No Boundaries
November 23-December 2, 2012
General Information
As a part of the school’s aim to provide students with a variety of learning experiences, we will again be holding our annual extended off-campus activities week for students in Years 10-12. No Boundaries will take place from November 23-December 2 and will offer a range of exciting opportunities for students in a diversity of locations.
As the name suggests, No Boundaries introduces students to experiences that they normally cannot meet in the confines of the classroom. We aim for our students to develop further independence and interpersonal skills by being placed outside of their comfort zones. We want them to develop an understanding of different cultures and communities and where appropriate, empathy for those who have less access to resources than they do. In doing so, we hope that they will see the need for them taking principled action and understand that they can make a difference to the lives of others. By offering new experiences and broadening perspectives we aim to develop in students a deeper understanding of self and of others.
In designing the trips that the school will offer, the following points were considered:
- Provide students with hands-on-learning experiences and real-world connections to curriculum
- Create opportunities for students to deepen their appreciation of others
- Provide an opportunity to interact with a community foreign to the student
- Offer experiences that will help develop self-awareness by providing physical, intellectual and emotional challenges
- Give students exposure to new cultures and points of view
- Design activities that will promote independence, responsibility, cooperation and goal setting among students
Additionally, No Boundaries options for Years 10/11 will extend student understanding of the MYP Area of Interaction ‘Community & Service’. By direct interaction with those from other communities we aspire to better our understanding of others, to foster empathy for those in a less-advantageous position, increase civic engagement and give clarity on our place in the global community.
Complementing the off-campus trip, No Boundaries options for students in Year 12 will involve students participating in independent and group pre- and post- trip activities that will form a part of each student’s CAS programme. These trips will have a strong service component, and, in addition to the points mentioned above, have been developed with the following points in mind:
- Planned service activity is relevant, meaningful, challenging, of an extended duration, and directly addresses an identified issue
- Target community is able to be involved in planning of service activities
- Students will be able to interact with target community (pre, during and post trip)
- A reliable and reputable organization at location is available to work with.
- There is strong potential for ongoing connection with the community to be supported
The Year 10/11 Programme has a package of trips that include Hong Kong-based activities, regional trips and destinations further abroad.
The Year 12 programme, which has a specific emphasis on students working closely with a community for mutual benefit, has four trips that students can choose from. As No Boundaries is a part of our school programme, attendance is required from all students.
On this website you will find a tab that contains 'General Information' (relevant for all trips) and a tab for each individual trip, where you will find a broad outline and approximate costs. Final costs will not be available until confirmation of final students numbers.
Student selection process
Once finalized, synopses for each trip and projected total costs will be placed on the school website.
Students submit selections indicating first, second and third preferences.
When student interest exceeds the maximum number of places available, the selection criteria used is as follows:
a. For Year10/11 trips, first preference will be given, in most cases, to Year 11 students
b. Date of submission
c. Gender balance/imbalance
d. Other variables (academic performance, behaviour, general attitude)
Once places have been allotted, final student lists will be publicised on the school website
Permission letters will be sent home for respective trips. Once signed and returned along with first payment, student lists will be finalised.
Notes –
Students may not choose the same No Boundaries destination more than once.
It is important that students/parents carefully consider the nature of the activities on offer, and if the student is capable of participating in them. An example would be whether a student is able to cope with the intensity of trips that are physically demanding. We ask that much care and deliberation is taken when selection is made. Final decisions will be made by the school (with input from families)
The cost of trips must also be closely considered, bearing in mind that confirmation of trip selection will only be made following permission from parents/guardian and first payment has been made.
In regards to costs, despite our best efforts, some fluctuation in final costs may occur beyond our control. For example, accommodation and transport costs may alter according to the final number of students on a trip. While we calculate final costs to the best of our ability, please appreciate that our predicted final costs may differ to actual costs.
Please ensure that you carefully read details about visa and passport requirements for each trip. Processing of visas and visa costs are the responsibility of parents.
The school will make flight bookings based on details provided by parents. If changes in flight bookings are required as a result of incorrect details supplied by parents, costs for such changes are the responsibility of parents.
