Animal Photopoetry Creative Challenge

On April 11th, ten of our junior form students participated in the Animal Photopoetry Creative Challenge at Ocean Park Hong Kong, organized by the Education Bureau. This cross-curricular competition encouraged students to compose poems reflecting positive values like perseverance and benevolence, paired with animal photographs taken during the event. Our students showcased creativity, blending English poetry with their own carefully taken photos. After submitting their entries, they enjoyed Ocean Park’s thrilling rides and the scenic cable car, making the day both educational and fun. The experience fostered artistic expression and camaraderie, leaving lasting memories.
- Byron Wallin

Mr. Byron, Amber, Luke and Isaac, just before they all got soaked!

Student Reflections

Yeung Lok Ting, Natalie (1A)
Having the chance to go to Ocean Park and join this competition was so wonderful. I’m honoured to get chosen for this amazing opportunity. We managed to complete our photopoetry competition in the morning, and we had an amazing afternoon. My most unforgettable moment was Mr. Byron taking us on different theme park rides and at the end riding the cable car back down. Mr. Byron was scared of heights, but he conquered his fear, and everyone was proud of him. I had lots of fun, enjoying the competition along the way (especially hearing Mr. Byron scream!).

Yeung Yat Long, Isaac (1C)
On the 11th of April, nine other students and I went to Ocean Park to participate in a competition. We had to take a photo of an animal and write a touching poem about the critter. I decided to write about the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, since my theme was perseverance and benevolence. I thought that the otter matched the theme quite well and started writing my poem. I wrote a near flawless poem (in my opinion), but then, I found out that the otter exhibit was closed, and I couldn’t take a picture of it! I was devastated, but then Mr. Byron comforted me and told me alternative animals to write about. I ended up writing about the Yellow Seahorse. Although I couldn’t write an amazing poem, I still had a very fun day there. I also learnt one thing from Mr. Byron - to always be prepared and expect the unexpected. Let’s just say that I made a mental note and engraved it into my mind.

Mak Ho Yeung, Angie (2A)
I’m extremely grateful that I got to be invited to be one of the participants representing my school in the poetry competition held at Ocean Park. I got to experience my first time in a theme park, and it was no less than exciting! I got to spend time with my fellow peers learning more about marine animals and marine conservation as the day went on, as well as writing a heartfelt poem that related to such cute and fascinating creatures. I would definitely go again if I can!

Chu So Ying, Danae (2C)
I would never have thought that I could spend a school day at Ocean Park! Could this be real? The entire process from taking an inspirational picture to writing the poem was all like a dream. The animal I wrote about was the arctic fox, and did you know that this near extinct animal can be related to perseverance in so many ways? After this spectacular experience, I got to learn more about poetry and photography!

Yip Ching Hang, Luke (1B)
It was a great day at Ocean Park. I went there with handsome Mr. Byron and my classmates. I took part in a competition called Animal Photopoetry Creative Challenge. After the competition Mr. Byron, Amber, Isaac and I went on a ride called ‘The Rapids’, and we were tricked by Amber as she said that we wouldn’t get wet but instead we got soaked to the skin after the ride! Mr. Byron, also known as ‘Daddy Byron’, looked like he had just had a shower! We were laughing at him! Since we had eaten lunch at McDonalds before the ride, I almost threw up after the next ride called Rev Booster! It was a wonderful day at Ocean Park with Daddy Byron and my classmates!