2019 VICTORIA SHANGHAI ACADEMY VICTORIA SHANGHAI ACADEMY HK YEAR 7: DISCOVER WEEK

Chinese Language & Culture Immersion these places. Through the two day exchange, VSA students will have the op- portunity to exchange ideas and form friendships with Chinese students of Working with VSA we will develop fun and engaging learning experiences the same age cohort. that empower students to build a bridge between their classroom and the world around them, while also having a language component built into the programming. The objective of the language components will be to enable Personal Development & Discovery students to comfortably apply their Chinese language skills in an authentic All programs offer a broad range of activities, which can be adapted “on the Chinese language setting, with The Hutong working closely with VSA staff to fly” according to the needs of individual students. For example, encouraging ensure activities are properly calibrated to VSA’s Mandarin program. quiet students to communicate more (e.g. by assigning them leadership roles) and encouraging bolder students to empathize more (e.g. by asking them to In each destination, students will gain a strong understanding of the local consider another person’s point of view). history, culture, geography, and cuisine. In addition, our programs challenge students to reckon with the issues faced by the communities they travel to Working in groups, both in specific activities and in the overarching tasks, will and take them to a deeper level of understanding about the world around promote team work, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. them. Innovative and interactive activities engage students and ensure they In addition, the overarching activities will encourage students to be proactive, are supported to engage critically with the communities they visit and are inquisitive, and on the lookout for opportunities to engage. The programs will challenged to think outside the box. be related to the school curriculum. The overarching tasks are aimed to devel- op 21st century skills. The tasks will add relevance, acting as a bridge between Local IB School Exchange classroom learning and the real-world and will allow the students to practice All destinations will have a partner IB school, and the capstone of each pro- the core skills of planning, reviewing, and reflection. gram will be a culminating two-day school exchange. On Friday, VSA stu- dents will attend Chinese classes and activities at the partner local IB school. Through Discover China Week, we strive to On Saturday, a series of CAS activities will be organized with local students. advance VSA’s mission of becoming a Chinese Ideally, the partner IB school will be located near places of natural beau- cultural hub and promoting and developing ty and the students can conduct science and humanity related projects on pride in the Chinese heritage.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 2 “AMONG ALL THE STUDY TOUR SERVICE PROVIDERS I KNOW, THE HUTONG AND ITS KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PASSIONATE STAFF ARE IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: CREATIVE IN PROGRAM DESIGN, DISCERNING IN SELECTING AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCES, THOROUGH IN PREPARATION, THOUGHTFUL IN LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS, SKILLFUL IN ACTIVITY FACILITATION, AND SAFE AND INSPIRING IN PROGRAM DELIVERY. ABSOLUTELY TOP-NOTCH!” - GEOFFREY KO, EX-HEAD OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THE ISF ACADEMY, HONG KONG 北京

NORTHERN HILLS ADVENTURE

In our Northern Hills Adventure, students will first challenge themselves and each other on the mountains that defended Beijing from the marauding hordes from the North. A wide range of activities and skills workshops will foster team building and communication skills, and provide students with opportunities to immerse themselves in rural culture and customs as they rub shoulders with local residents. Return- ing back to the urban life of Beijing, students will be encouraged to display leadership and mindfulness through activities that offer greater independence and require greater levels of decision making.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 4 ITINERARY & DAILY SCHEDULE :: BEIJING |北京

Meals provided indicated in schedule as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D) DAY LOCATION ACTIVITIES

Day 1 Hong Kong-Beijing AM Shi Men Shan Morning Flight to Beijing Outdoor Base PM Accommodation: Lunch by Airport OR Packed Lunch on Bus (povided by The Hutong) Shipping Containers Transfer to Shi Men Shan Outdoor Base Check into lodges Meals: L, D Obstacle Course and Teambuilding activities BBQ Dinner Opening Reflections

Day 2 , - AM Huanghuacheng Sunrise wake-up and breakfast Transfer to Great Wall Accommodation: Mutianyu Great Wall Hike Tianxianyu Village Guesthouse PM Packed lunch en route Meals: B, L, D Mid afternoon arrive at Tianxianyu Village Village exploration, local fish farm visit, and spring harvesting activity Dinner with local family Team presentations Reflections

Day 3 Tianchi Canyon Park AM -Tianxianyu Village Wakeup and breakfast Morning Exercises Accommodation: Transfer to Tianchi Canyon Park Traditional View Hotel Complete Via Ferrata Experiment Course

PM Meals: B, L, D Revolutionary Radio Activity Transfer to Beijing Hotel Check In Beijing Dinner Story Dinner Story Presentations & Reflections

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 5 ITINERARY & DAILY SCHEDULE :: BEIJING | 北京

Meals provided indicated in schedule as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D) DAY LOCATION ACTIVITIES