An activity that is undersubscribed may lead to it being cancelled. In this case every effort will be made to allocate students according to their other preferences.
Payment procedures
Payments will be made in four installments. The first three payments will each be a quarter of a projected total cost, with the final payment to be adjusted after costs are finalized. The first payment will confirm participation in ana activity. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment dates:
- 16 April 2012
- 1 June 2012
- 30 August 2012
- 9 October 2012
Withdrawal from No Boundaries
Should your child be forced to withdraw from No Boundaries after their enrolment in an activity has been confirmed and the first payment has been made, please note that the school’s policy on refunding fees is as follows:
50 percent of the total fee minus non-refundable items (such as flights, accommodation, transport) will be refunded if a student withdraws on the day of the event and the family provides notification to the school that is deemed reasonable.
100 percent of the total fee minus non-refundable items (such as flights, accommodation, transport) will be refunded if a student withdraws three school days or more before the event and gives notification in writing.
Refunds are to be requested in writing to the teacher supervising the activity, and must be accompanied with relevant medical certificates in the case of a student withdrawing from the activity due to illness.
If a student gives no notification of withdrawal or non-attendance then no refund is due.
Refunds will not be made if a student is sent home from the activity due to illness or injury occurring at the activity or due to disciplinary reasons.
Refunds based on absence due to family reasons will be decided upon on an individual basis by the school Principal.
Force Majeure
Some of our destinations in Asia could be considered unpredictable, and often face political or social instability. Added to this is the risk caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters that may lead to alternative plans for a trip being required, or even the cancellation of a trip. In such cases, the school complies with ESF Policy which uses the following site as a guide - http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/
While the school will do everything that it can to prevent financial loss by families, in exceptional circumstances, this may happen and those costs are the responsibility of families. The school will not incur those costs.
Offsetting our Carbon Footprint
To show our continued commitment to environmental sustainability, all No Boundaries trips outside of HK, regardless of destination, will have an added calculated cost to offset carbon emissions from flights used during that trip. For example, the offset cost for a return flight to Bangkok (a flight emission of 0.35 tonnes of CO2) will cost around HK$50. As a school, discuss and then decide how the collected carbon offset fund will be spent, with options including contributing to recognized carbon offset projects or developing our own school based ones, such as solar panels on our roof. We may also explore the possibility of members of the DC community making voluntary contributions to this fund for travel made throughout the year.
Download No Boundaries 2012 Year 10-11 Student Destinations PDF »:
China
Go off the beaten track on a cultural and adventure-based trip in southwest China’s Yunnan province. Engage yourself in the local community, develop an understanding of the culture and history of ethnic groups in the area. Learn about sustainable ecological development, and the preservation of minority cultures and languages. Engage in service through teaching in a local orphanage.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD9,500-11,000
Trip length: 6 days, 5 nights
Hong Kong
A non-residential experience where you will use your collective skills and knowledge to create programs for disadvantaged people in Hong Kong. Activities that you will plan may include sports, arts, drama and recreational activities for people with learning disabilities, the elderly, or those living in poverty.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD400-700
Trip length: 5 days
India
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime at the foothills of the Himalayas? This trip will introduce students to the natural and cultural heritage of India. Travel from Delhi to the area of Uttarakhand for a programme full of adventure activities such as rafting, trekking, cycling, and nature walks. The trip will also include interaction with children in a local primary school and introduction to environmental conservation efforts.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD14,000-17,000
Trip Length: 7 days, 6 nights
Laos
Make a meaningful difference through a much-needed community improvement project. Work collaboratively on construction projects and interact with the local population to improve their living standards. Be immersed in the local culture through a village home stay, learn the basic skills of basket weaving and prepare local cuisine. Teach children at a local elementary school with your own pre-prepared resources, swim under a jungle waterfall, enjoy an elephant safari and pick up some treasures at the local night markets.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD13,000-16,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
Malaysia
