POLOKWANE – The Gr 10 learners at Stanford Lake College once again took full ownership of planning and executing their annual enrichment tour, held at the end of the fourth term – an opportunity that encourages independence, teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

With only minimal guidance from teachers, the group planned the entire expedition. After receiving essential contact details from the school’s adventure department, the learners divided themselves into teams, each responsible for a key component of the tour.

The transport team sourced quotes and arranged all travel, while the hiking team booked a guide and gathered route and equipment details. The basecamp team liaised with Cape Vulture Nature Reserve (CVN) to confirm accommodation, meals, activities and facilities for the final five days.

Finance learners calculated the full cost of the trip, incorporating elements into their academic work, and the logistics team handled all remaining arrangements, including staff transport.

All communication with service providers was done via e-mail, giving the learners valuable experience in professional correspondence aligned with the English curriculum.

The first five days of the tour were spent hiking, starting in Phiring village near Graskop. Daily leaders were appointed to guide the group using GPS-assisted routes plotted in geography classes.

A community engagement project on day one saw learners involved in agroecology and freshwater monitoring. A planned summit of Manoutsa Peak was abandoned due to a lightning storm, and rain forced a safer descent via the Abel Erasmus Pass. After an overnight stay in Ga-Moraba, the group continued through the Strijdom Tunnel before reaching CVN.

At basecamp, learners rotated through activities focusing on vulture conservation, community service, sustainability and adventure sport.

“Outdoor expeditions shape lives, build resilience and prepare young people for future challenges,” said Neil Haarhoff, SLC’s director of outdoor adventure.