Year 10 Residential Update from Inner Mongolia 2023

To succeed in the world, our students first explore it! Our residential programme is an integral part of our curriculum here. It broadens our students’ horizons and help them form lifelong friendships. We have worked closely with our service providers to ensure that the students will experience a wide range of engaging and educational activities that include elements of cultural immersion, challenge, and community building.

Date: Monday 12th June to Friday 16th June, 2023

Please see daily updates from Mr. Allen.

Day 1

We set out at 6am this morning and arrived by train in the Gobi Desert in the afternoon. Students have been sliding down sand dunes, camel riding and learning how to survive in the desert. We will camp in the desert tonight and play games around a camp fire (see students making fire the traditional way!)

Day 2

The day began with packing away the tents during sunrise, followed by breakfast. We set out in groups again to the desert for more hiking, desert survival activities and team building games. We then planted trees and created messages to hang on them for future generations to see. Mid-afternoon, we headed to the city of Hohhot for dinner and a night in a hotel. Everyone is desperate for a shower and a good night's rest after a very eventful day!

Day 3

 We started the day visiting an old temple, learning about Buddhist culture. This was followed by a visit to a culture exhibition centre, in which students learned about local music and instruments.

In the afternoon, we took a coach journey to the grasslands and were welcomed on horseback and a ceremony. We have learned about the hospitality of the local people and their customs. We are looking forward to a traditional dinner in the grasslands and staying in yurts.

Day 4

We started the day heading out to the grasslands for archery, tug of war and building yurts. This was followed by a hike around the surroundings, taking in the landscape. We headed back to the city of Hohhot and visited the biggest art high school in Inner Mongolia, where we watched traditional Mongolian dances and music performances. This will be followed by a well-earned night's sleep in a hotel and return to Beijing tomorrow.