Year 5 and Year 6's residential trip to Ba Vi

Last Wednesday, Year 5 and 6 went on our residential trip to Ba Vi.

Ba Vi Homestead is nestled between the Ba Vi mountains, in the National Park, and is surrounded by rice terraces and forest.  The aim of the trip was to provide children with the opportunities to try traditional agricultural activities that characterise Vietnamese culture, many of which are being lost in an ever developing world. At the same time the children would develop their skills in co-operation, teamwork, resilience and care and respect for others, whilst becoming more self-aware and confident in whom they are. We certainly got to see the children shine and as teachers, the opportunity to see children away from the school setting is invaluable.

Our first day began with a challenging hike to the river, it was hot, the children were tired, but the views and the feeling of accomplishment at the end made it very worthwhile.

Day Two was a gastronomic delight! Children were involved in the whole farming experience from planting their own vegetables to picking them and finally using them to make vegetable soup and fresh spring rolls. Fishing was next on the agenda, where children caught fish using traditional methods, smoked them and then of course the best bit, the tasting! Banh Cuon was next on the menu; we were very impressed indeed with some of the cooking skills the children showed and we all headed back to the Homestead very full!

The evening was the teachers chance to be entertained with the children showcasing their talents in, ‘BVIS has got talent!’ and yes they did! There was singing, dancing and magic! We all had a wonderful time!

Finally it was our last day- the time seemed to have flown by so quickly. With one last chance to spend time together, we visited the Honey Bee farm and the Ba Trai tea village before heading back to school! Many special memories were formed on our trip that the children and the teachers will look back on for many years to come!