Be You. Be More. Be Changemakers on tour.

In the IGCSE History lessons, pupils study some historical events of the 20th century, which will help them understand the nature of the world. This trip to Germany and Poland was a meaningful exploration of European history. 

In Berlin, pupils delved into German history and culture through visits to the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Berlin Story Museum and the Stasi Prison, the latter two sites with direct links to local history. 

In Poland, pupils respectfully visit Auschwitz, a site that bears witness to the tragic events of human history. Here, pupils learned about the Nazi Holocaust, an experience that encourages them to contemplate on human rights, peace, justice and inclusiveness. 

Throughout the trip, the places they visited and the moments in history they felt, deepened their understanding of world history and inspired them to reflect on human nature, war and peace. It was a trip centred around history; but more importantly, it was a life lesson as pupils looked into the mirror of history and reflected on the meaning of life.  

“This study tour has not only broadened my horizons but has also deepened my contemplation of history and the present. Learning is not just about the cramming style of education in the classroom, but also about such on-site exploration and experiences. ”

Vienna and Salzburg are two fascinating cities in Austria renowned for their unique musical heritage. While representing different musical periods and styles, one thing in common in both cities is a love of music. During the trip, pupils immersed themselves in the melodious classical music and were enchanted by the magical power of music. 

For children aspiring to pursue long-term careers in music, this trip to Vienna represents an invaluable opportunity. Known as the City of Music, Vienna has been the birthplace of numerous world-class classical music masters. It is a wonderful chance for the children to deepen their understanding of music, significantly enhance their musical literacy, shape their musical personality, and lay a solid foundation for their future musical endeavours. 

From the State Opera to St. Stephen's Cathedral, and from the Riverside Theatre in Vienna to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, pupils explored the ample cultural landmarks of Vienna and deepened their understanding of classical music. They also travelled to the homes of Haydn, Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven, exploring and experiencing what inspired these great classical composers. 

Differing from Vienna, Salzburg presented pupils with more opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature and bask in fresh air. With its towering mountains and picturesque valleys, this was a postcard of Mozart’s hometown, where the great musician lived for most of his short life. It was also where pupils followed the footsteps of Maria von Trapp and Julie Andrews and gained insight into why The Sound of Music is one of the most successful productions in the history of cinema. 

"In the city of music, we seem to hear the sorrow of Beethoven and the joy of Mozart, we understand how art and academia harmoniously coexist on this land. "

Football is synonymous with Spain, and for a group of pupils, Madrid, the capital, became their training ground at the renowned Real Madrid Football training complex where they honed their football skills with professional coaches, and watched professional football matches in a world class stadium. 

For children who have a passion for football, this is more than just an ordinary educational tour. It serves as the voyage of the football dream in their hearts, being held in the hallowed ground of Real Madrid, the Bernabeu—a place where countless thrilling matches have taken place and numerous football superstars made their names. For the pupils aspiring to study in Europe, this educational tour can well be described as a roots-journey. Through firsthand experience, they gain insights into the learning environment and lifestyle habits in Spain, facilitating their transition to future study abroad. 

Amidst  the sunny ambiance in Madrid, our pupils enthusiastically cheered during the match, marking a unique experience they will never forget.  It ignited their passion for this cherished national pastime in Spain and enhanced their understanding of the educational value of sport within the curriculum. 

The training at Real Madrid Football Club allowed pupils to further discover the value of teamwork and collaboration. Watching local teams play, they were surrounded by passionate fans and felt the heartwarming connections being built with strangers through waves of cheering and applause.  

"Madrid is a city as passionate as fire, and the training base of the Real Madrid Football Club is the epitome of this city's enthusiasm. Here, everyone takes pride in football. Football is not just a sport, it's also a spirit. It teaches us to be united, to have tenacity, to be daring and to never give up. "

Crowned as the City of Light, Paris, the capital of France, is a city famous for its history, art, fashion and gastronomy. During this educational trip, pupils gained an in-depth understanding of French history and culture, practised cross-cultural communication skills and embraced the charm of art. 

Pupils developed an appreciation for the diverse architecture, art and culture of one of Europe’s and the world’s most frequented cities. From the panoramic view of Paris at Trocadéro Square, to the awe-inspiring sight of the iconic Eiffel Tower, our pupils marvelled at the city’s grandeur. They were enthralled by the renowned Bateaux Mouches, the boats gracefully navigating the Seine River and enjoyed leisurely strolls along the Champs-Élysées to the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe, with history surrounding them. 

The Arc de Triomphe provided pupils a glimpse into the heart of the ancient city, allowing them to experience history firsthand. The Louvre, famous fashion houses and perfumeries added enrichment to the exquisite artistic heritage in France, a fine opportunity to appreciate and connect to the arts world. 

Pupils indulged in the gastronomic delights of Parisian and French cuisine, some participating in a hands-on cooking experience, absorbing the richness of French culinary culture as well as invaluable life skills in the process.  

