Read the original post: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Embodies Holistic Education
Holistic education is frequently talked about in today’s field of education. However, what kind of pupils does holistic education aim to cultivate? Why does WASHZ value this education philosophy?
We may be able to find an example in an extraordinary expedition. This concept was embodied in a recent three-day expedition for WASHZ pupils to the Nanshan Bamboo Forest.
This event is a compulsory subject for pupils to pursue the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
In the vast Nanshan bamboo forest, WASHZ pupils calmly coped with many challenges, relying on teamwork to resolve many problems. Stepping out of the classroom and through the trials of the laws of nature, they rapidly grew up to the challenge.
Compared with ordinary hikes, DofE expeditions are more challenging, during which pupils face complex terrain and weather conditions. It is an even bigger test for those who have yet to face extensive outdoor experience.
K. Lieu from G12 had yearned for nature since childhood. He had an extra task ahead of him: recording the whole trip. Although he had prepared in advance, the sudden heavy rain caught him and his teammates off guard. When editing the video, he watched it scene by scene and admitted that the actual situation was far more thrilling than what was shown on the screen.
“On the second day, the route was the longest. It was raining and the road was extremely slippery. When going uphill, we couldn’t get a firm foothold at all. We had to grab the bamboo with our hands. Some bamboo was dead and broke off, causing us to fall over. All of us got soaked through.”
S. Wang, also from G12, agreed with Lieu’s assessment of the difficulty. Wang, participating in the expedition for the second time, thought this time was by far the more challenging.
With few people in the bamboo forest, the pupils were forced to rely solely on their teammates. Malachy Scullion, Head of Faculty of the Business and ICT Department at WASHZ, witnessed team members’ cooperation first-hand.
“People who are good at map reading and compass work usually plan the route. Someone who’s good at maths will do the mathematical calculations of how high to walk the altitude and also how far to walk. Other pupils who are quite good at being leadership will supervise what each person is doing.”
K. Lieu mentioned that they would sing to encourage each other when tired. No matter how steep the slope, as long as they were singing, they found they could cover it quickly.
As an experienced senior, S. Wang took the initiative to act as a “guide”. He led his teammates to draw up maps, use compasses to locate directions and share tips for outdoor survival.
The remarkable leadership he demonstrated during the expedition will be a significant boost for his future career. S. Wang has already been admitted to Loughborough University, ranking world first for sports-related subjects.
The bamboo forest is full of uncertainties and changes, just like a microcosm of the real world. Similarly, the pupils’ adventurous exploration is a preview of their future entry into society.
Whether it’s the meticulous planning before entering the bamboo forest, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances during the journey, or the order that runs through the whole process, they all indicate how these young people are well-prepared to meet their next challenges.
In this expedition, the challenges that WASHZ pupils faced were the complex surrounding environment and the limits of their physical strength and mental endurance.
S. Wang commented on his feelings at the time:
“When you are already physically exhausted, don’t have enough to eat, and you have to deal with bad weather and poor road conditions, it’s really easy to feel desperate.”
However, when he saw that the teachers and many teammates participating in the exploration for the first time were all persevering, he knew that he could keep going.
K. Lieu recalled that each had to carry a 15-kilo load. Climbing up one hill after another was a massive test of physical strength and willpower. When the body and mind reached the critical point, it was the moment to fight with willpower.
“Never giving up is a wonderful spirit.”
Indeed, none of them gave up. Complaints were turned into motivation, and their steps never ceased. Eventually, they arrived at their destination on time, with an error of only one kilometre from the original destination.
In Mr Scullion’s view, this expedition trip has taught the pupils vital “life skills” that will benefit them for a lifetime. First, they need to learn to plan in advance. They should respond calmly and use their strengths to solve problems when encountering difficulties. Even the physical strength cultivated through mountain climbing and long hikes is essential for achieving excellence.
In the future, the challenges they will face will be far more severe than this. As the saying goes, “The last leg of a journey just marks the halfway point.” Most people lack just that bit of tenacity. If they persevere a little more, they can embrace a vast expanse of open land, which is precisely what holistic education emphasises.
What “holistic education” aims to cultivate is not merely good pupils with excellent grades and strong learning abilities but individuals who can adapt to the times, establish themselves in a diverse international society, and possess all-round development.
This makes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award a perfect platform for WASHZ to leverage in pursuing the holistic education concept.
After returning from the expedition in Nanshan Bamboo Forest, WASHZ pupils have seen more of the world and, more importantly, seen themselves. The seeds of being a leader, an explorer, and a navigator have been planted in their hearts. Memories may fade over time, but the composure and adaptability acquired from the expedition will play a crucial role in every critical moment in the future. This is the true value of holistic education.
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