22 August 2007, SJII

During different weeks in late July and early August, the students of the school spent six days on the Indonesian island of Bintan.

Consistent with the school’s policy of challenging its students with constructive activities, the programme included camping, canoeing, sailing, trekking, flying fox, team building exercises and the opportunity to build a raft from rope and oil drums. The younger students visited a local orphanage and the older ones entertained the orphans at the camp for a day and involved them in the forenamed water sports. All aspects of the course were much appreciated and particularly the leadership of Mr Z and Miss Dana.

It was pleasing that several academic areas were integrated into the programme. For instance, using a camp fire, the Grade 7 scientists investigated the effects of heat upon the temperature of a liquid over time given various volumes and different degrees of insulation. Sailing and canoeing provided compelling opportunities to reflect upon the often competing forces derived from the current, wind and the rudder/paddle.

For many students it was their first week away from home and for most of them the social experience was profound. Only seven months ago the students met for the first time but we now have a well integrated community of people who know each other’s relative strengths and have bonded together. Most importantly, the individuals know themselves better after the challenges they have experienced.

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