Year 4 had a terrific two night residential trip to Kota Rainforest in Malaysia.
Year 4 had a terrific two night residential trip to Kota Rainforest in Malaysia.
This trip coincided with our Project Work unit on 'Rainforests: Saving the World’ and the children were able to apply the knowledge they learnt in school to their real life experiences when exploring the rainforest. On the first day of their trip, the children took part in various ice breaker games and team building activities. That evening, they created team chants with their group and performed these in front of the rest of the children and staff during the bonfire. The children also thought about their fears. They wrote these fears on a piece of paper and threw them into the bonfire, signifying their determination to overcome these fears while at Kota.
Day 2 of our trip was very active and exciting. During the rainforest trek, the guided pointed out different plants and animals. The children spotted elephant footprints and could explain to their guide and activity leader about the different layers of the rainforest. They visited a farm where they saw the different fruit growing there. The children had the opportunity to sample some tasty passion fruit and limes, which were particularly sour. As well as this, the children fed cows and goats. The goats were exceptionally greedy!
The children (and the staff) took part in two extremely fun water activities as well during Day 2. The much anticipated Indiana Jones Bridge of Doom did not disappoint. Squeals of excitement could be heard from everyone as they made their way across, trying with all their might not to fall into the water. As well as this, the children worked in their teams to create a raft. They then raced these rafts against each other. Two Art activities were completed that evening: the children designed and created their own Olympic Medals, and flags.
On our final day, the Kota Olympics were held. All the children took part in team building activities with a competitive element – this included a tug of war with the teachers which they won! They sang their chants and waved their flags. All of the children showed great sportsmanship and it was wonderful seeing them cheer on each other. Each child was awarded with an Olympic medal during our closing ceremony.
During the trip, the children developed their teamwork skills, leadership skills, resilience and independence. It was a wonderful trip for everyone and the children have come home with lots of fond memories of their time in Kota Rainforest.
Monica Dolan
Head of Year 4
