DP1 ORIENTATION

During the first month of the DP1 school year, we got the chance, as a whole grade, to visit the Borderlands campsite situated in Kitulgala. Even after having been in many different schools, I have never experienced something quite like this trip. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been on multiple school trips, but they all have been towards the end of the year when everyone was already familiar with each other. Therefore, I think that’s one of the things that made this trip unique; the fact that it was within the first three weeks of school when not everyone had formed friendships yet and still weren’t 100percent familiar with each other.

Being new to any school can be seen as a challenge since you have to adapt to a different lifestyle and environment that you’re not used to. Even though I’m still new in this school, I feel as though the DP1 orientation trip served as a mechanism to form friendships and bonds that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Throughout the three day trip, we all got the opportunity to develop our creative, active and service-based skills, which I found fascinating seen as they managed to fit it all into three short days.

On the first day, we got the chance to go rafting and canyoning for nearly the whole day, which was extremely fun and it gave us a chance to connect with nature in a way that we usually wouldn’t. The next day we went on a hike to a cave, where we did some TOK-related activities, which really got our brains going, not to mention that the views were incredible.

We then hiked some more and ended up at a waterfall which overlooked beautiful scenery; trees, water, animals, etc. In my opinion, the next part was the best; repelling from that waterfall. I have been repelling before but on dry rocks, which was completely different than on a waterfall. Not to mention the fact that it was pouring rain, which made it even more adventurous and worthwhile. We then dried off and went back to camp, where we played cards, socialized and ate dinner. The last day was very interesting since we got the chance, in small groups, to develop our critical thinking skills and get to know locals through an interviewing activity. We got to talk to people living and working in Kitulgala, each with a different background, and interview them not only on their life but more specifically on the current issue they’re facing with the dam that’s being created in their area.

All in all, I think it’s safe to say that the DP1 orientation wasn’t just a lot of fun, but also a great learning experience and a chance to form new friendships and experiences. I’m very glad that I went on this trip and I hope to do more things like this in the future!