EDUCATION: KRISTIN SCHOOL
A classic quote by John Lubbock, who perceptively stated… "Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books." Over a century after Lubbock’s comments and at Kristin School, we do not underestimate the value of outdoor education in providing young people with the opportunity to grow and develop, personally and socially. As well as offering our students outdoor education as a curriculum option, every February, every Middle and Senior School student and staff member embark on Camp Week at various scenic locations across New Zealand. Friendships are established and strengthened; essential 'soft skills' of cooperation, teamwork, leadership, adaptability and problem-solving are enhanced, and a curiosity and appreciation of protecting and caring for our environment are fostered. Alas, this year, Covid curtailed our annual Camp plans. Alternatively, in testimony to our commitment to providing a holistic range of educational experiences, Kristin Middle School hosted an outdoor adventure day for each year level in conjunction with the outdoor provider, Bigfoot. Kristin is privileged to have a beautiful campus backing onto Lucas Creek. The opportunity to use our extensive grounds and immediate environment during a school day was an essential component of the experience. As Year 10 student, Leisha, explained, "We didn't let Covid beat us; we still got to enjoy camp right here on Kristin's grounds!" As a brand new cohort, Year 7's primary focus was on social connections. Students participated in various activities in their tutor classes, ranging from mountain biking to archery, making bivvy shelters and rock climbing our own Kristin climbing wall. Akaal summed up the experience perfectly, "Adventure Day was so much fun as we got to try so many new things. I was so pleased that my class was the overall winner, but more importantly, we made new friends". With Year 8 participating in the William Pike Award this year, their focus was on developing skills to survive outdoors. As a result, the
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Issue 129 - April 2022 www.channelmag.co.nz
year group came away from their outdoor adventure day far more knowledgeable about bush survival, pack making and "... how to tie a bunch of different knots and to pitch a perfect tent" (– Kara), as well as outdoor first aid. "My highlight? Learning how to tie a sling and make one out of your jersey." – Alys. Meanwhile, for Year 9, their outdoor adventure day was about providing "a great way to catalyse our friendships" (- Imogen). In addition, adventure-based learning games helped "develop a stronger sense of connection with the year group" and rewarded "good teamwork" amongst coaching groups. And finally, all our Year 10 students had the opportunity to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Training Day. "We got to do some fun activities like navigation and orienteering, rope tying, bivouac building, packing a tramping bag, and we even managed to cook our lunch on a portable stove using gas cans!" Leisha. Focusing on the skills and knowledge required for the DOE Adventurous Journey, the Year 10's day provided a means of selfdiscovery, increasing self-confidence and helping enhance values and ideals as responsible citizens of the world. While our Middle School students were unable this year to traverse the Tongariro Crossing or surf at Raglan – arguably iconic New Zealand outdoor experiences – they were able to enjoy and discover our own beautiful backyard. Any opportunity to appreciate nature "reminds us that we are part of something bigger" (– Ben Palmer-Fry), and, for many of our students, it deepened their sense of belonging and connection to Kristin at the beginning of a new school year. What's more, amidst a Covid pandemic and disturbing images of war in Ukraine, for our young people to be outside and immersed in nature away from devices, "it grounds us, calm us" (– Ben Palmer-Fry). As we approach Easter and the April holidays, the opportunity to spend time with friends and family outside in magnificent Aotearoa, and the importance of appreciating and being grateful for our environment – our haven – has never been more significant. Deborah Plummer, Assistant Principal, Kristin Middle School
