01 November, 2024

Secondary trips week: A journey of adventure, learning and inspiration

During trips week, each year group embarked on a unique journey, immersing themselves in Vietnam's natural beauty and diverse cultures, pushing boundaries, and strengthening bonds with their peers.

Our annual trips week has come to an exciting close, marking another successful chapter in experiential learning and personal growth for our secondary students. Trips week has again proven to be a time of growth, adventure, and learning for our secondary students. Through these experiences, they’ve not only gained new skills but also developed greater self-awareness, resilience, and respect for the world around them. Here’s a glimpse into each year group’s adventure.

Year 7 – Exploring the Rich Culture of Mai Chau

The Year 7 trip to Mai Chau was a memorable blend of adventure and cultural exploration. Blessed with beautiful weather, students embraced activities like rock climbing and jungle hiking, overcoming personal challenges and fears along the way. They also connected with local culture through a scavenger hunt, learning how to make traditional bamboo rice, and watching traditional dance performances by the White Thai community.

Without the distraction of mobile phones, students immersed themselves in the environment, strengthening their connection with nature and each other. The trip’s highlight was a Halloween-themed talent show, complete with a costume contest and decorations set up by the students themselves. It’s been wonderful to see them enjoy this time together, learning to appreciate life’s simple joys and the value of teamwork.

Secondary trips week: A journey of adventure, learning and inspiration | British International School Hanoi - secondary trips week 2024

Year 7 in Mai Chau

Year 8 in Cat Ba

Year 9 in Vu Linh

Year 10 in Da Lat

Year 8 – Adventuring on Cat Ba Island

The Year 8 students made the most of their time on Cat Ba, engaging in a range of activities, including kayaking, orienteering, raft building, and rock climbing. Each activity tested their endurance and teamwork, and they supported one another with enthusiasm and determination. They also learned to appreciate the local environment, showing respect for nature in all that they did.

Tonight, they’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant, followed by the much-anticipated talent show. Tomorrow, beach games and a final celebration will mark the conclusion of their adventure. The Learning Project and BIS staff are incredibly proud of the maturity and resilience Year 8 demonstrated throughout the trip.

Year 9 – Team Building in Vu Linh

Our Year 9 students immersed themselves in the natural beauty of Vu Linh. They began their adventure with a scenic boat journey, followed by building rafts as a team challenge. A 16-kilometer cycle ride and a 12-kilometer hike gave them the opportunity to appreciate Vietnam’s countryside. They also attended workshops on essential survival skills like map navigation, fire starting, and shrimp catching.

Staying in two scenic accommodations surrounded by water and lush landscapes, Year 9 students have had an incredible experience. They look forward to putting their raft-building skills to the test in a race before they leave.

Year 10 – Mountain Adventures in Da Lat

Year 10 spent their days in Da Lat, soaking in the fresh mountain air and participating in high-energy activities like hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and high-rope courses. Throughout the trip, they forged new friendships, overcame challenges, and demonstrated a high level of maturity and camaraderie that made their teachers and school proud.

The students have created lasting memories and learned the value of resilience and teamwork. They’ll be cherishing their final evening together before heading back tomorrow.

Secondary trips week: A journey of adventure, learning and inspiration | British International School Hanoi - secondary trips week 2

Year 11 in Ninh Binh

Year 12 in Mai Chau

Year 13 in Cat Ba

Year 11 in Ninh Binh

Year 11 – Conservation Efforts in Ninh Binh

Year 11’s trip was centered around conservation, and students had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Ninh Binh. They contributed their time at a primate centre, helping build enclosures for endangered animals, and worked on projects at a bear sanctuary, constructing feeding baskets for bears rescued from the black-market bile trade. Alongside these efforts, students enjoyed hiking, swimming, and paddling, all set in Ninh Binh’s stunning natural landscapes.

The relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere has provided Year 11 with a fulfilling and eye-opening experience, reminding them of the importance of conservation and their power to make a difference.

Year 12 – Community Service in Mai Chau

Year 12 dedicated their trip to a community service project, constructing a concrete road on the outskirts of a village in Mai Chau. From shoveling and mixing cement to planting trees and building bamboo rafts, the students displayed unwavering determination and team spirit. They pushed through the physical challenges with a sense of pride and purpose, always looking out for one another.

Their hard work and commitment to service have truly embodied the spirit of BIS. The Year 12 students returned with a strong sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the impact they can have on communities.

Year 13 – Environmental Responsibility in Cat Ba

Our Year 13 students spent their trip in Cat Ba, engaging in fun, skill-building activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and a cycling adventure. They also took part in an ocean clean-up, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility. The highlight of their trip included a quiz that tested their International Baccalaureate (IB) knowledge, fostering teamwork and friendly competition.

The Year 13s enjoyed perfect weather and returned with memories of friendship and growth, ready to take on the challenges of their final year at BIS.