On 17 March 2025, with support from the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund, a delegation of faculty and students from the School of Education at City University of Macau, led by Assistant Professor and Master's Program Coordinator Dr. Yi Dai, jointly organized the "Bonding with Songqin: Hengqin-Macao Partnership" exchange event at Songqin Primary School in the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The event focused on exploring innovative curriculum paradigms through collaboration between Macao and Hengqin educators.

The event featured notable attendees, including Mr. Zhifeng Liu, Director of the General Union of Neighborhood Associations; Ms. Yanying Yin, Executive Committee Member of the Women's Federation of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone. Principals and vice-principals from leading Macao schools also participated in the event, including: Mr. Cheong Kit Chiu, Principal of Workers' Children High School; Mr. Chan Kin Pong, Principal of Kwong Tai Middle School; Mr. Leong Mun Tong, Principal of Hoi Fai School; Mr. Kong Iam Iok, Vice Principal of Choi Non School; Mr. Chang Kei Chun, Vice Principal of Keang Peng School. Representatives from Hengqin’s education sector included: Ms. Du Wenli, Principal of Hengqin Songqin Primary School; Ms. Ruan Cuilian, Principal of Hengqin Ziqi Middle School; Ms. Guan Yu, Vice Principal of Hengqin Ziqi Primary School.

As a model of higher education and K-12 collaboration, the School of Education at City University of Macau adheres to its "Theory-Practice-Innovation" tripartite approach. The delegation, led by Dr. Dai Yi, included Dr. Ng Kim Chok, Graduate Supervisor, Doctoral candidates Du Meirong and Liu Xiaoyu and Master’s student Lan Tian.

Highlights: Three-Dimensional Educational Innovation

The event centered on three key themes: Picture Book Curriculum Development, STEAM Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning and Research on Primary-Secondary School Articulation Mechanisms. Through immersive teaching demonstrations and cross-regional dialogue, participants explored innovative approaches to integrating educational resources and co-developing curricula between Zhuhai and Macao. The event received high praise from education authorities and school leaders. Key activities included: 3D Picture Book Teaching Demonstrations, STEAM Project Exhibitions and Roundtable Forum on Primary-Secondary Articulation.

Spotlight Sessions

1. Picture Books for Ecology: A "Gentle Slope" Approach to Early-Primary Transition

At Songqin Primary School’s Picture Book Gallery, faculty and students from School of Education and local teachers showcased an ecological picture book course titled "What If We Ate the Earth?" The curriculum integrates ecological education with interdisciplinary competencies through role-playing and collaborative group activities. Dr. Dai emphasized: "Picture books are not just storytelling tools—they are key to breaking down educational barriers and transforming 'steep slopes' into 'gentle slopes.'" Participants co-created an "Ecological Story Map", incorporating Hengqin’s wetland conservation case studies into teaching as a practical model for early-primary curriculum development.

2. STEAM in Action: Interdisciplinary Exploration from Tower Design to Soil Ecology

The STEAM session featured two projects: Hengqin Tower Model Design combining physics, 3D modeling, and cost analysis to bridge elementary science and middle school engineering concepts. Soil Ecosystem Research, A 14-session project integrating AI data analysis, artistic modeling, and ecological reporting. Students reflected: "We coded to analyze soil pH levels and crafted ceramic micro-landscapes—truly experiencing the power of 'learning by doing.'"

3. Primary-Secondary Articulation: Multi-Pathways for Competency Development

The "Articulation Seminar", moderated by School of Education Master of Education graduate Ye Zixin, examined cross-grade curriculum coherence using Songqin Primary’s "Four-Frame Analysis" and "Competency Ladder" tools. The School of Education team proposed a "Dual-Mentorship Model", pairing university scholars with K-12 teachers to co-design articulation programs. Pilot projects, such as interdisciplinary "Graduation Theater" initiatives, aim to foster students’ transition from concrete to abstract thinking.

Future Vision: Building a Zhuhai-Macao Educational Ecosystem

This event marked a significant step in School of Education’s commitment to supporting Hengqin-Macao basic education, underscoring the strategic value of "educational integration for community connectivity." The closing group photo at Songqin Primary School symbolized a foundation for sustained collaboration.