S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 / F ocus on E O T C
Hustling as a Team Year 7 explores Hong Kong The eagerly anticipated annual EOTC event for Year 7: The Hong Kong Hustle took place on 18-20 November. The event is similar to the reality television game show, The Amazing Race, but our version has students split into house teams, racing against the clock around either Hong Kong Island or Lantau Island. They earned valuable points as they orientated themselves, using a paper map, from one checkpoint to the next. Like in the show, students were required to be back by a specified time. Students were required to accurately read ferry timetables, negotiate the internal DB bus system, and test their personal physical fitness levels in urban and rural contexts. This outdoor education activity involved finding resources, exploring ideas, applying experience, gathering information and thinking critically in order to be competitive against the other groups. Special emphasis was also given to how to be safe, at all times, in the outdoors. This EOTC unit identified approaches to learning skills that students developed through their inquiry and demonstrated through their participation. The students were able to really extend their collaboration skills through their active involvement. They exercised leadership and were required to take on a variety of roles over the course of the three days. To survive and finish in a timely manner, they needed to listen actively to others’ perspectives and ideas, particularly as they navigated themselves through the labyrinthine streets of Central. Their self-management skills were
also tested, requiring all individuals to demonstrate persistence and perseverance, and practice their positive thinking. Groups were challenged further through the limited use of transportation modes; the emphasis was on getting to their stated checkpoints, relying mainly on their feet. Every year, I am impressed by the grit and determination shown by our students, transferring their skills to this wonderful event. Despite the heat, students arrived back each day by the 5pm deadline, tired but filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Annette Garnett Year 7 Dean
Teamwork and Trust Year 8 works together on camp This year we were all very excited to go on Year 8 camp. Not only did we learn about our environment, but also about each other. Camp started on 1 March and from day one we had action packed days with fun activities. We were able to go kayaking where we were put into groups of two to learn how to control the kayak and work as a team to make the kayak go faster. The staff were very helpful and gave us very good advice. We explored the area while learning a lot about our surroundings. After a long day of activities, we went back to stay at a holiday camp which was called Po Leung Pak Tam Chung holiday camp. It had many facilities where we all got to do lots of things in our free time including archery, badminton and basketball. Staying in the dorms allowed us to communicate more with different people in our year group. 8
One of the most memorable events was hiking. It was a 3-5 hour hike to get to the beach. The ocean was blue and it was hard to believe that we were still in Hong Kong. We had a couple of hours to settle in and have fun. We tossed frisbees, swam in the ocean and played games. For dinner, we made curry using very minimal equipment. It was very interesting to learn about cooking in the elements. We later had a singing competition in groups, sat near a bonfire and ate delicious marshmallows. Alisa Lam and Miwa Sakamaki Year 8 Students