From Monday 24th-26th the entire DP1 class (2023) went to Kithulgala for their Orientation X Science Trip. This three day trip of ours was a fun experience filled with several interesting and unique experiences really allowing us to bond as classmates and friends. The first day was much like a previous Week Without Walls experience we had in Grade 9. White water rafting was my favourite experience, the adrenaline and excitement I felt from going in the dips was incredible. It was such a fun experience which is just as could even when relived. Canyoning was also quite fun, I’d done this canyon two times before so I knew what was coming, this was reassuring in a way as it developed a sense of comfort.

What made this experience different however, was the fact that our friends and peers were the ones guiding us and telling us what to do. I hadn’t experienced or partaken in this before, the idea of having canyoning be student led was quite interesting as with it came this level of trust and comfort making the activity more memorable. While the activities were enjoyable I have to say that one of my favourite things was actually getting the opportunity to talk to my classmates, some of the conversations I had this trip were ones I’ll remember. Being able to talk in an environment such as Kithulgala is an experience I don’t think I’d be able to get anywhere else. The science part of the trip was fun as well, I hadn’t really done anything apart from water activities in Kithulgala before but this time I had the chance to explore the beauty of essence of the area in a different way. By visiting power stations and reserves I was offered a new perspective about the place, a new perspective which taught me both technical and interesting, natural information. My trips to Kithulgala have always been different, even if I may be doing the same things I have learnt that the people you spend it with make the experience THE EXPERIENCE. I am very grateful to be in the class that I am. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• LO1: Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth
  • Because of the different activities we did (hiking, rafting, canyoning, etc.) I feel that I got to know some people in different ways and learn how to adapt to different situations with other people, allowing me to create deeper bonds and relationships with my peers.
• LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
  • Heights and such have always been something I’m scared of because my balance isn’t particularly good, during this trip I was exposed to several slippery and elevated environments, because of this I was able to and tried my best to adapt myself to these unfamiliar paths. In doing so, my attentiveness to my surroundings definitely increased.
• LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
  • This trip was a bonding experience, so a lot of the time was spent getting to know people and work with them during activities such as rafting. The science portion of this trip also focused on collaborative working, my science group did activities with other classes, this allowed us to learn from one another by exchanging our knowledge and adjusting to a different learning environment.