Year 7 Residential Trip to Sibu, Malaysia: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery

At Dover Court, we recognise that diverse learning experiences are essential for our students to develop a broad range of skills and embrace new and challenging opportunities. Our residential trips are a fantastic opportunity for our students to collaborate, build a strong sense of belonging, and develop resilience as they engage in various activities that encourage them to step outside their comfort zones.

Recently, our Year 7 students went on two fantastic residential trips to Sibu Island, Malaysia. Throughout their trips, they were divided into ‘tribes’—each one with a unique identity inspired by their surroundings. With names like the ‘Juggly Jellyfish’ and ‘Quaking Waves’, these tribes added an extra layer of fun and camaraderie to the experience, as they worked together on a variety of exciting challenges.

Some of the best moments included snorkelling trips, where students discovered bright underwater life at beautiful spots around the island. In their tribes, they worked together to build shelters using only natural materials they found in the forest and learned basic survival skills like how to start a fire and cook fresh fish. There was also plenty of fun in the water, with exciting activities like boogie boarding and slip-and-slides.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was a visit to a local Malaysian school in the nearby Kampong. Our students shared in cultural exchange with the local children, playing games like musical chairs, dancing, and having a blast together. This experience truly highlighted the value of connecting across cultures and learning from one another.

The trip concluded with a bonfire on the beach, where students gathered to enjoy the warmth of the fire and watch an incredible fire show performed by the talented Sea Gypsy staff. The evening was the perfect end to an adventure-filled journey, full of laughter, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. This trip provided an invaluable opportunity for personal growth, team-building, and cultural exploration. We are incredibly proud of how our Year 7 students embraced every challenge and created such lasting memories together.