A Day of Learning Beyond the Classroom

In Term 1, students from the Beginner Language Class BLC, 9ELC, and 10ELC in the EAL Department took part in an engaging and educational trip to the Auckland Museum. The visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Māori and Pacific cultures while developing their language, thinking, and observational skills through real world experiences. The day was meaningful, productive, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Upon arrival, students were welcomed by museum staff and guided to the Education Programme session, He Orokotaenga Mai. During this session, they were introduced to Māori creation pūrākau, or traditional stories, which provided valuable insights into Māori beliefs, values, and worldview. Through storytelling and interactive discussions, students connected this cultural knowledge to themes they have been studying in class.

The session also included pair and group activities where students explored objects and exhibits related to Māori and Pacific cultures. They observed carefully, shared ideas, and learned about the stories behind each artefact. These activities supported collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, all of which are important for both language learning and academic growth.

After the session, students explored the museum in small groups. Using a structured handout, they gathered information and completed tasks to reinforce their learning. Students were actively engaged, reading displays, asking questions, and making thoughtful observations. Many showed curiosity and enthusiasm as they discovered new knowledge.

One highlight of the trip was the Earthquake Simulation experience. Meredith Wong 9D3 shared, “I learned a lot from the trip, but the earthquake simulation was my favourite experience because it helped us feel what an earthquake is like and made us realise the importance of knowing what to do in that situation.” This experience helped students better understand real life situations and the importance of safety awareness in New Zealand.

Students also reflected positively on the trip. Mantej Singh 10J11 commented that “it was a fantastic and unexpected experience. I learned many things while enjoying the trip, and I feel that one day is not enough to explore everything.” His comment highlights the value of learning beyond the classroom.

The trip also supported academic learning. BLC students will write recounts based on their experience, while 9ELC and 10ELC students will connect their learning to storytelling and develop simple persuasive texts. They also completed structured emails, drawing on both the skills developed in Term 1 and their experiences during the trip.

Overall, the Auckland Museum visit was an enriching and memorable experience that strengthened students’ understanding, confidence, and curiosity.

~ Mrs B Bekker, EAL Teacher

The Level 1 Digital Art students had the exciting opportunity to visit Howick Historical Village, where they explored the unique architecture, artifacts, and heritage of early settler life. The trip provided inspiration for their creative projects, giving students a chance to gather photographs, and ideas to incorporate into their digital artworks by taking a step into the past. They got the chance to participate in two activities to get a hands on feel of life back then; butter churning and rag rugging, as well as a self-guided tour to explore the grounds and find inspiration for their upcoming external.

~ Maeve Simpson 11S4

On Tuesday 29 July, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Auckland Art Gallery to see the traditional and modern artworks as well as the new ‘A Century of Modern Art’ exhibition. It was quite interesting to see the difference between the traditional artworks, which heavily relies on oil paints and realism, and modern artworks which had more variety of painting mediums used and focused more on the artists’ emotions.

I personally found the ‘A Century of Modern Art’ exhibition very unique because many of the artists within the exhibition had created these fantastic artworks which look amazing from afar but at a closer look, the artwork themself have used limited detail but the colors have been cleverly placed in order to give the illusion of more detail.

As a student currently taking 3ART, this trip has inspired me to look at my own artworks at a different angle, and rather than trying to reach perfection in each brush stroke, to embrace the uniqueness of my own work.

~ Kate-Lynn De Klerk 13E2

On Thursday 19 June, a group of 35 BDSC students rolled up their sleeves and got their gumboots muddy in Hunua, where we planted over 650 native trees near the Wairua River. This was part of a restorations effort to protect and enhance the environment, reducing erosion, filtering rain runoff, and improving the health of local waterways.

It was a rewarding, hands-on day that combined team spirit, hard work, and the satisfaction of making a real difference. We were fortunate to be hosted by a generous team who guided our efforts and treated us to a delicious lunch, well earned after a morning of meaningful mahi.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible, and to all who got stuck in on the day. It was a great experience for everyone involved and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together for a common cause.

~ Kate Sole 13J5 and Georgia Sole 13J11

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I learned how to plant trees on a very steep hill; it was hard work. It was really fun and I had a good time. It is important to plant trees to make the environment better.

~ Brooklyn Luteru 9E2

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It was fun and I’d like to do it again! I learned that trees need to be perfectly planted in the ground. If you plant too high, they may die of thirst and if you plant too low, they may start rotting. The hill was very steep. We put in a lot of hard physical labour. Thank you to the teachers who set this up, took us there, and helped.

~ Rudolph Schoeler 9E2

Being given the opportunity to participate in AUT’s ‘Shadow a Leader Day’ was an incredibly insightful experience that allowed me to go beyond the classroom and into the world of leadership. I had the privilege of spending the day with Clint Cardozo, CEO and co-founder of OneReg, gaining first-hand insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and decision-making involved in leading a successful organisation.

One of the most valuable aspects of this opportunity was the ability to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations about career pathways, leadership approaches, and real-world experiences. I was especially impressed by how the team demonstrated clear communication and fostered a positive workplace culture while meeting high expectations.

