Year 11 Applied Learning Excursion: Nukulau Island

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions:

Nukulau Island – a first for many for the Year 11s – first boat ride, first trip to an island outside of Suva, and first camp out on an island! The trip started with a scenic thirty-minute boat ride from Suva on the ‘ISS Explorer’. Nukulau was inviting in its greenery and sandy beach.

A much-needed swim set the tone for the rest of the camp – a perfect mix of fun and bonding for the year level. Being on the isolated island pushed the students to step out of their comfort zones and connect with classmates outside of the usual friend groups as they helped each other pitch their tents and stake their boundaries. The importance of teamwork and communication was quickly learned. The evening was spent with a history lesson – on Nukulau Island and the pivotal role it has played in Fiji’s demographic and political development over the past 160 years – on the dock under the stars.

Day 2: A Full Day of Adventure and Learning

The only full day on the island was packed with activities that tested student collaboration and coordination skills. With the assistance of the Ta’afaga paddling club, the students were taught how to paddle a six-man vaka (canoe). Students learned that it was teamwork and communication that resulted in speed and coordination. It was not an easy feat getting the oars in synchronization to gain and maintain speed with the vaka. The second half of the day was spent preparing for a traditional ‘lovo’ (earth oven) dinner. Students got the opportunity to learn how to use a coconut scraper, prepare the ‘palusami’, and wrap the marinated chicken with coconut leaves in preparation for the lovo pit, all under the guidance of the teachers. The hands-on experience was educational and enjoyable, giving the students a deeper appreciation of Fijian culture and cuisine. The sunset at dusk provided a moment of relaxation and reflection after a hectic day.

Day 3: A Rainy Farewell

The final day of camp started early as we were scheduled to leave the island at 11am. Unfortunately, the rain dampened spirits a little. Despite the heavy downpour, the students still managed to find fun in the rain as they waited for their boat transfer back to Suva. Despite the rainy farewell, the overall experience was incredibly rewarding as stated by the students on their reflection of the experience. The camp experience provided more than just memories – it was a blend of learning experiences, collaboration, teamwork, cultural appreciation, communication skills, resilience and adaptability, reflective thinking, and overall good fun!

The Year 11 Pastoral & Advisory Team