We are thrilled to share highlights from our recent Diploma Programme (DP) retreat, which took place from September 12th to 14th. This exciting event provided students with the opportunity to engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), while also developing their collaborative, leadership, and critical thinking skills in the beautiful Qiandao Hu region.
Day 1: Thriving Together
The first day began with a smooth departure from school. Upon arrival, students participated in a team-building activity where they constructed catapults, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills between Grade 11 and Grade 12s.
Students also had the chance to express their creativity through reflective journals, capturing moments that communicated their feelings at the start of the retreat. Throughout the rest of the retreat, students continued to gather photographic evidence of their experiences in Creativity, Activity, and Service.
Grade 11 students engaged in service by assisting a local village with harvesting and planting, while Grade 12 students attended workshops to unpack the May 2024 TOK questions and learn how to effectively structure their essays. After a fulfilling day, students focused on their well-being by enjoying the hot springs, gym, and other hotel facilities.
Day 2: Engaging Activities and Appreciation of CAS and TOK
The second day kicked off with activities such as volleyball, yoga, painting, frisbee, trail running, and Tai Chi. These activities offered students a chance to try something new and genuinely appreciate the essence of CAS.
Grade 11 participated in a “survival” activity that highlighted the effectiveness of teamwork over individual effort. This experience reinforced the importance of building connections with Grade 12 students, emphasizing that collaboration is key to achieving personal and academic excellence.
Meanwhile, Grade 12 students had dedicated time to plan their chosen TOK titles, supported by our exceptional TOK training team. The afternoon brought thrills and spills as both grades enjoyed kayaking, high ropes, biking, and white-water rafting—an exhilarating experience that allowed students to take measured risks while having a blast.
The evening culminated in a BBQ dinner, followed by a sharing session where Grade 12 students shared their experiences with Grade 11 students. This vertical sharing fostered mentorship and connection between the grades, and a fun piñata added a festive touch to the day.
Day 3: Reflection and Growth
On the final day, students reflected on their experiences by sharing their photo journals, encouraging them to think critically about what they learned during the retreat. This reflection session was a meaningful way to wrap up our time together, strengthening the bonds between Grade 11 and Grade 12 and preparing for closer connections back at school.
Conclusion
This retreat was not only a celebration of our students’ resilience and teamwork but also a reminder of the incredible community we have at HIS. We look forward to building on these experiences as we continue our journey together!
