Beyond the Classroom
Our local environment is a powerful resource to provide different types of experiential learning. Field trips or excursions take place regularly during the school year to support our units of inquiry. Students have the opportunity to visit, amongst others, Singapore’s historical and cultural sites, museums, and galleries.
For students in the primary, residential trips or camps are the highlight of the school year. They take place once a year and the programmes vary in duration and focus. Students from Years 4 to 6 attend a one-night, two-night or three-night residential trip. Such trips provide a great opportunity for students to become more independent and collaborative..
In secondary school, Curriculum Enhancement Week (CEW) is one of the highlights in the school calendar. CEW at Chatsworth takes students outside the classroom. It extends learning and growth opportunities for them to participate in new adventures and gain experiences from visiting other cultures in the region. Students are involved in community service on their travels and participate in a variety of activities such as trekking, kayaking, biking. Students get to experience living in different environments like the jungle, rural areas, hotels and hostels. It is also a time for teachers and students to bond and connect with one another.
Highlights of Past School Trips
From obstacle courses that tested endurance and perseverance to team building activities through visiting various attractions to waterpark activities, students had an exciting experiential learning with their peers and teachers on the sunny island of Sentosa.
Raising the challenge for Years 8 and 9, students went to Pulau Ubin. Here they experienced activities such as ziplining, tackling a maze that simulated conditions of a cave, went on a kayaking expedition, and explored the nature and wildlife on the island.
Students went on an amazing race across a large part of Singapore. Starting in West Coast Park, they cycled, kayaked and hiked all the way to East Coast Park. This put their planning, teamwork, physical strength and mental resilience to the test.
Students of the academic year 2019-20 were the pioneering batch who camped at our Bukit Timah campus. The senior students gleaned insights on topics preparing for life beyond high school helmed by teachers and guest speakers and participated in outdoor activities.
I went with my year group to Cambodia for our CEW. Not only were the temples and historical structures fantastic, but also the experiences with the local people. During our trip we visited two schools to interact with the children: at one we helped construct a stone floor, and at the other we practised English with the children.
Max Issel, Year 10 (2018-19)
I went on a trip with my peers to Vietnam for about a week. I was immersed in culture and social norms that were far different from my own. We were able to hike up mountains and live with a Vietnamese family who generously hosted us. I feel as though the experience gave me insight into how other people live, and truly brought me closer to my classmates.
Xanthippi Nowacki, Year 12 (2017-18)