The Lasting Impact of Residential Trips
Dear Parents,
I hope that all our NAIS Hong Kong families are safe and well today on our T8 day at home. It is quite apt therefore, that today I nudge us all to consider the impact of residential and experiential learning.
We are at the beginning of our experiential learning cycles at school with Year 5 residential to Beijing soon departing and many more trips and experiences planned across the school.
Importantly, we should consider that residential trips offer children far more than just a change of scenery and country. They are powerful experiences that help shape independence, resilience, and real-world problem-solving skills. Away from the comfort of home and familiar routines, children are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, make decisions, and adapt to new environments. These are essential life skills that prepare them for future challenges both in and out of school.
During residential trips, children encounter situations that cannot be replicated in the same way at home or with family and friends. Whether it’s navigating group dynamics, managing personal belongings, or overcoming physical and emotional challenges, they learn to think critically, collaborate, and persevere. These moments of growth often lead to increased confidence and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
We see time and again, both as teachers and parents, how these experiences foster maturity and strengthen friendships, creating memories that last a lifetime.
So, I ask you to talk to your children when they have an upcoming trip or a residential, about just how much they will gain from the experience and fully support their brave decisions to try something different and new. Your support in preparing your child emotionally and practically for these adventures is invaluable.
On this day when we are all at home, imagining the enriching opportunities that are ahead for our children is compelling enough to know that these experiential trips can help shape our children into capable, compassionate, and confident individuals.
Looking Ahead
Please see below dates that may be of interest in the coming months *may be subject to changes*:
