Handphone policy and EEC

Handphone Use: Alignment with School Policy

While our service trips provide a unique off-campus learning environment, they remain an extension of the school’s educational programme. As such, the handphone policy during trips will align with the existing school-wide expectations applied during curriculum hours on campus. This ensures consistency in how we support student focus, engagement, and wellbeing—whether students are learning in the classroom or participating in immersive service experiences abroad.

Handphones may still be brought on the trip, but their use is restricted in accordance with school policy. If a student’s phone use is deemed to interfere with learning, safety, or group cohesion, the Trip Lead retains the discretion to temporarily confiscate the device without prior consultation with school leadership. This discretionary measure helps safeguard the intended outcomes of the trip and reinforces the expectation that students remain present, responsible, and respectful of the shared group experience. 

Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)

Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) refer to the minimum physical, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal competencies required for students to safely and meaningfully participate in each service trip. These criteria are specific to the nature and demands of each program and are designed to ensure individual readiness, group safety, and alignment with the learning outcomes of the trip. Meeting the EEC helps us create a supportive environment where all participants can thrive, while also reducing foreseeable risks.

Students and parents must review the EEC carefully and only apply for trips they qualify for. Participation implies a commitment to take part in ALL planned activities. If a student is found to have misrepresented their abilities—such as claiming swimming proficiency for a water-based programme—they may be removed from the trip and barred from future service trip opportunities. Misrepresentation compromises group safety and programme delivery, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.

The school reserves the right to reject applications or reassign students to a more suitable trip based on EEC alignment. No explanation will be given for reassignments or rejections where criteria are not met.

1. Bali Marine Project

1. Water Confidence

• Students must be able to swim confidently in open water.

• Snorkelling and other water-based activities are core to the programme; inability to swim is a disqualifying factor.

   • It is compulsory to declare your swimming proficiency using the following:

Swimming Proficiency Declaration Form

2. Weather Conditions

• Tropical climate with high humidity and strong sun exposure; students must be able to function in hot and sunny conditions.

• Students must be prepared for long hours outdoors near the coast.

3. Physical Demands

• Requires physical stamina for snorkelling, reef monitoring, and environmental clean-up work.

• Students should be able to handle moderate physical exertion in water and along the shoreline.

4. Menstruation-Related Participation

• Water‑based activities such as snorkelling are a core component of this programme and are expected of all participants.

• For safety and supervision reasons, students are not able to opt out of these activities once on site. Each student in the water requires appropriate staff supervision, and staffing is carefully planned to ensure group safety at all times.

• If a student is unable to participate in water‑based activities, a staff member would need to be reassigned to remain with them, which reduces supervision capacity for the rest of the group and affects overall risk management. For this reason, full participation is essential.

• Students are therefore expected to plan ahead and make personal arrangements (e.g. medical consultation or use of suitable sanitary products) if they anticipate challenges related to their menstrual cycle during the trip.

• Students who are aware that they typically experience symptoms that would significantly limit their ability to participate fully in water‑based activities are strongly advised to consider an alternative programme that may be better suited to their needs.

5. Suitability & Preference

• Preference will be given to students who show maturity, water safety awareness, and past participation in aquatic or environmental programmes.

• Students who misrepresent their swimming ability may be deemed unsuitable for this programme, and such misrepresentation may be noted for consideration in future trip applications, as it reflects on a student’s responsibility and commitment to group safety.

2. Nagarhole Safari Project

1. Water Confidence

• Not applicable – no direct water-based activities.

2. Weather Conditions

• Expect temperate forest weather with early mornings and cooler evenings; students must be comfortable with variable temperatures and outdoor exposure.

3. Physical Demands

• Students must be physically fit for walking, trekking, and extended hours outdoors, including during dawn safaris.

• Must be able to manage natural environments such as forest trails and wildlife zones.

4. Suitability & Preference

• Students must demonstrate emotional maturity, patience, and quiet discipline, essential for animal observation.

• Preference will be given to those who display respect for wildlife and an ability to remain calm in natural settings.

3. Perth Coastal Project

1. Water Confidence

• Students must have basic water confidence. Please fill up this form to declare your swimming proficiency honestly. 

Swimming Proficiency Declaration Form

• Programme includes kayaking, and students should be comfortable with water-based team activities.

2. Weather Conditions

• Students must be able to operate in cooler temperatures, typically 10°C to 25°C.

• Must be prepared with appropriate clothing to stay warm during wind or rain.

3. Physical Demands

• Activities include light trekking, coastal planting, and kayaking; students must have basic physical stamina.

• Must be able to engage in hands-on restoration work in open-air environments.

4. Suitability & Preference

• Preference will be given to students with outdoor experience, strong teamwork skills, and a demonstrated interest in environmental sustainability.

• Students are expected to be adaptable and follow safety procedures closely, especially in water and bushland areas.

4. Mongolia Tree Project

1. Water Confidence

• Not applicable – no direct water-based activities.

2. Weather Conditions

• Students must be cold-weather tolerant, as temperatures may range from 0°C to 20°C.

• Must be equipped with winter-appropriate clothing and prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

3. Physical Demands

• Tree planting and sustainability work involve walking over uneven terrain, digging, and manual labour outdoors.

• Students must be physically fit and able to work in sparse and windy landscapes.

4. Suitability & Preference

• Preference will be given to students who demonstrate resilience, cultural openness, and a willingness to engage meaningfully with local communities.

• Students must be independent, responsible, and able to adapt to basic rural living conditions.