Last week, Year 5 embarked on their 4 day, 3 night residential to Indonesia and for some, this was their first time away from home.
Last week, Year 5 embarked on their 4 day, 3 night residential to Indonesia and for some, this was their first time away from home.
We travelled by ferry to Batam and then took a long boat to our home for the next three days. As soon as we arrived, we checked out our rooms and the facilities and tucked into a delicious lunch – we were starving! Our first set of activities started after lunch, including tile making, an intertidal walk, orienteering and team building games. In the evening, half of us made pizza on the beach, whilst the rest of us had dinner in the canteen and played communication games. By 9pm, we were exhausted and ready for bed!
Day two was called ‘life in the village’ and we got to experience many different cultural activities including deck fishing, crabbing, traditional dancing, drumming and village games. We loved the deck fishing with many of us being very successful catching fish and crabs. Unfortunately, it turns out that fishing is not one of Mr. Rinaldi's skills! We also enjoyed free time and the anticipated visit to the shop to buy souvenirs!
Day three started very wet! Luckily, the rain cleared and we learnt survival skills which included making a fire and some of us visited the low ropes course. We also took part in team building games and played Gaga Ball. As the sun was setting on our final day, we spent out free time playing badminton, catching crabs and building sandcastles. In the evening, we enjoyed a yummy dinner and then spent time reflecting about what we had learnt at the campfire. We roasted marshmallows before heading to our much needed beds!
The children were faced with many challenges on the trip, but were also rewarded with lots of successes. They developed their independence by having to be organised each morning and were resilient when faced with a new activity. They made lots of new friends and their behaviour was exemplary. The leaders at the resort were so complimentary about their behaviour; they have made their teachers very proud. It was a memorable trip for the children and the staff, one that I am sure they will be talking about for years to come.
Emma Castle
Head of Year 5
