Dp orientation is the inaugural trip that all students take when they cross into the DP program. Essentially it signifies the beginning of the 2 year diploma program.
It is a 3 day trip into the heart of Kithulgala, and was hosted at Borderlands. While there we engaged in a variety of incredible outdoors activities across the river and rainforest. These included hiking, abseiling and canyoning to name a few. These activity helped me develop an appreciation for nature and environment as a whole. This was further strengthened by the engaging discussions that took place at the campsite in regards to global issues like climate change. The activities also allowed me to further strengthen the bond with my fellow students as well as allow me to get to know some of the new students that joined us this year.
Trip plan – (From the Trip workbook handed given to us by Mr.Lockwood)
Depart from OSC on the Busses at 6:30
Intro/ tea and snacks at Kitulgala rafting point after arrival at about 8:45 am.
Safety briefing, equipment use and training
Packed Lunch by the river
Canyoning
Make our way down the river to the campsite
Camp intro, talk
Regroup in long house by 17.30 hrs
Debrief/ teacher session/ planning ahead/ journal reflection time
Dinner
Day 2: Thursday 29th August
6:30 Wake up
Breakfast
Hike to Belilena Cave for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) workshop with teachers (2 seperate caves)
Hike to Sandun Ella Waterfall
Safety briefing and abseil down 50m waterfall
Pack Lunch
Hike back to buses and drive back to camp
Dinner
Teacher session/ planning ahead/ journal reflection time
Day 3: Friday 30th August
6:30 Wake up
Breakfast
Divide into groups of 5 that will interview different members of the local community
Head out for interview (My group interviewed a dam worker)
Drive to a bridge overlooking the newly constructed dam
Head back to camp
Final debrief, reflections and journal entries during lunch
Say our goodbyes and depart for OSC
This trip was a truly eye opening experience for me. It allowed me to connect with my peers, nature and global issues like climate change. Activities like interviewing the dam worker helped me gain an understanding of the local area and industry. Other activities like abseiling and canyoning through the rivers and waterfalls allowed me to developed a new appreciation for nature. Overall i thoroughly enjoyed this trip and believe that it was a great way to start my time in the DP program.
