GRADE 7-10 LEARNING JOURNEY

Grade 7
The Learning Journeys are a much-anticipated school programme for Grade 7 students. For many of them, it is their first time away from their parents, making the experience both exciting and a little scary. The theme for this Academic Year’s Learning Journey, 2024-2025, is “Indonesia for Global Achievements.” Students learned firsthand about Sundanese culture, the natural resources of West Java, and the development of Science, Technology, Art (Culture), Engineering, and Math in Indonesia. By implementing the 4Rs, SIS Peak’s Learning Journey programme demonstrates the opportunities available to students by tapping into Indonesia’s resources to achieve global success.

During the four-day, three-night programme, students participated in various activities, including outbound challenges, a visit to one of the oldest tea plantations, a tour of the modern production technology at Eiger, a hands-on experience with the traditional musical instrument “angklung” at Saung Mang Udjo, exploration of the Lembang Zoo, and a visit to Indonesia’s first post office at the Postal Museum. This program not only offered educational experiences but also allowed students to bond with their friends while building resilience and perseverance.

Grade 8
The Grade 8 students had their first experience with the Learning Journey in the previous year, so they were excited to embark on their second one. The theme for this Academic Year’s Learning Journey, 2024-2025, is “Indonesia for Global Achievements,” with students learning firsthand about the culture of Surakarta. In their second year, they are expected to implement the 4Rs, and are encouraged to recognise the opportunities available by utilising Indonesia’s resources to achieve global success.

Understanding national identity and learning about Indonesian culture is crucial in developing students’ sense of belonging and confidence. During their Learning Journey, students learned to appreciate batik and participated in a batik-making workshop. They also visited Mangkunegaran Palace, Atsiri Botanical Factory, Sangiran Museum, and Sukuh Temple. This experience not only provided educational insights but also allowed students to bond with their friends and teachers while having fun.

Grade 9
The Grade 9 students were super excited to embark on this year’s Learning Journey, especially with the highlight of the jeep ride during the Merapi Lava Tour. This year’s theme, “Indonesia for Global Achievements,” guided students to experience Yogyakarta’s rich culture firsthand. The Learning Journey emphasised understanding what it means to be Indonesian or an Indonesian resident, and Yogyakarta, known as “Kota Pelajar” (the scholars’ city), offered a wealth of cultural and historical insights. The city, famous for its vibrant culture, history, and home industries, provided students with the opportunity to explore how Indonesia’s resources can be utilised and developed for future achievements.

During the trip, students visited various cultural and heritage sites, including the Merapi Lava Tour, Ledok Sambi Culture Centre, Vredeburg Fort Museum, and the iconic Prambanan and Borobudur temples. Along the way, they also enjoyed Yogyakarta’s famous traditional dish, Gudeg, a local delicacy made from jackfruit, tahu, and tempe. At Ledok Sambi, they participated in team-building activities like archery, square puzzle solving, and the exhilarating flying fox, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among classmates.

Coming home from the Learning Journey, they wish that they had a longer time in Yogyakarta and are excited for the next Learning Journey when they are in Grade 10.

The Grade 10
The Grade 10 Learning Journey is known to be the most challenging of all, but the prospect of climbing Mount Bromo at 2 a.m. did not dampen the students’ excitement. They were eager to embark on this year’s Learning Journey, especially when they heard about the climb to Bromo. With this Academic Year’s theme, “Indonesia for Global Achievements”, students visited Surabaya, the “City of Heroes”, and Malang in East Java.

In Malang, students had the opportunity to observe a wide range of animal species from around the world. After all, who will care for nature if we are not aware of the biodiversity around us? They also learned about the many types of transportation used in Indonesia and globally. During the trip, we were fortunate to be welcomed by the friendly staff at the Wonosari Tea Factory. Indonesia is the third-largest tea producer in the world, and students discovered that many famous international brands source their tea leaves from Indonesia. This experience highlighted the potential for our students to export tea and transform it into an international brand.

The highlight of the Learning Journey, of course, was the climb to Mount Bromo, where the view was nothing short of spectacular. Most importantly, before the journey ended, we ensured that students visited the Submarine Museum and the Surabaya Monument to learn about the spirit of the youth who worked hard to form Indonesia as an independent nation. Now, it is in their hands to lead Indonesia towards global achievement.