This experience has truly transformed my perspective of leadership and deepened my appreciation for qualities like resilience, adaptability, empathy, and determination, traits I aim to develop further within myself. Shadowing a leader not only gave me valuable insight into a professional setting, it also encouraged me to reflect on my own goals and the kind of leader I aspire to become here at BDSC.

~ Tiffany Le 13K18, 2025 Deputy Head Girl

Eight students (Ayaan Bansal 10D3, Brian Liu 10S4, Benjamin McKay 10S4, Bill Nguyen 10D3, Linda Huynh 10J11, Kate Parker 10B13, Esha Chalasani 10J11, and Lucy Yu 10B1) attended a regional competition called Japan Trivia Night on Friday 13 June. The teams decided to divide themselves into a boy’s team and a girl’s team. We prepared for Japan Trivia night by dressing up in traditional kimono and jackets. The boy’s team (Botany Downs Team 1) advanced to a three-way tiebreaker for second, third, and fourth place. This was followed by a drumroll and Botany Downs Team 1 was called up for second place for the Auckland region.  We took home some awards, and everyone was celebrating. It was a wonderful evening, and we all cheered and sang along to celebrate. With 31 total points, our Botany Downs Team 2 placed sixth. With a total score of 33, the Botany Down Team 1 placed second.

~ Ayaan Bansal 10D3

‘Young, Free and Pacific’ is an initiative dedicated to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow within Pasifika youth. On Wednesday 21 May, six boys from BDSC attended this workshop in Ellerslie. This was a time to collaborate and share ideas with other schools across Auckland. Students were immersed in stories from Pacific community leaders and engaged in creative workshops. The event gave our young men an opportunity to explore their talents and develop leadership skills.

~ Ms MacDonald

On Thursday 22 May, seven girls from the BDSC Pasifika Council attended the annual ‘Young, Free and Pacific’ event. This was a special occasion where Pasifika girls from schools across Auckland came together to grow, connect, and explore the many opportunities available to us as Pacific youth.

Throughout the day, three inspiring speakers shared powerful messages, encouraging us to dream big and never let our Pasifika identity be a reason for rejection.

We also took part in a range of workshops, including art, dance, music, and spoken word. These sessions challenged us to look inward and express our culture with pride.

The event was truly unique. We felt welcomed, supported, and empowered as we worked alongside other young Pasifika women.

~ Mele Manuatu 12K12

At the beginning of Term 2, students from the Beginner English Language Class (BLC) participated in an educational visit to Fo Guang Shan Temple as part of the 3G4G Festival. The purpose of this festival is to promote the values of Doing Good Deeds, Saying Good Words, and Thinking Good Thoughts, encouraging young people to lead positive and thoughtful lives.

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by a monk who introduced them to the spiritual and cultural significance of the temple. The visit began with an incense-burning ceremony, where students paid their respects to Buddha.

Following this, students viewed an informative film outlining the origin and life of Buddha. The film provided valuable insights into Buddhist teachings and the importance of showing kindness.

In the temple courtyard, students participated in a tai chi and meditation session. These practices helped them to focus on breathing, balance, and inner peace.

The class also had the opportunity to learn traditional Chinese calligraphy, learning how to use brushes to form characters with care and intention. A role-play about decision making followed, allowing students to consider real-life scenarios and discuss how to respond with integrity, and respect.

The visit concluded with a delicious fried rice snack and a group photograph.

This visit to Fo Guang Shan Temple was an enriching experience. Students left with a deeper understanding of the 3G4G values and how these principles can guide them in making thoughtful and positive choices in their daily lives.

~ Ms Vanessa MacDonald, EAL

On Friday 30 May, a group of 12 Botany students and their teachers met at 4.30am at Auckland Airport to wing their way to Wellington and take part in the national finals of the SGCNZ Shakespeare Festival at St James Theatre.

We had a busy first day with workshops ranging from sword combat to script work, an impromptu tour of the city and met with all of the other schools to find out what we would be doing for the rest of the weekend. On Friday night one of the highlights of the whole trip was a theatre production of Dr Faustus by Victoria University of Wellington theatre students. The audience was mesmerised by actors appearing from the underworld and the devil making an appearance on stilts.

Saturday and Sunday were spent at the theatre watching all of the performances. By the time Sunday morning arrived, we were anticipating our performance. With one last rehearsal in the car park, our group was ready to perform the Macbeth ensemble to a full house. On Sunday evening, there was a celebratory atmosphere with a lot of singing as we waited for the judges to award the certificates.

Our final day was more relaxed with free time to visit The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, and walk round the humbling Gallipoli exhibition with its life-sized models and personal documents from the people who took part. After a quick trip down Cuba Street to buy gifts, a Godzilla model and some feline fingerless gloves, it was time to head back to Auckland.

~ Mrs S Walton, Head of Drama

Fifteen International students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Bay of Islands, blending education with adventure. This trip was designed to offer a mix of historical insights, exciting activities, and opportunities to bond and hopefully create some lasting memories. One student was even fortunate enough to represent the group in a pōwhiri at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

This trip included:

• Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Kayaking
• Dolphin viewing and a cruise to the Hole in the Rock
• Visit to Urupukapuka Island

Videos from the trip are on our International Facebook page: