Learning Beyond the Classroom: Year 7–10 Residential Trips in Action

Learning goes far beyond the classroom at The British School of Guangzhou. Last week, students from Year 7 to Year 10 took part in a series of residential trips across southern China, designed to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through real‑world learning. Each journey formed a key part of our Beyond the Classroom curriculum, combining outdoor education, cultural immersion, teamwork, and service learning.

Year 7 Residential Trip to Qingyuan

Year 7 students began their secondary journey with an action‑packed residential to Qingyuan. The focus was on building teamwork, confidence, and independence in a new environment. Students challenged themselves through rock climbing, abseiling, caving, and orienteering, while learning vital survival skills such as shelter building and outdoor safety. A biking expedition developed perseverance and fitness, while tea harvesting offered a calm cultural insight into local traditions. The experience encouraged students to take positive risks, support each other, and grow in self‑belief.

Year 8 Residential Trip to Huizhou

The Year 8 residential to Huizhou combined environmental education, adventure learning, and cultural exploration. Students took part in a beach clean‑up and supported a sea turtle sanctuary, deepening their understanding of sustainability and responsibility. Outdoor challenges included sailing and a demanding hike up Luofu Mountain, promoting resilience and teamwork. Creative experiences such as bamboo weaving and a fast‑paced scavenger hunt added further opportunities for collaboration, problem solving, and fun.

Year 9 Residential Trip to Yangshuo

Year 9 students travelled to Yangshuo for a residential focused on leadership, resilience, and community. Adventure took centre stage with rock climbing on Yangshuo’s iconic karst cliffs and an underground caving experience that tested trust and communication. Students also enjoyed creative challenges, including catapult building and a MasterChef competition. A meaningful highlight was community service at a local school, where students connected with younger learners. Shared evenings around a BBQ and bonfire strengthened friendships and reflection.

Year 10 Residential Trip to Congjiang

The Year 10 residential to Congjiang offered deep cultural immersion and service learning. Beginning with a shared train journey, students explored Dong minority culture through choir performance, batik fabric dyeing, and village visits. They contributed meaningfully by teaching in a local school and working in agricultural fields, gaining insight into a different way of life. Shared experiences, including celebratory meals and birthday celebrations, strengthened community bonds and independence as students prepared for their next stage of learning.

Education in Action

Together, these residential experiences highlight the strength of our Beyond the Classroom curriculum. Through outdoor adventure, cultural understanding, environmental responsibility, and service learning, students developed skills and values that extend far beyond academic study. Each journey supported personal growth, resilience, and connection, ensuring learning remains purposeful, memorable, and transformative.