21 April, 2023

A Look Back at our Primary Residential Trips

Throughout March and April, Primary students travelled to destinations near and far as part of their residential trips. Due to the travel restrictions in recent years, for many of the children, this was their first experience of spending time away from their family and staying in dormitories with their friends.

It was wonderful to see some of the youngest members of the BIS Hanoi community embracing adventure, enjoying unforgettable experiences, and forming closer bonds with their classmates and peers.

Year 4 - Ba Vi National Park

Year 4 visit Ba Vi | BIS Hanoi

On the 22nd and 23rd of March, Year 4 students travelled to Ba Vi National Park for their first residential trip. The students participated enthusiastically in the activities on offer, and particularly enjoyed exploring the natural world together.

The range of exciting activities included catching fish with bamboo baskets, getting hands dirty to plant young seedlings, and using ingredients found in a local garden to make delicious fresh spring rolls. In the evening, the students also enjoyed some traditional music and bamboo dancing.

It was a very busy, but unforgettable two days for everyone!

Year 5 - Cuc Phuong National Park

At the end of March, Year 5 had the wonderful opportunity to visit Cuc Phuong National Park for their first ever residential.

Any signs of nerves or worries about being away from home soon disappeared when the children became mesmerised by the beauty of the national park. The children were gripped with excitement as they set off to visit the conservation centres, which were home to turtles, mammals and primates. They learned how the national park rehabilitates and helps animals who have been illegally traded, smuggled across borders, or injured by hunters.

Across their three-day trip, the students enjoyed learning about pitfall traps and the insects that are native to the forest. They also embarked on a hike and a challenging climb, up steep steps, to the cave of the prehistoric man. It was a great opportunity for the students to not only try new activities, but also to sample new food, and to work with others from across the year group.

Our final night demonstrated just how far some of the students had come with their confidence, in such a short space of time, as they performed in front of the whole of Year 5 as part of our Talent Show.

Year 6 - Hoi An

In April, our Year 6 students flew to the historic town of Hoi An, located in Quang Nam province. Here they enjoyed a range of cultural activities, team challenges, and plenty of opportunities to have fun together.

As part of a packed schedule, students used teamwork and ingenuity to build shelters, took part in a scavenger hunt around Hoi An ancient town, and enjoyed some downtime at the hotel swimming pool.

As well as having fun together, the students took part in enriching cultural experiences and workshops. These included seeing how vegetables are grown at Tra Que Vegetable Village, making personalised lanterns at the Taboo Bamboo Workshop, and visiting the Silk Village to learn how traditional silk garments are made in Vietnam.

Our Year 6 students thoroughly enjoyed their last Primary residential together - and can’t wait to see what adventures await on their Secondary Residentials.

Alice Goodwin, David Atkinson & Emily Clark

Year 4, 5, 6 Teachers