The event launched the collaborative ideation process and additionally they enjoyed an inspiring talk from Prasoon Kumar, the CEO and Co Founder of Billion Bricks. The evening gave the learners an idea of what to expect during the ‘Enterprise Bootcamp’ this weekend (11th and 12th November), learners will work in small groups to prepare a pitch for their innovative app or IT based idea. It is going to be a fast paced two days, they will be working with mentors and enjoying more inspirational talks. I wish all learners good luck for their final pitches on Sunday.

Jim Bevan

Subject Leader Business and Economics

Over an amazing 5 days many learners pushed themselves to learn new skills, make new friends and strengthen existing friendships. To conclude the week Y7 exceeded all expectations to donate an incredible amount of personal spending money to sponsor 3 nests at the Juara Turtle Project, making a vital contribution to a local conservation effort for one of the worlds most threatened marine creatures, the Sea Turtle. Watching the release of baby turtles after an afternoon of crazy beach Olympics and swimming in the surf was the perfect end to an amazing week!

Ed Bailey

Digital Coach & Trip Leader

Year 8 Trip to Telunas, Indonesia, 23-27 October

We had heard from the previous Year 8’s that Telunas was the best trip in the school calendar so far, so everyone had high expectations which were definitely surpassed. We all arrived at 6:15am sharp, ecstatic to see our friends again after the break. The energy was electric on the journey and never died down when we arrived, even though we were all tired after the long boat and ferry ride. We went high deck jumping as soon as we got there; it was thrilling. The rest of the day was spent at the beautiful beach, raft building and having free time in the ocean.

Day 2 intrigued us the most. The day was spent at the Tanjung Pelanduk village. As they didn’t speak English, the previous night was spent learning their basic formalities and some of the language used. Our first stop was Binaria Kindergarten, where we painted the school. We communicated and conversed with the children and had the best time playing games with them. The Year 8’s made a lot of friendships with the kids. We were all so impressed and surprised that they performed a few dances for us and two of our learners got involved in the performance by singing onstage.

We hiked 11k in the jungle the next day. It seemed so much less since we were all talking with our friends as well as completely ruining our shoes by slipping constantly in the mud. At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with the cold freshwater pool and a serene waterfall with a large rock we all jumped off of. We returned back to the beach at Telunas for more free time, followed by a discussion on the camp. We each got a bag with all the supplies we needed for the night, and headed off for the campsite. We tied up our hammocks to trees and most of us slept peacefully, though some of us fell out in the middle of the night!

On Day 4, we packed our hammocks up, had breakfast and, after going to the meeting room for a de-briefing, we took a shower. Then we alternated between making clay tiles and doing a low ropes course. Then we did some crabbing, followed by lunch, deck jumping and fishing using a reel. After free time, we gathered on the beach and made our own pizza! The evening was spent around the campfire where we reflected on all of our trip experiences. Finally, we roasted marshmallows and got a good night’s sleep before our return journey to Singapore.

In the morning, we packed up the last of our belongings and took a quick last photo of us before we got onto the boat and watched Telunas fade into the horizon.

Nanda Nair, Laura Dohmen and Aadam Kakakhel (8W)

Year 9 Trip to Ipoh, Malaysia, 23-27 October

On the 23rd October, Year 9 set off on their trip to Nomad Adventure in Gopeng, Malaysia. After a very early start (5AM!!!), we headed to Changi airport for the short flight to Ipoh. Upon arriving at Noman Adventure, the activities kicked off straight away. Within an hour of our arrival, we were caving. With a focus on fun as well as teamwork and cooperation, learners faced many challenges including navigating out the the caves with two small candles per group.

On day two, it was time for the mountain school. After a safety briefing, each group experienced a number of activities. These included rock climbing, leap of faith and the giant swing. Every learner took part and really pushed themselves. After a short lunch, it was time for the high rope course challenge where learners gained points for taking a cup filled with water around some really challenging high rope courses.

Day three was all about the water! Starting off with the river rescue course, everyone learned how to rescue people from fast moving water. Putting their safety in the hands of their friends, the staff we all very impressed with the enthusiasm seen when throwing themselves into the white water! After lunch, it was time for white water rafting. In teams of 4 or 5, and along with a ‘captain’, we navigated a long stretch of white water. We all had great fun.

Day four was perhaps the busiest day of the week. In the morning, we all went to a local village. The task was to buy the ingredients necessary to make a nice soup as well as a salad course for dinner. The learners were outstanding and navigated the market whilst interacting with local people. The afternoon involved a flat water rafting challenge. Setting off from the camp, the activity involved teamwork in order to succeed. In true Nexus spirit the day’s tasks didn’t end there. Next, using the ingredients purchased at the market, the learners had to cook a nutritious and tasty dinner. Camp staff carried out a taste test and to everyone’s relief, each group created an edible meal!

On the final day of the trip, it was time for a team challenge. Having solved a puzzle, each group had to navigate to the next puzzle in order to navigate to the end of the challenge route. This saw learners run, raft across a lake and then finally navigate through a cave system in order to light the ‘Magic Flame’.

We posted lots of picture during the week. You can find them on the trip Instagram account here. You do not need an Instagram account to view them.

Daisy and Jun Heng from Year 9 have written a full account of the trip. It makes for fun reading. Click here to read their account.