Category: Reflections

Problem Solving – Amazing Race

During the Amazing Race, there were many opportunities for us to showcase and develop our problem-solving skills. For the first activity, we were put in groups and sent on a treasure hunt. To decode the clues we were given, we had to work as a team and help each other problem-solve. In another activity, we had to cross a river using a 1-person kayak while fitting 3 people on it. This required us to problem solve & try out multiple methods until we finally could find the most efficient way to get across.

Communication – Rafting

While we were rafting, my partner and I had to make sure we were communicating well so that we could have an enjoyable experience. In order for us to move forward efficiently, we discussed which side each person would paddle on, and at what pace. When navigating through the river, we had to talk to each other to make sure we knew which way we were taking. We also had to communicate whenever we wanted to turn, as it meant that one person would have to stop paddling to turn in a certain direction.

Rock Climbing – Resillience

At school, we had a climbing wall we would go to with each line having different difficulties. I made sure to be resilient and try each line multiple times, that way I could improve on my climbing skills. While rock climbing at camp, there were some climbs that were more challenging than others. While I didn’t get to the top of those climbs, I made sure I was resilient and tried them more than once.

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Leave No Trace

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

“Check the weather and conditions before you go.” We planned ahead by freezing our meat so our food didn’t go to waste. We also discussed who was taking what before we left for camp

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

“Only travel on established trails and sites so you don’t create a path.” We stayed at designated camping places and avoided ruining any nature

3. Dispose of Rubbish Properly

“Bring rubbish back with you and properly dispose of other waste.” We put all our waste in bins, and before we left we did an ’emu bob’

4. Leave what you find

“Don’t move or collect natural items, help conserve historical and cultural sites.” We didn’t remove any natural items from their place.

5. Minimise Impact of Fire

“Know the local campfire regulations and completely burn out fires.” We made sure to try and burn all our campfires down to coals, and not use more wood than necessary.

6. Be Respectful of Wildlife

“Use the “rule of thumb”. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times.” We didn’t feed or ruin any wildlife and we avoided walking through bushes.

7. Be considerate of your hosts and other visitiors

“Use quiet voices, camp at a distance from others and be respectful to others.” We made sure to be quiet once it got late and we didn’t disturb any nearby campers.

Capabilities are very important in our lives and our future, and certain tasks in the Year 10 English Curriculum allow us to focus on developing them. Earlier in the year, we had an assignment to create a spoken word performance. The performance was meant to inform the audience about an issue of importance. My partner and I chose to talk about bullying, both in-person and online. By the end of the assignment, I had made great improvements to my creative capabilities.

A moment that improved my creativity was when my partner and I were assigned the task. We were told that we were allowed to present our spoken piece in any form. We could’ve done a basic performance such as a PowerPoint or a speech, but I knew I had to think outside the box and discover an engaging yet informative way to present our issue. So, after brainstorming multiple methods to present, we decided that the best way to communicate our issue was through a podcast. It would convey all the key ideas uncovered in our research while still keeping the audience engaged.

Choosing to present as a podcast meant we had to create a scenario & a script. We decided that on our podcast, we talk about important issues and today’s episode was bullying. We talk about the facts of bullying, the reasons people bully, and we even get a guest caller on the show. He talks about his experience being bullied and we give him advice. We end it off by recommending websites that may help people deal with bullying. Over the course of this task, my growth in creativity allows me to now see things with a more open mind.