39 students from years 4 – 6 take part in a 3-day outdoor education experience. It is a valuable opportunity for the students to try new activities outside of the classroom.
After a final farewell speech from Mr. Phil and Mrs. Potts the students picked up their bags and were ready to go. We left our beautiful and sunny NBIS campus, heading South to Ninghai. Once we arrived, the Camp leaders led the students through a couple of ‘ice breaker’ games. These saw students moving around a space acting as different animals; from chickens to monkeys. It was great to see the campers all interacting together so easily right from the beginning.
After a lovely lunch, the students filled their water bottles, put on some sun cream and headed off to their respective afternoon activities. Half of the students started off with a 10.5km bike ride while the others were learning about diversity and the ecosystem at the Eco River Study. The students were treated to lovely views mixed in with some difficult cycling terrain. At the Eco River Study the students learnt about the water cycle and biodiversity, drawing maps of the area and looking at insects under microscopes.
Once the cyclists came back, the groups swapped activities before we all boarded the bus, heading for our hotel. We checked in, had dinner with our groups, before a debrief and turning in for bed!
Day 2 saw more sunshine and lots of different activities for the students to try out. We got to try an exciting but fear-inducing high ropes course, as well as working in teams to build a catapult, before we used them to launch water balloons at the other team. In the evening the students put up their own tents, cooked their own dinner and played some games around the campsite.
The students were supportive and encouraging at the high ropes course, giving each other the help, they needed to be able to complete the ‘Leap of Faith’ and “Broken Bridge’ challenges.
The catapult building was all about teamwork. They were given their bamboo poles and taught how to tie two types of knots – a slipknot and a square knot. They then had time to build their catapult, before loading it with water balloons and firing them at the other teams! Everyone got wet, and there were smiles all round!
The rain eventually came overnight, meaning a slight change of plans for the activities in the morning. All of the students took part in a ‘Good, Better, Best Talent Show’ before getting back on the bus for the final time, heading home to their parents and a good weekend of rest. At the talent show we saw some excellent singing, dancing, limbo, animal impressions, funny jokes and even a very impressive and realistic Mr. K impression from Samuel in 5A!
Our students are very lucky to be able to go on this trip, considering the special circumstances we are currently living in. They showed great respect and politeness to each other and everyone they interacted with on the trip. Thank you to the parents for allowing your children to take part in such a wonderful experience. Also, a big thank you to all involved in organizing the trip and to the teachers who led a group of students each, taking care of them all and making sure they had the best time possible – Mr. Kirkpatrick, Miss Stevo and Miss Sharon!
Mr. Fitzgerald & Miss ShuShu
