As a Round Square School, Regents believes in giving students the opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom and achieve important life-long skills that can be applied in various academic and work-related situations. This year, a group of eight students seized the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with our trip leaders Mr Moore and Mr McKenna. After the trip, students and teachers alike reflected on the expedition and gave us some insight on the ups and the downs of the mountain.
Mr McKenna commented on how “expeditions like these” give students the chance to “experience the Round Square discoveries in real life situations and come out of it more rounded human beings- this is why Round Square and NAE’s Global Campus are so valuable to the education we offer here at Regents.” This is true, for the challenge expands on abilities and practices such as Courage, Tenacity, Self- Awareness, Teamwork Skills and, of course, Compassion. Mr Moore added that “this experience will only serve these young people well going forward” and that when reflecting on the experience as a group, they agreed that they had “learnt an incredible amount” about themselves.
Students were keen on letting us know the difficulties and breakthroughs they had on this trip. They said that the preparation for the expedition was “challenging at first”, however thanks to the time and guidance given, they were able to push themselves to the level of stamina and fitness required for the long hike to the summit. Mr Moore commented on how difficult the summit to Kilimanjaro was, but that it was precisely the students’ persistence that pushed them to succeed: “Luckily the team was such a strong unit and we all helped each other plod on. I’m certain that without the team I would not have made it up.”
This trip also serves as an amazing memory and bonding experience for those who participate. Some of the students’ favourite moments from the trip included becoming a little family, getting to know each other and the overall good energy in the group; one student said that “it was such a challenge; physically, mentally and emotionally- but the whole group kept pushing”. This shows that activities like these not only allow our students to develop life-long skills, but also gives them the opportunity to form special connections with the people around them.
Other trip highlights were seeing the Tanzanian countryside, the “extraordinary” stars and, of course, the summit to the top: “you’re on top of the world”.
Mr Moore added that the best part of the trip for him was “the moment we rounded a corner and saw the summit. It was an incredibly emotional moment and a lot of tears were shed. I think this is because we had put so much effort into achieving this moment over the previous eight months. It was completely worth it and a moment I will remember for a very long time.”
This “unique” and “epic” experience is recommended by these students for those who want to test themselves and push their resilience. We are proud to say that the Kilimanjaro expedition ended up being one of the most special experiences our students are leaving us with.
Similarly, we are looking forward to carrying on with the acknowledgement and action of the Round Square discoveries in the coming Round Square week, where students go on different trips to experience ‘learning outside the classroom’ through varying activities, led by teachers and staff. We are excited to see our students push their limits and are positive that they will accomplish their goals for that exhilarating week.
At Regents, our specialist staff are experts at creating personalised support programmes for students with additional educational needs. That’s why, throughout October we are celebrating Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month.
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