Not all classrooms have four walls: WCIH field trips

At Wellington College Hangzhou, we fully understand the value and consequential benefits of extending learning to the outside environment. Even with the new dawn of AI, we know that real field trips cannot be superseded by virtual reality. Studies carried out by Dr John Allan, head of learning and impact at Inspiring Learning, show that carefully constructed and facilitated outdoor learning can bring lasting benefits to primary school children. Dr Allan’s study into the effectiveness of outdoor activities and residentials – entitled Getting the right fit– found such activities promoted self-determination and high levels of autonomy, resulting in feelings of independence and control, as well as motivation.  See below an account of some of the varied adventures our young Wellingtonians have encountered this academic year. 

Year 5 & 6 – Campus  overnight residential 

The academic year started impressively with WCIH hosting Camp Wellington in September, our annual on-site camping residential for all Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. Pupils spent two days completing a range of thrilling activities, including: setting up their camp and tents, creating and launching water rockets, making tie–dye t-shirts, a trivia clash, a night–time reconnaissance game, an assault course, tug of war, capture the flag, a kickball tournament and finally a closing ceremony.  

After a day of exciting events, pupils enjoyed a relaxing BBQ with friends outdoors. We rounded the evening off with hot chocolate, biscuits and some traditional camp songs before retreating to our tents. Pupils had the opportunity to camp with friends in the safety of the Wellington campus. 

The residential was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their independence as, for many, it was their first time spending the night away from home. 

Year 4 – Trip to a chocolate factory

Our key reading in the autumn term was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. To inspire their learning, Year 4 went on a trip to visit Yanqiao Chocolate Research Centre situated in the beautiful Lingshan Scenic Spot in Hangzhou, next to Tongjian Lake.  

After two hours on the road, a group of chocolatiers guided us through their exhibition to time travel all the back to 1200 B.C. to explain how cacao beans enthralled the Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs and the birth of the chocolate bars in the late 18th and 19th century. 

Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed their hands-on interactive space in Yanqiao Chocolate Research Centre as they explored the history of the development of chocolate, witnessing the transformation of cocoa beans on-site production and decorating their own chocolate snowball. 

Year 3 – Trip to Cirque du Soleil

To consolidate their Learning about the circus, Year 3 went on a trip to Cirque du Soleil in Hangzhou on Thursday the 9th of March 2023.  

With the show starting at 7.30 pm and children only getting back to school around 10pm, the children surprised us all with their energy, which was driven by adrenalin and excitement. The show was entertaining, with extraordinary, almost 360° staging, seats that moved and rotated as settings changed, great music and lighting and a simple storyline of the forces of good overcoming evil.  The performance was a mix of circus acrobatics, dance performance and theatre, which highlighted the absence of animals due to an awareness of animal cruelty involved in training animals. 

Children thoroughly enjoyed the show and were wowed by the magical atmosphere created by the lighting. Being upgraded to VIP seats was a bonus as they got to meet some of the performers. Also the performers interacted with the children making them part of the performance. A fantastic, memorable evening was had by all, with most vowing to return with their families. 

Year 4 – Two night / three day residential in Lin’an

In March, Year 4 embarked on a three-day, two-night adventure, where children immersed themselves in all manner of outdoor activities. Between Tuesday and Thursday that week, our young learners were given opportunities to rock climb, hike, cycle and canoe. As well as this, Wellington College pupils enjoyed fun and games on the beach underneath blue skies and sunshine. Learned how to survive in the wild by starting fires and building shelters, learned how to erect their own tents, camped outside, and even toasted their own marshmallows around a campfire. A wonderfully action-packed three days, twenty-three superstars across Year 4 were given the trip of a lifetime. 

Year 6 – Trip to Zhejiang Museum of Natural History

After learning all about Charles Darwin, living things and the theory of evolution in school, Year 6 were lucky enough to visit an immersive experience that brought their learning to life. After an exciting coach trip, Year 6 were greeted by informative tour guides and were led around four floors of real-life exhibits. These included: the history of the planet Earth and its solar system; the evolution of life; the different biomes within our world; life-sized animals and fossils and a range of interactive displays that engaged the children throughout their tour. Year 6 reflected on their intriguing experience in school with presentations on their findings. 

Future Trips…to infinity and beyond

According to the Evaluation of Learning Away Final Report, 2015, 58% of key stage 2 pupils thought they would do better in their school work as a result of a residential trip, and 66% of secondary pupils thought they were better at problem solving and would do better at their exams after taking a school trip.  In this post-COVID world, it is more important than ever that we seek to enhance our pupils’ learning environment and empower them to broaden their horizons.  Here at Wellington, our teachers have been busy looking at our curriculum and finding links within the community to enhance our academic offerings. Pupils can look forward to a range of trips that will inspire them to continue learning about various topics across all subject areas! The next academic year will be full of trips and experiences for our pupils.