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LEARNING Heading away to camp Years 4, 5 and 6 students went on camp at the end of Term 1 for some adventurous learning outside the classroom. Years 4 and 5 went on a joint camp at El Rancho inWaikanae, and Year 6 went to Camp Kaitoke in Upper Hutt. Activities for the three groups included rock climbing, kayaking, soft archery, chapel escape (similar to an escape room), a waterslide, tubing, raft building, horse riding, low ropes and other team activities. As well as being an exciting adventure, it also gave way to the children developing IB Learner Profile attributes outside the classroom says Primary Years Programme Lead Teacher Nickie De Denus. “I observed the students learn to be principled by using manners and setting the tables during mealtimes, caring by looking after one another and risk taking by taking part in new experiences. “The girls were also open-minded when working with new girls from other classes. I was so impressed by their enthusiasm and positivity about the experience,” Nickie says. Highlights for students included working in teams, compliment circles around the fire, cabin chants, going down the waterslide, building rafts and the chapel escape. Students also enjoyed sleeping away from home for two nights and going horse riding – for many girls this was for the first time. “I was so impressed by our girls and how well they adapted to these changes, showing real resilience and excellent self-management,” Acting Head of Junior School Rena Day says. “This was the first camp for Year 4, and they and the Year 5 students demonstrated the theme of co-operation and kindness throughout as they navigated their way through some new and challenging activities. “The theme for the Year 6 camp was building independence and strength, challenging the girls with activities that encouraged them to problem-solve in a motivated way. I was highly impressed, as were the instructors, by each student’s engagement and effort throughout.” 20 Queen Margaret Calling :: ISSUE 63 :: May 2019