School Profile

 Founded in 1977, our school was established by the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and sponsored by Po Lin Monastery. Originally a government-aided secondary school, it transitioned in 2009 to become a Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) secondary school under the direct sponsorship of Po Lin Monastery, offering a comprehensive six-year full-day curriculum from Secondary 1 to Secondary 6.

Origins: A Compassionate Vow to Enlighten Generations

The name "Fat Ho" (筏可) translates to a "Compassionate Ferry," symbolizing the mission to guide students across the sea of confusion toward the shore of wisdom. Following the profound altruistic vows of the late Venerable Fat Ho, the second Abbot of Po Lin Monastery, the school was established in 1977 to nurture talent and enlighten future generations. Venerable Fat Ho lived by the motto: "Great compassion for those with whom we have no affinity, and great empathy for all as if we are one body."

Deeply moved by the plight of children on the outlying islands who were often forced to terminate their studies after primary school, he yearned to build a secondary school for them. Although he passed away in 1972 before the project could begin, his vision was carried forward by the seventh Abbot, the Most Venerable Chi Wai. While overseeing the construction of the Tian Tan Big Buddha, Venerable Chi Wai simultaneously secured land in Tai O and donated all of his master’s personal savings to establish the school. With the unwavering support of local gentry and the community, the school opened in 1978 as the first secondary school on Lantau Island, fulfilling a long-held dream for local education.

Campus Facilities: Synthesis of Modernity and Nature

Our campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Following the completion of the "School Improvement Works" in 2004, a new four-story wing was added, featuring a counseling room, a computer-assisted learning center, a multi-media language laboratory, and a multi-purpose activity room. Cultural enrichment is integrated into the architecture through the "Hall of Fame" and "Art Gallery."

• Holistic Development: Since 2007, we have provided on-campus boarding services, integrating residential life with character training to realize the philosophy of whole-person education.
• Zen and Ecology: Sponsored by The D.H. CHEN  Foundation, the meditation room "ZEN" (筏覺) offers a space for mindfulness. Furthermore, supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund, we established the "Dream-Come-True" (夢可圓) garden.
• Ecological Learning: From 2024 to 2026, the "Feng Shui Wood Learning Project" held by AFTEC utilizes our rich natural surroundings for ecological education.

"The peach and the plum trees do not speak, yet a path is worn beneath them." The campus breathes an atmosphere of harmony, where teaching and learning flourish together.

Curriculum: Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Connectivity

We cater to the diverse abilities and aspirations of our students through:

• Bilingual Excellence: Both English (EMI) and Chinese (CMI) streams are available across all levels. We employ drama-in-education, collaborative learning, and online platforms to enhance students’ proficiency in "two languages and three symbols."
• Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) Education: As an EDB-authorized school for NCS students, we have developed a specialized school-based Chinese curriculum. This prepares students for international examinations such as GCSE and GCE, broadening their pathways to higher education.
• Comprehensive Pathways: Our Senior Secondary curriculum integrates Arts and Sciences, complemented by Applied Learning (ApL) courses. By utilizing local resources for field studies, we nurture a new generation equipped with both vocational skills and a global outlook.

Sportsmanship and Resilience

The school places high importance on tempering the will and building self-confidence:

• Extracurricular Vitality: We offer diverse activities including Rugby, Lion Dance, Kung Fu, Cheerleading, and Cantonese Opera, encouraging students of different ethnicities to excel together.
• Leading by Example: Since 2009, the school has implemented daily morning exercises. For 15 consecutive years, the Principal has led teams of staff, students, and alumni to complete the 100km Trailwalker challenge, including events in the UK and Spain.
• Extraordinary Feats:
  • 2019: Staff and students completed a 3,000-mile cycling expedition from Tai O to Beijing.
  • Late 2025: Led by the Principal, a team will embark on a Charity Run from Beijing to Hong Kong. Under the theme "Cherish Life," this journey represents a monumental testament to the human spirit.

A Harmonious and Caring Campus

Our school is dedicated to fostering a melting pot of cultures. We are honored to have received the "Caring School Award" for fifteen consecutive years. We firmly believe that when teachers and students are united in spirit, we can create a campus that is harmonious, excellent, and filled with warmth.