TEACHING and learning should not be confined to the classroom and we are very fortunate to be able to facilitate education outside of the rigid classroom.
Natural environments stimulate the understanding of concepts. Outdoor classrooms present pupils with captivating sights, smells and textures, stimulating all of the senses. The more children engage their senses, the more they increase their capacity to take in and turn new information into knowledge.
This was the motivation for the New Hanover Prep Grade 7 class excursion to Northern KZN.
It was a fantastic tour which the class had been looking forward to for months.
As part of their geography and history curriculum, they got to experience natural environments first hand.
Our trip involved guided tours through the St Lucia Crocodile Centre where we learnt the importance of the conservation of many reptiles in our province, as well as many other fascinating facts.
Other highlights included a game drive through Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve, where we experienced rhino, buffalo, kudu and the endangered Samango monkey up close and personal.
Our boat cruise up the St Lucia estuary was another opportunity for the Grade 7 class to see hippos, crocodiles and plenty of birdlife in this complex and important ecosystem.
Our excursion ended with a guided tour through Dlinza forest in Eshowe, where we walked along the forest floor as well as along the aerial boardwalk, where in some places it was 50 metres high.
This thoroughly engaging trip was enjoyed by all and the memories made and knowledge learnt will stay with them for years to come.