Year 12 CAS Trip to Mai Chau 2020

Year 12 enjoyed a trip filled with different activities in Mai Chau.

Day 1: 

After a 4 hour coach journey, we arrived at our homestay in Lac village. We enjoyed a filling lunch and then the four groups headed off to different activities. 

Ms Greenwood’s tutor group enjoyed an afternoon of rice planting and basket weaving. Mr Mortimer’s tutor group indulged in some cultural dances and then learnt to cook rice on bamboo, prepare grilled pork, stir fry tofu and tomatoes. Ms Price’s and Ms Lozano’s group trekked up many, many steps to a stunning cave in the hillside. They then built some rafts and attempted to move through the river, with a few choosing to add swimming to the experience. 

The evening drew to a close with delicious local food and some quiet time on reflections for their CAS portfolios.

Day 2: 

After a delicious range of breakfast choices (pho ga, pancakes, eggs or fried rice), we were raring to go. 

The whole group headed back to Na Chao village for project work. We were tasked with building a bridge across the river to help increase access for the local villagers. Armed with spades, gloves and masks, we all got stuck in with moving rocks in wheelbarrows, mixing cement and transporting sand. We toiled hard and felt very proud of our work. 

The afternoon involved a range of activities for different groups. Students got involved in basket weaving, rice planting, cultural dancing and cooking classes. 

The evening was spent finalising the lesson
Plans for the Bao La primary school trip on Friday.

Day 3: 

Day 3 began with a hike up 1100 steps to a fantastic cave. The climb was steep and tiring but our students persevered. They were rewarded with stunning views over the valley and incredible rock formations. 

To cool down, students were divided up into small groups to build their own bamboo rafts. Once they had launched the rafts in the river, students raced up and down the rider with a few ‘accidentally’ taking a swim. 

After lunch it was back to the project site to work on building the bridge in the local village. 

Other groups also had the opportunity to plant rice, weave baskets and attend a cooking class. 

The evening culminated in the artistic endeavours from both enthusiastic students and friendly locals. We enjoyed local Thai dancing, our own students’ signing and dancing, and a bamboo dance for us all to join in.

Day 4: 

We headed home after a fantastic morning of teaching and games at Bao La Primary School. Students had diligently prepared a range of exciting lessons to teach the local students in English about colours, the alphabet, body parts and verbs. 

This was followed by a busy game of football with the students playing in amongst the students. At the same time, a number of our students organised a range of games to entertain the other children. 
 
Our students then handed over thoughtfully prepared donations of books, stationery, gloves and socks to the local children, as well as the money raised to buy the school a photocopier. 
All were greatly received. 

After lunch, we began the long journey home. Everyone was tired but happy and looking forward to coming home.