Cambodia 2016

From the 13th to 16th of September 2016, twenty two Year 9 students and three members of staff travelled to Cambodia to take part in a cross-curricular Geography, History and English field trip. The trip was also cross-campus, so our students and staff from Bangkok and Khao Yai were able to work together. The trip was an exciting opportunity for the students to participate in a residential trip overseas which would enable them to apply their classroom learning to the real world.

During the trip, the students got to visit the world-famous UNESCO sites of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples including Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Phrom.  They learned lots about the History of the Khmer empire which our Bangkok students have been studying in their History lessons. They visited the Phare Cambodian Circus and witnessed a breathtaking, acrobatic and theatrical performance. The circus helps lift young people out of poverty and addiction by training them in circus skills. We also spent a lot of time in the town of Siem Reap enjoying the Khmer cuisine, shopping at the local market and experiencing Cambodian culture.

For their Geography project, the students were investigating how tourism is helping the economic development of Cambodia. This involved carrying out a traffic count and land-use survey in the town of Siem Reap. They also conducted a people count at the Angkor Wat site and asked questionnaires in English to tourists from a range of nationalities. The students demonstrated great confidence and excellent English communication skills when doing this. 

On return, the students have been asked to submit a written piece for a House Competition entitled, 'At the Circus'. 'Man Vs. Nature' or 'Hustle and Bustle'. They can write in any style that they want, but should demonstrate their reflection, creativity and English writing skills.

They were also lucky enough to get a clear morning and see the sun rise over Angkor Wat. This required the students to get up at a sleepy 04:30, but it was definitely worth it. There is a also a House competition for the best sunrise photograph.

Everybody enjoyed the trip was thoroughly. Much was learned about the history of the Khmer empire and Cambodia's economic development and tourist industry; plenty of delicious Khmer food was eaten; lots of new friendships were made and the students got lots of exercise walking around all of the temples in the sun and rain. The students involved were truly a credit to our school and we hope that they have many long-lasting memories to take away with them.

More photographs from this trip can be viewed in the photo gallery.