Trust and teamwork fostered at Outward Bound Singapore
Three cohorts of students from Anglo-Chinese School (International) attended Outward Bound Singapore (OBS)’s Programmes in April 2011. Mr Kerr Fulton-Peebles, Principal of ACS (International), who visited the students during the course week, shared that he was pleased with the integrated OBS programmes specially designed for the first, second, third and fifth year students from ACS (International).
An avid sailor and a strong believer of the Outward Bound philosophy, Mr Kerr hoped that the courses would help his students to stretch beyond their comfort zone and to discover their true potential. "I think coming on courses like OBS, you get the chance to bond in unique ways with different people. I would hope to see strengthened ties between individuals that will lead to an enhanced sense of community spirit in school," shared Mr Kerr.
Mr Kerr also revealed that his students were initially anxious and nervous about attending the programmes. However, during his visit, he noticed a remarkable change in their attitude and enthusiasm.
Miss Yasmin Sebastian echoed this change. The third-year student who initially was affected by sea-sickness, shared during the end of the expedition, "Today when we kayaked back, it was really fun. Everyone was hyper and eager to get back. We were singing songs and encouraging each other. It was much better today. We got used to it and knew better what to do."
Another student, Mr Joshua Charies Champion, described how OBS taught him about trust and teamwork. He said, "During kayaking, my partner and I learnt how to synchronise our paddling strokes. I also picked up new skills, made new friends and strengthened old friendships. My friends and I started sharing more and exchanging advice. I felt more trust between us now."
Miss Sebastian had this piece of advice for her other ACS (International) schoolmates who might be attending OBS next year.
"Even though there are many obstacles, or you might feel sick or tired, your friends can push you along. At the end of the day when you look back, it was all really fun and you make many great memories and learn lots of neat stuff!"
One student getting ready to abseil down a cliff
The principal of ACS (International), Mr Kerr Fulton-Peebles visited his students during their course
Miss Yasmin Sebastian and Mr Joshua Charies Champion shared about their OBS experience
