“The whole trip was a roller coaster from the start to the end. If you were to ask me what the best part was, I wouldn’t know. All the activities had their type of fun, all of the meals we ate had their delicious flavour, and everywhere had its beauty, so I feel an accurate answer would be that the whole trip was the best,” shared Bao Long, a Year 8 pupil.
Recently, our Year 8 pupils set off on an unforgettable outdoor adventure – a journey filled with discovery, teamwork, and plenty of personal growth. Stepping away from their usual school routine, the pupils embraced a range of hands-on activities designed to challenge, inspire, and connect.
The trip began with a beach clean-up activity supporting Eco Week – an experience that encouraged pupils to think critically about their role in protecting the environment. Sorting through marine debris, they reflected on how everyday choices can impact the natural world and how small actions can drive meaningful change.
Physical challenges like rock climbing, kayaking, and a team-based raft escape pushed pupils beyond their comfort zones. Whether they were scaling limestone cliffs or navigating hidden waters, the focus was on building resilience, learning to trust one another, and thinking creatively under pressure. The raft challenge, in particular, brought groups together as they designed, built, and tested their rafts using limited materials – a fun and memorable exercise in teamwork and problem-solving.
The adventure also offered time for reflection. Pupils spent part of their journey learning about local life and how communities live in close connection with nature. These quiet, meaningful moments deepened their cultural awareness and helped them appreciate the beauty of a simpler, more sustainable way of living.
By the end of the trip, pupils returned not only with great stories and laughter but also with greater confidence, stronger friendships, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It was a short journey, but one full of lessons that will last a lifetime.
