions such as Beijing Normal University and the Smithsonian Science Education Center, the project has developed evidence-based teaching materials tailored to the local curriculum. Primary school students engage in IBL modules that enrich core curriculum lessons of Hong Kong’s new Primary Science Curriculum Framework. Each 300-minute module includes learning resources and experiment kits that guide students from observation and inquiry to exploration and discovery, cultivating scientific thinking and investigative skills.

The project also connects classroom theory with real-world experiences through IBL-led field trips. It enhances facilities and programmes at key destinations - especially science education centres - to support IBL, while organising exhibitions, competitions and workshops to foster students’ and the public’s interest in science.

Additionally, the project offers structured training and practical guidance to strengthen science teaching. Outstanding educators will have opportunities for immersive study visits to the Chinese Mainland and overseas, bringing global insights into local classrooms. By fostering teacher learning communities, the project promotes knowledge sharing and drives innovation in primary science education across Hong Kong.

The project will benefit 30,000 students from 120 primary schools citywide. It will also assist 500 teachers through professional development and Community of Practice activities-. For more details about JC CoolScience, please visit https://jccoolscience.org/.

The Club’s support for JC CoolScience, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.