As Heads of Grade, we understand how stressful Grade 10 can be for students, who often neglect their own welfare as they begin their sprint toward the IGCSE finish line. We wanted to offer them an opportunity to shut their books, turn off their iPads, and reconnect with nature.
On October 30th and 31st, we took an overnight trip to Hangzhou, where students hiked through the picturesque Longjing tea fields and visited the famous West Lake.
The trip was a defining experience for the students. The adverse weather conditions during the first day’s 10km hike tested their endurance and perseverance, pushing them to expand their limits. With the support of their classmates, they reached the finish line, where a well-deserved bowl of ginger soup welcomed them back at the hotel.
On Friday, students formed closer bonds through teamwork as they collaborated on a charming tour around West Lake. They participated in traditional Chinese games, solved riddles, and collected wonderful memories. It was a truly rewarding trip and a wonderful opportunity for us, as Heads of Grade, to see students thriving beyond their screens.
Immediately after the G10 PP1 exams, the school organized a team-building hike in Jiuxi, Hangzhou, which became an unforgettable experience. There was a light drizzle along the way, whose rhythmic sound, vibrant greenery, and fresh air refreshed our bodies and minds. Mobile phones were banned during the hike, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in Jiuxi’s natural environment.
The 10km hike had its ups and downs. As a complete novice, I was a bit hesitant at first, but by following the guide’s lead and listening to the encouragement of my peers, I successfully completed the entire journey. In my opinion, this was an unexpectedly satisfying new experience.
As enlightening as it is to live in an urban metropolis like Shanghai, sometimes getting out of the city and into the mountains—letting our shoes and clothes get soaked—is a refreshing excursion. As we hiked ten kilometers through the Longjing tea fields, beneath a canopy of green, I found myself squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend under a single umbrella. By the time we made it back to the buses, I felt that our bond had been strengthened tremendously. Experiencing Hangzhou in the crisp autumn, wandering by the magnificent West Lake with friends, and spending time with each other outside of school made for a truly special trip.
The Hangzhou team-building trip left me with countless precious memories, especially the hike when a sudden downpour hit. Hiking with my peers in the misty, humid air was a unique and absolutely astonishing experience. I hope we’ll have more memorable trips like this one. Throughout the hike, I learned to support and help my peers. We stuck together, shared umbrellas, and helped each other trek through the hills in the rain. We got drenched but remained determined, and surprisingly, we were among the first to finish!
A truly memorable moment was the final meal, gathered around a large round table with a group of reliable and collaborative friends. The lazy susan spun constantly, carrying not just delicious local dishes that we had never tried before, but also our shared laughter and stories from the past two days. The light drizzle outside made our warm, dry corner feel even cozier and more secure. Being away from our electronic devices, we rediscovered that food tastes infinitely better when it’s a shared experience. The meal wasn’t just about eating; it was a celebration of our teamwork—through rain or shine, we navigated the challenges and cherished the moments we shared together.
