Outdoor Education 2017

This year, the Uniformed Groups (UGs) in our school organised an Outdoor Education programme for the Secondary One cohort. Its purpose was to teach the Sec Ones useful life skills that they can apply in their daily lives, such as first aid, outdoor cooking, and knot-tying, in a fun and engaging way. We also hoped that they would gain a better understanding of some of the activities we do in UGs. The programme took place twice a week, and lasted for a month.

The focus of our Outdoor Education sessions were knots, which a component of campcraft, something very important to us in NPCC. We taught them a few knots that were simple and felt would be most useful to them. For every knot we taught them, we would introduce its function, and encouraged them to think of how it could be used in their daily lives. Visual aides such as Powerpoint slides and diagrams were used to allow them to learn more effectively. We also went around the class and gave demonstrations on how to tie the knots, so the Sec Ones could see the process better.

At the end of the first session, we went on to the highlight, bracelet making. We thought the addition of bracelet making would make the end of the session an exciting one, as the Sec Ones could essentially put the knots they just learnt into action and handcraft their own bracelet. We choose colourful string in hopes of representing the vibrant journey the Sec Ones would further go on to embark on in their secondary school life. Many, if not all of the Sec Ones were particularly excited at the thought of being able to make their own bracelet. We mainly used the chain knot and fisherman’s knot in the tying process, which would enable the Sec Ones to adjust the length of their bracelet. We caught many of them excitedly wearing their bracelets and snapping pictures (after they were done), which was a heartening thing to see.

At the second session, we made sure to revise the knots and hitches we had taught earlier during the first session, using PowerPoint slides and visual aides for recap. We also went around the class doing demonstrations for those who were unclear. We had to ensure that this segment was done efficiently to spare more time for the games segment afterwards.

After revising the knots and hitches with the class, we proceed to our respective venues with our classes to carry out the games. The class would be split into four groups. The first game would be blind knots, where one Sec One in each group would have her eyes covered, and she have to tie the knot given to her within a time limit of one minute. Her other group mates were allowed to help her verbally but not physically. For the second game, the group was to construct a net using a ball of twine and four poles. It is explained that the net would be used when they play captains balls later. We ensured that our games were inclusive and allows all group members to actively participate in the activities.

As a whole, we felt that our outdoor education sessions were successful. It is a good way to publicise out CCA and make more Secondary Ones to know more about us. We could also see that most of the Sec Ones wee very engaged in learning and playing the games. We hope that all Sec Ones have enjoyed our session and we wish them a meaningful outdoor education.