Parent information 

The vision of Horizons Week is that every child will find their passion and realise their potential.

To maximise student enjoyment and appeal to different interests, a wide variety of trips is available. For some, Horizons Week is an opportunity to embrace an existing passion. For others, it is to push themselves out of their comfort zone and enjoy a new experience. Students and parents should discuss what their priorities and budgets are before enrolling. 

Please review the provided provisional itineraries, estimated costs, photographs, and student testimonials carefully to make an informed choice; this material is designed to give you an authentic indication of what to expect, and not all trips will be suitable for every child. 

Take note of the 'Adventure Level' of each trip to ensure your child is physically fit to participate.

Note that itineraries may be adapted once flight schedules are confirmed, and parents are responsible for transport to and from the airport/West Kowloon train station unless otherwise stated. 

Horizons Week is part of West Island School's curriculum. All students are expected to participate. 

HKAYP Note: Students planning to do HKAYP next academic year must sign up for AYP for Horizons Week. For more information, please contact Ms. Minter at anna.minter@wis.edu.hk

Trip prices are approximate and subject to change based on student numbers, exchange rates, and flight costs. Please also budget for additional personal expenses not covered by the trip fee, such as spending money, specialist clothing, visas, and tourist taxes. The prices advertised are the maximum estimated cost.

Trip enrollment opens Monday, February 9th at 3:00 PM and closes Friday, February 13th at 12:00 PM.

• Sign-up is completed via the student's WISDOM account, requiring parental permission (guidance is provided).

• A place on a trip is only secured once the deposit has been paid.

• Trips are not allocated on a first come, first served basis, so take time to discuss options before making a decision.

• Students will select 3 choices, ranked by order of preference. These can be a combination of overseas and local trips. We cannot guarantee that a child will be offered their first choice.

• Please ensure you have read the website and policies carefully before committing.

Passports:

• • Must have 6 months validity from your return date to Hong Kong.

  • Parents are responsible for ensuring validity.

  • Many students have dual or multiple passports; parents must ensure their child arrives at the airport with the same documents used at the time of booking.

Visas & Entry:

• • Parents are responsible for arranging visas, NOC, completing pre-landing e-declarations, and paying any tourism tax/levies. Some countries require certain nationalities to also have documentation to leave the destination country. Please ensure you have researched and have the necessary documentation.

  • The school does not permit "visa on arrival"; visas must be secured before the trip.

  • The school will provide supporting paperwork for visas.

  • Visa costs are not included in the trip price.

  • Recommendation: Secure visas before the summer holiday for timely checking. We cannot offer refunds if you fail to secure a visa in time for the trip.

WIS does not take responsibility for any incorrect visa or travel documentation which results in a student being refused check in.

Inoculations:

• • Consult your doctor regarding necessary inoculations.

  • If required, the complete course must be finished before the travel date.

  • Malaria/Dengue Precaution: Many trip locations are rural. Discuss preventatives with a doctor and use DEET mosquito repellent regularly. 

  • Be advised that we travel overseas at the start of flu season. The CHP recommend that the best way of protecting your child from seasonal illnesses such as influenza is to vaccinate them. A free flu vaccination is offered at WIS prior to Horizons Week. We advise you to vaccinate your child if they attend a residential trip.

Mobile phones are not permitted on Year 7 camp or overseas trips for students in Years 8 and 9. Some Y10-13 trip leaders may also enforce a technology policy. If this poses an issue for you, we kindly ask that you refrain from signing your child up to an overseas trip. The rationale for this is as follows:

Communication: Staff will post photos and updates for parents throughout the week on the Announcements page of the school website.

Enhancing Engagement: Limiting phone use encourages students to be "in the moment," fully engage with activities, peers, and surroundings, and avoid outside intrusions.

Building Independence: Reduced phone access helps students develop problem-solving skills and independence without relying on devices or contact with home.

Fostering Community: Restricting phones strengthens team spirit, friendships, and cooperation by ensuring students are engaged in shared experiences.

Student Wellbeing & Staff Support: Limiting phones reduces anxiety and comparison (pastoral issues) among students and minimizes distractions/workload for staff, allowing them to focus on supervision and safety.

It is likely, although not confirmed, that HKSSF athletics finals will fall on one day during Horizons Week. If students wish to represent the school they may consider selecting a local trip. For further information about the athletics calendar, please contact Mr Cobley, Director of Sport - owen.cobley@wis.edu.hk 

If you are in receipt of financial assistance from ESF and would like to discuss your options for Horizons Week, please contact jessica.gilbert@wis.edu.hk 

Horizons Week is a compulsory part of West Island School's curriculum, focusing on holistic development and experiential learning (the normal timetable is collapsed for a week of activities). It's a great opportunity for new students to form social connections.

• Students joining WIS after the initial sign-up (specifically after February 2026) are welcome to join local or overseas trips subject to availability.

• For enquiries, please contact gigi.cheung@wis.edu.hk