Friday 23 September 2016

International Trips

During the Term 3 Break a number of international trips took place. Year 9 trips to China, India, Thailand and Bali took place alongside a Gaelic Football Tour for Year 9, 10 and 11 football students.

The Year 9 out-of-classroom program is aligned with the School’s commitment to the middle school philosophy of engaging Year 9 students and providing them with an opportunity for independent learning and cultural exchange.

The trip to China ran from Wednesday 7 September until Sunday 18 September with 16 students attending. Students were able to fully immerse themselves in the local culture by attending classes with local Chinese Ivanhoe Grammar School students in Shanghai. There were many sightseeing opportunities, including trips to the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors, a bicycle tour of the ancient wall of X’ian, an awe-inspiring trip to the Great Wall of China, a day tour of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

The India trip ran from Wednesday 7 September to Monday 19 September. Student stayed at the historic Daly College in Indore which was established in 1870. Lessons in pottery and painting alongside yoga sessions were part of life at Daly College. Students also took part in the Daly College cultural course, a tour of the Golden Triangle and visits to world-famous sights such as the Taj Mahal, Nahargarh Fort and the Amber Fort.

From Thursday 8 September to Saturday 17 September 14 students and two Teachers travelled to Thailand. Students got the chance to experience Thai culture through a myriad of activities such as, cooking Thai cuisine, adventurous activities in Northern Thailand, community service within local schools and getting hands-on experience with the Asian elephant. School visits and participation in service work were a highlight where Ivanhoe students made friendships with local children.

A stimulating program awaited students on the Bali trip. They learnt about the Balinese way of life and gained an appreciation and understanding of the spirituality and gratitude in Balinese culture. The group was hosted at the totally sustainable Green Camp in Bali where they had to hand over their mobile phones enabling students to fully participate and stay engaged. The Bali trip gave plenty of opportunity for sightseeing at temples, volcanos and an extensive field trip of Kenari Eco Institutes.

The international Gaelic Football Trip runs for 20 days. Twenty-two Year 9, 10 and 11 football students have been playing football and visiting the sights in Ireland. They left on Friday 9 September and will return on Thursday 29 September. Students have been billeted with families from host schools which is a wonderful way to learn all about the local culture. This jam-packed trip has plenty of sightseeing opportunities but the highlight for the boys so far, has to be the numerous opportunities they have been given to play against local teams and all the clinics they have attended.

All of these trips contain challenging activities, adventures and service opportunities that promote leadership skills, global friendships and cultural exchange. Ivanhoe students represented the School admirably and will take away from their experiences newly formed friendships and life-long memories.

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