Explore the beautiful Tioman Island. on this year’s Malaysian adventure option. Stay at Juara Beach, making the Tioman Wildlife Reserve and the largest Marine Park in the region your playground. This trip will give you the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities including sea-kayaking expeditions, snorkeling excursions and jungle treks. The trip will also help you understand more about the local environment, its culture and folklore and the importance of our role in conservation and environmental stewardship. Participants on this trip will be working closely with the Juara Turtle Project in actively protecting the threatened future of sea turtles in Malaysia.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD10,000-13,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
New Zealand
Eight days of activities on New Zealand’s north island. Explore the traditional Maori culture by learning and participating in traditional customs such as the powhiri, poi and haka as well as traditional crafts of weaving and bone carving. Be involved in native ecosystem restoration projects. Challenge yourself in a number of adventure activites, including an overnight hike and staying in a backcountry New Zealand hut, camping in tents, mountain biking, and enjoying the thrills of Zorb/Shweeb/Swoop/Freefall Xtreme at the Agrodome and Agroventures.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD23,000-26,000
Trip length: 9 days, 8 nights
Spain
Develop your Spanish language skills and experience first-hand the culture of Spain. Teach lessons at a school for disadvantaged youth, visit cultural sights, and home stay with a Spanish family.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD20,000-23,000
Trip length: 9 days, 8 nights
Thailand
This trip provides students with a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture and lifestyles through a range of activities including a visit to an elephant conservation park, an arts-based community/service activity, English language teaching in local schools and a Thai cooking class. This trip is based in a purpose-built outdoor education center in beautiful rural Chiang Rai where students have a chance to experience challenging activities such as bamboo rafting, cycling, rock climbing, high ropes, low ropes and obstacle courses.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD10,000-13,000
Trip length: 6 days, 5 nights
Vietnam
Work on construction projects in mountain areas outside of Hanoi, working with the local community to help improve their living standards. Visit a local secondary school to enjoy traditional Vietnamese dancing and sport activities with the local students. Experience local living by staying with a Vietnamese family in a traditional house. See cultural and historical sights around Hanoi.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD10,000-13,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
Download No Boundaries 2012 Year 12 Student Destinations PDF »:
Cambodia
In addition to seeing cultural and historical sights around the capital of Phnom Penh, students will conduct work on developing the buildings and grounds in the Who Will Children’s village (see www.who-will.org). Students will also teach lessons to orphans and learn what it is like to live in rural Cambodia.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD8,000-10,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
China (Guangdong)
China Participate in a Habitat For Humanity build to support communities in Conghua District, Guangdong. Under the guidance and supervision of skilled workers, students will help to build new houses in the village. Other activities include a hike in the mountains, relaxing in a hot spring, and cultural sightseeing.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD6,000-8,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
China (Yangshan)
Make the most of what the Yangshan area has to offer through cultural and adventure activities and well as being involved in tasks to develop the local community. Work with the Go2Serve Foundation on their sustainable farming projects, developing an understanding of cottage industries and environmental stewardship while working along side the Yao minority people of Northern Guangdong. Also spend time in a local primary school working with children. Your main form of transport for the trip will be a mountain bike, cycling from village to village on gentle roads to enjoy the amazing landscapes of the area.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD8,000-10,000
Trip length: 7 days, 6 nights
Kenya
Help improve the lives of disadvantaged youth in Africa by spending a few days teaching and improving facilities in an orphanage. Visit an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) community based in the Rift Valley, learning about their situation and running activities for that community. Other activities will include a hike to a dormant volcano, an overnight safari, walk through indigenous forests, learn about conservation efforts, and visit museums to learn about the history of Kenya.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD23,000-25,000
Trip length: 9 days, 8 nights
Hong Kong
A non-residential experience where you will use your collective skills and knowledge to create programs for disadvantaged people in Hong Kong. Activities that you will plan may include sports, arts, drama and recreational activities for people with learning disabilities, the elderly, or those living in poverty.
Proposed itinerary can be downloaded here. The final itinerary will be provided at a later date. At this stage we can only provide an estimated price range. Final costs will be published in the coming months once student numbers are final and flights are confirmed.
Cost: HKD400-700
Trip length: 5 days
MYP 
