By Tim Bell
Grade 4 and 5 Leader
At Northbridge International School Cambodia, we recognise that lessons learned outside of the classroom are just as vital as the learning that takes place inside, with field trips to destinations around Phnom Penh held throughout the year, as well as special annual Action Learning Camps, known as ALCs.
There are numerous benefits that come with students participating in ALCs, not only do they reinforce some of the learning that has taken place in the classroom, but the unique setting allows for students to develop their values, character and resilience.
Take for instance Grade 4 and Grade 5, who recently went to an overnight camp at Kirirom. For many of the students, the ALC represented significant milestones for them. These included:
All these milestones add to a stronger resilience, a more open mind, independence, being more of a risk taker and having a more balanced lifestyle. Can you imagine, for almost 36 hours (about 1 and a half days), and no one looked at a screen or a device.
The ALCs also represent an opportunity for our students to get involved with local initiatives and take action. Our Grade 4 and Grade 5 students went to the Coconut School based in Kirirom to learn and understand the important work that they do there, and witness first-hand how even small actions can lead to some wonderful and important outcomes.
Lastly, along with developing our characters, students got the opportunity to bond with their peers. A unique shared experience, such as going on an ALC together, cements social bonds and friendships, creates new ones and makes memories that last a lifetime.
When people think about leadership, what often comes to mind are the concepts of power, decision making, delegating and innovation. Seldom does one think about care, empathy, kindness, and generosity – however these traits that highlight the emotional skills for successful and effective leadership, including by students at Northbridge International School Cambodia, are just as important.
What are the Primary Arts all about? Is it just a load of fun and messing around? It is fun, which is why we love it but there is so much more to the programme than some people might think.
Take a visit to our early learning spaces at Northbridge International School Cambodia, both inside and out, and you will observe a wealth of play activities happening. Students are interacting in playing on their own (solo play), playing with the same thing or in the same space (mirrored play) or sharing together (collaborative play).
