Telunas Adventure 2024
Last week, MIS students in MYP 4-5 embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Telunas, set against the stunning backdrop of Kepulauan Riau. This weeklong journey of learning beyond the classroom was filled with challenges, personal growth, and opportunities to come together as a team.
From the outset, students were immersed in new experiences. Highlights of the trip included a thrilling raft-building competition, a survival challenge day featuring shelter construction, ropes courses, orienteering, and even catching and cooking our own fish. A truly memorable moment came when we visited Pulau Jaga, where we spent two days engaging with the local community. We bonded with primary school students there, performing the traditional Batak Garantung and teaching them to play it themselves. In return, they taught us their local drumming style. Our time together was filled with laughter and friendship as we played games, danced, sang, and toured their village. We gained valuable insights into the local fishing and seaweed harvesting industries, the challenges of healthcare, and providing power and safe water to remote islands.
In between all these activities, there was plenty of time to relax, savor delicious meals, and have fun on the beach. A standout moment was the Thursday night bonfire, where we made wood-fired pizzas and reflected on our time at Telunas. Students shared how, at first, they felt uncertain about spending a week away from the comforts of home, but as the days went by, they embraced the activities, strengthened friendships, and learned to work as a team. After all that soul-searching we lightened the mood with a marshmallow roast and singing and dancing performances by the students. By the end of the week, many students would have happily stayed a few more days, soaking in the warmth of the Telunas staff and the beauty of our little island paradise.
Experiences like this are integral to the MYP programme. While classroom learning is essential, taking education into the real world allows students to interact with different cultures and environments, and experience challenges in a way that deepens their understanding. At Telunas, we not only developed new skills and knowledge but also embodied the attributes of the IB Learner Profile and honed our Approaches to Learning skills. Most importantly, we created memories that will stay with us forever.
Thank you to all the students, teachers, and parents who made this plan a reality.