"We not only toured the grand and spectacular Eiffel Tower but also traced ancient historical pathways on the Seine River by boat. The grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe and the art treasures in the Louvre have left me in awe. This study trip has not only broadened my horizons, but also deeply stimulated my love for art and world culture. "

During the trip to Australia, pupils embarked on a journey of exploring history, geography and ecology. Overlooking the ocean on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a sense of humbling insignificance against the vastness of nature enveloped them. At the Sydney Opera House, they were amazed by the passion and pursuit of art and impressed by the combination of architectural and musical arts, enhancing their appreciation of art. 

The children took a ferry to Manly Beach to seek the charm and diversity of this scenic coastal beach area easily accessible from Sydney. Upon visiting the Great Barrier Reef, however, pupils learned how fragile and valuable the ecosystem is. They decided to be more committed to environmental protection and contribute their strength to guard our blue planet. 

They also studied indigenous culture in Mossman Gorge to decipher the profound history of this land and understand the significance of cultural diversity. Being in the middle of the Daintree Rainforest allowed pupils to experience the biodiversity directly and be aware of how essential it is to protect rare species and tropical rainforests. They stayed within the rainforest to be closer to nature and feel its magnificence. 

Participating in the work of the Rainforest Conservation Foundation, pupils realised how vitally important it is to conserve nature and that individual actions can have a significant impact on the environment. It was a trip that enriched their outlook of the world and enhanced their cross-cultural understanding and global perspective, which exerted a positive impact on their growth and learning. 

“Under the guidance of the Rainforest Conservation Foundation, putting environmental conservation theories into practice has led me to a profound realisation that the aim of learning is not only to acquire knowledge but more importantly, to apply it into concrete action in order to protect our shared home, the Earth. ”

The other trip to Australia also took pupils to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Australia whilst learning about its precious ecology. They visited the wildlife rehabilitation centre in Toowoomba, where they found out about the daily work of animal rehabilitation. Building upon this, pupils learned about animal conservation and participated in overnight duty of wildlife rehabilitation. They experienced firsthand, how to protect ecological integrity. It was such a captivating trip that allowed pupils to appreciate the importance of harmonious coexistence with nature. 

In the following days, pupils visited the ‘Australian Zoo’, where they learned and interacted with a diverse array of flora and fauna, raising their awareness of biodiversity conservation. They also visited the rock hiking area in Sydney, where they learned about the unique geological history and cultural heritage of the country. 

Additionally, they visited Manly by ferry and arrived at Spit Headland Walk and Beach, admiring the vast and breathtaking ocean landscape. The trip was a harmony of education and recreation, it broadened their horizons, improved their practical skills and emphasised teamwork and collaboration. 

“Every species of animal and plant in the zoo is like a miracle of nature. Not only has my knowledge expanded, but I've also come to understand the importance of biodiversity. This educational trip was more than just a journey; it was a lively lesson in ecology and biology that ushered in a deeper understanding and reverence for nature. ”

Thailand, a tropical country, boasts unique tourist attractions. There are enchanting bays and towering mountains, and people and nature coexist in harmony thanks to its relaxed lifestyle. At the Maekok River Village Resort in Thailand, pupils embarked on a rewarding journey. 

Pupils took a 10 km hike through Doi Pha Hom Phok National Park, a treasure of nature. The hike brought pupils through the mysterious caves and leafy rainforest, up magnificent gorges, past refreshing waterfalls, and ending at a cool river with natural hot springs for swimming, saunas and hot pools. 

Beyond physical challenges, our pupils conquered fears and improved self confidence. They crossed a pond of murky water using chains, beams, swinging ropes and monkey bars in their high ropes course, increasing their courage and perseverance. On the banks of the Mae Kok River, pupils became creative handcraft artists as they designed and made rafts using barrels, bamboo and rope, transforming the ideas from their childhood into reality.

It was admiring to see pupils demonstrating social responsibility in another country. They engaged in a public service aimed to improve conditions in a local school where ethnic minority children constitute its major student demography. They contributed to foundation groundwork, laying concrete and bricklaying, sowing the seed of love and hope within the community. 

“This educational trip to Thailand was a life-expanding experience for me. The most impactful part was participating in a charity project, aimed at improving the learning environment for local minority students. I came to understand that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing character. We should use our knowledge to change the world and aid those in need. ”

Beijing, the capital city of China, has been the political and cultural capital of the country for over a thousand years. A city with the most World Heritage Sites in the world, Beijing is home to many popular tourist attractions representative of the rich history and culture of the country, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. It is also the perfect option for anyone desiring to learn about Chinese history and culture as it offers many resources for listening, learning, and exploring. 

During their trip to Beijing, pupils went hiking on the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall, participated in such activities as abseiling and kayaking, and experienced the majesty of the Great Wall from different angles. To gain a deeper understanding of the city, they also visited the renowned Imperial Palace to venture into the ancient architecture, they participated in cultural facts competitions, and watched Peking opera performances. 

