NIHS IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) students recently embarked on the inaugural IBDP Camp. The camp was student envisaged, planned and directed as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme, and offered exciting opportunities to grow as learners aligned with the IB Learner Profile and the IB mission to:
“… develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.”
The students had a range of objectives for their camp, including intercultural understanding, relationship building, well-being and understanding the IBDP. We can happily report that their objectives were met and surpassed.
Flinders’ (one of our IBDP students) writes:
From Monday March 6 until Wednesday March 8, both year 11 and year 12 IB students embarked on a journey to the faraway lands of Moonta! Where will this journey take them? What adventures will they go on? Curious? Read and find out!
Day 1:
On the first day of camp shortly after our arrival, there were preparations for the barbeque. What was on the menu? Chicken skewers, sausages, burgers, and the notorious vegan meats. After having enjoyed a lovely lunch, we then went on a 7 minute walk to the beach! Some swam, some read books, some drew pictures, and some admired the view. Needless to say, everyone had a fabulous time at the beach–but that’s not all. Having arrived back at the accommodation and getting ready, we enjoyed our dinner consisting of varied food options–spring rolls, chicken nuggets, fish cakes, etc… And to end off our day, the year 1 and year 2 IB students gathered around the grass to play a little game of “Anxiety” before calling it lights out.
Day 2:
On the second day the year 1 IB students started their day off with a bake-off! It consisted of muffins, cookies, biscuits, and many more delicious sweets. As the treats were in the oven, some of the students went out to occupy their time–volleyball, badminton, and basketball–before coming back to serve their masterpieces to the year 2 IB students to judge. Shortly after the bake-off, everyone packed up and grabbed a Banh Mi courtesy of both Jays to head out to the Moonta Mines. We learned about the history of the mines, and what it was like during those times for children. Fun fact: Did you know, classrooms during those periods could occupy up to a hundred students or more in one setting! After exploring the museum and taking lots and lots of photos the ESS, students went soil sampling at one of the mining areas learning about the composition of soil and the difference of soil components from the top layer and the bottom layers. Following the eventful morning, everyone came back to rest and began rock painting as we enjoyed our ice creams–a perfect activity after such a long morning. And for dinner everyone had the delight of having yakisoba made by none other than Ko. To end off our day, everyone gathered for rounds of trivia night consisting of subjects from history to psychology, it was every group for themselves! We enjoyed the many rounds of questions, learning more and more not only about different subjects, but even about some of our teachers!
Day 3:
On our last and final day, comes the dreaded cleaning up. But it wasn’t so dreadful as it was quite fun with everyone working together. Some were assigned with kitchen duty, some were assigned with bathrooms, and others were assigned with the main living area. Having finished cleaning up, everyone was on their way home. But during the trip we took a stop at the playground. Needless to say, everyone’s inner child came out and we began spreading out onto the different areas. We played tag, climbed up ropes, sat on the swings, and spun around the roundabout until the rain decided that we’d had enough fun and it was time to go back. We enjoyed pastries for lunch and finally, arrived back at the school.
The trip, despite already being 3 days, felt as if it flew by in a second. Everyone had the opportunity of engaging and working together in so many ways. We’ve managed to form bonds and friendships, spark new conversations, and enjoy each other's company. The camp was a nice time for everyone to relax their minds and just take a big breath of fresh air. Even when everyone was enjoying themselves, underneath all the fun and excitement, we’ve managed to display many different components of the IB Learner Profile–communicators, open-minded, principled, caring, reflective, and inquirers!
Thanks to Flinders for his work on the blog post.
More in their words, from IBDP students:
“Throughout the IBDP camp experience, whether it be having new friend connections, cooperation with those new friends, or participating in academic events, it provided me valuable perspectives and experiences for my personal development.” -Ko, DP2 student and planner of amazing activities, including origami and cooking YakiSoba!
“Getting to know everyone was the most valuable outcome of camp.” - Alex, DP1 student and planner of amazing activities, including the Bake Off!
“Yippee” -Nisha, DP1 student and planner of amazing activities, including Rock painting!
“I spent so much time cleaning the kitchen, I could give you an in-depth description of its entire layout. Pantry included.” -Sofia, DP2 student and planner of amazing activities, including the Quiz Night!
“We should do the camp next year!” -DP1 Connect class
Written by Flinders - IBDP Student