by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
I am very excited to share with you the impending launch of ISB’s own Outdoor Education Department, the ‘Wild Panthers.’
Led by our Outdoor Education Director, Mr. Elliott Bowyer, this department is dedicated to providing high quality Experiential Outdoor Education programs to all middle school students as part of their curricular studies. This will be a fundamental part of our learning experience over each of the three years of middle school. Next year’s middle school students will be the first to experience this.
Throughout this year, we have been planning the learning program to suit the kids’ needs and take advantage of the opportunities for outdoor experiences in Thailand. The final stages of planning will be completed before June 2017 and the Wild Panthers program will be launched in August 2017, with all middle school grades.
Each grade level will participate in a 3-day, 2-night expedition at our new ISB Environmental Wilderness Campus, located in Phu Sai, Nong Ya Plong, Petchaburi Province, about 2.5 hours from ISB. Students will attend these expeditions in groups of approximately 20 students made up from the combination of 2 advisory groups.
We have hired certified outdoor ed-specialist certified teachers who will deliver lessons to students first at ISB, preparing them for the adventures that lie ahead. These teachers will ensure the students have the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the 3-day expedition. All of the required equipment will be of the highest standard and provided on site. These same ISB instructors will supervise the students on site, where lodging is comfortable and safe.
Research has time and again demonstrated the benefits of outdoor education for student learning and well-being. We are very excited to have our own wilderness campus and to be able to launch this program.
Looking ahead, please save Wednesday, 19th April at 6.30pm for our introductory information evening for MS parents with students in 7th & 8th grades starting August 2017. (We will address it separately at the grade 5 to grade 6 transition session for parents.)
We look forward to sharing with you the goals and vision of this terrific program. We hope you can make the session to share in the excitement and to learn more about this transformative learning experience.