Additionally, they visited the Universal Beijing Resort to experience an array of theme-park rides as they felt the thrill of roller coasters, the romance of the carousel, and the passion of stage performances. Pupils immersed themselves in the activities and enjoying a well deserved respite from the academic pressures and challenges. 

“In Beijing, I felt like I was traversing through a long river of history, stepping into the glorious and solemn Forbidden City, deeply feeling the profound and unique Chinese culture. Subsequently, we also tasted the fun of modern entertainment, visiting Universal Studios and experiencing various amusement facilities, both thrilling and interesting. I clearly realise that learning is not only about flipping through books but can also be experienced and perceived in entertainment. ”

Yixian Couty is located in the southernmost part of Huangshan City, Anhui Province. A cultural centre in the Song Dynasty, Yixian has its unique culture and history, while Anhui cuisine is one of the eight major cuisines in China. The county boasts the beautiful natural scenery in the mountainous area and is famous for its ancient buildings like ancestral temples and memorial archways. It is an ideal place for pupils to travel as it demonstrates a combination of nature and culture. Therefore, the trip had a theme of exploring the ancient culture and nature of Huizhou City*.

* Huizhou City is the name of the area that was in charge of Yixian County from the Song Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty.   

Pupils visited Nanping Ancient Village and participated in various local activities. Pupils appreciated the ancient local architecture and wood carving crafts, and elegantly enjoyed the tea ceremony and Anhui cuisine, from which they learned much about Huizhou culture. 

Agricultural-related activities were also subsumed into this trip to immerse pupils in nature. Such activities highlighted the importance of protecting nature and urged pupils to respect nature and live in harmony with it. 

Pupils also went hiking to Huangshan Mountain, one of the top ten scenic spots in China, from which pupils learned facts about geology. Admiring the mountain from different angles, they combined their observation with fresh knowledge gained at the beauty spot. 

“In Huangshan, Anhui, we came into contact with the rich culture of Huizhou. Wandering through the ancient village of Nanping, we appreciated the charm of the traditional Huizhou-style architecture, tried our hands at wood carving, and felt as though we were touching the texture of history. The elegant art of tea and the delicious Huizhou cuisine deeply conveyed to us the concept of refined life in Huizhou. This educational trip elevated our learning to another dimension, as we lived amongst history and nature, experiencing the allure of culture. ”

Located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, Dunhuang served as an essential trade hub on the ancient Silk Road, making it a place with plenty of historical relics, such as the Great Wall ruins built in the Han Dynasty, stone caves built over 1,200 years by several generations, ancient manuscripts and scrolls, and distinctive geological landscapes. Naturally, the theme of this trip was history and culture. 

At the Mogao Grottoes and mud embryo painting workshop, pupils learned about the religious history and artistic painting culture of the region. They also hiked and experienced camel riding in the beautiful desert and Crescent Lake, learning how merchants used to travel on the Silk Road. They visited ancient ruins representing the great history of China, looking back at history to gain a better understanding of it. 

In the desert, pupils planted trees to help prevent and control desertification, improving their environmental awareness. They also participated in other fun activities, such as a desert campfire party and tasting Dunhuang cuisine. 

“In the clay painting workshop, we hand-painted those ancient patterns, feeling the power of art and delicate skills; in the desert, we planted small green hopes, each sapling carrying our aspirations for a beautiful home. ”

Anji is famous for its beautiful bamboo forests that stretch beyond the horizon. With top-notch hiking trails, clear and cool streams, and pristine reservoirs, it is an ideal place for an activity-packed excursion. 

In the greenery of Anji, pupils became more resilient and perseverant through many exciting activities. Treetop challenge, rock climbing, and abseiling challenged them to step out of their comfort zone to tackle obstacles. Cultural experiences like bamboo weaving and bamboo rice making not only helped pupils to explore the essence of Chinese traditional cuisine culture, but also to understand the concept and cultural connotation of the unity of nature and humanity in traditional Chinese culture. 

“In the jungles of Anji, we felt an intimacy with nature; the challenges of abseiling and rock climbing taught me that the value of life lies in never giving up. Additionally, I took great pleasure in learning the crafts of bamboo weaving and making bamboo tube rice, which taught me to approach learning new things with greater patience. ”

Located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island in China, Sanya is a long and narrow city with a coastline that spans hundreds of miles. Its remarkable seaside scenery means it stands as one of the most sought after seaside resort destinations in China, where our pupils had many unique experiences during the trip. 

Sanya Bay is a very popular surfing destination, with waves catering for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The tropical rainforest is a magical place full of mysterious flora and fauna for one to admire the fascinating scenery, feel the power of nature, experience different cultures, and explore an unknown world. Pupils also participated in community service because volunteering is of significant contribution to community service. This allowed the pupils to build their life values and positively influenced community ecology and development. 

“Every time I was swept up by the waves, the unease and the overpowering force made me strive harder to master my surfing skills. It also brought a deeper realisation that learning isn't just about books, but also about understanding life and nature. Through exploring knowledge and experiencing the real world, I've come to comprehend the true essence of learning. ”