Day 4 Beijing AM Tiananmen Trifecta Walking Seminar Accommodation: Lunch by Jingshan Park Traditional View Hotel PM Transfer to The Hutong for Culinary Activities Meals: B, L, D Dumpling Party or Hook N Cook Reflections at Courtyard

Day 5 Beijing-Hong Kong AM Breakfast Accommodation: Temple of Heaven Rotational Activities Traditional View Hotel PM Hutong Courtyard Rotational Activities Meals: B Prepare for School Exchange Beijing Duck Dinner Acrobats Show Day 6 Beijing AM Breakfast at hotel Accommodation: Migrant Workers School Service Activity Traditional View Hotel PM School Exchange Meals: B, D Dinner

Day 7 Beijing - Hong Kong AM Breakfast at hotel, check out Accommodation: Ditan Park Morning Exercise & Final Reflections None PM Meals: B, L Rotational activities at 798 Art Zone Flight returning to HK

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 6 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

HIKING THE WILD GREAT WALL

Like the Mongolian armies of centuries past, arduous journeys were made before attacks could be commenced against the Han forces guarding the Great Wall. The Hutong Education facilitators will take the students on a journey through the most turbulent eras of the . They will learn terminology to describe their surroundings and the basic history of The Wall.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 7 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

CROSS CULTURAL EXCHANGE As they say “when in Rome, do as Romans do”. There’s no better way to learn about living off the land than visiting and staying in guesthouses in the local villages. Students will gain first-hand insight into local agricultural methods, and we might even be lucky enough to fill our harvest baskets with seasonal fruits, such as apples, plums, peaches and walnuts. VILLAGE HOMESTAYS Snuggled warmly on traditional Kang Beds, Students will have the opportunity to really experience what life is like for local residents by staying in local village courtyard homes. With home cooked meals, and traditional games, and sleeping in the shadow of the great wall, the village homestay is sure to be a fan favorite! VILLAGE EXPLORATION Students will participate in an exciting adventure race through the narrow streets and winding alleys surrounding the village. Working in small groups, students will interview local shop-keepers, search for artifacts, and use creative problem-solving in order to successfully complete a series of interactive challenges.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 8 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

VIA FERRATA

Via Ferrata (Literal translation: Iron Road) is a climbing activity using metal cables, handrails and ladders in order to conquer seemingly insurmountable cliffs and mountainsides. A popular activity in European countries like Italy and France, this is the first course in China and has been helping people Seek Challenge since 2011.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 9 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES

Throughout the program, students will be challenged to participate in a number of fun and engaging team-building exercises aimed at developing a strong sense of community among the group. These activities will challenge students to think creatively and work collaboratively with one another. Some examples of different activities include: • Ball and Drum Challenge • Spider Web Challenge • Mine Field • Ski Planks

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 10 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京 TIANANMEN TRIFECTA

Get ready to be taken through a eye-opening perspective of the development and history of the ancient city and the imperial family. An integral part of any trip to Beijing, we’ll begin at the Urban Planning Museum before heading through TIananmen Square and up before finishing at the top of Jingshan Park for a majestic 360° of the city. TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

Not only is it the grandest, most iconic, ancient site of worship in Beijing’s landscape, the magnificent Temple of Heaven also provides an exciting opportunity to watch and join in with the city’s elderly residents performing their morning rituals from martial arts, to ballroom dancing, to music and singing to geriatric gymnastics! Following this our staff will facilitate rotational activities such as Qi Gong and Jianzi (keepy-uppies with traditional feather shuttle cocks).

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 11 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

DINNER STORY We at The Hutong love Chinese food, and we believe that cuisine is a window unto Chinese culture. This culinary scavenger hunt tasks students with finding great food on their own, completing culinary challenges, and coming back with plenty stories to tell. Student groups are given a budget and throughout the evening, they should find a characteristic restaurant (or two or more) to enjoy dinner. At chosen restaurant(s), they must take pictures, as well as select three individual dishes to photograph - later in the evening, they will present on the historical relevance of the dishes they chose. HOOK N COOK COOKING COMPETITION Under the supervision of our Hutong Chefs, students will roll up their sleeves and cook up a storm, tasked with completing a dish and present it in small groups. This is a favorite for many groups and incorporates language, teamwork, and communication. It is an event that sparks a great time, ending with a delicious homemade dinner being served, with special prizes for the winning teams! HUTONG ROTATIONAL ACTIVITIES Dumpling Making: Students will be led by our passionate Hutong chefs in the art of making traditional Dongbei Jiaozi (dumplings) in our traditional hutong courtyard, whilst learning key cooking concepts such as knife safety and hygiene.

Hutong Scavenger Hunt: Students will be required to use team- work, creative thinking, human ingenuity and navigation skills to complete this hutong challenge visiting local markets and hunting down treasures.

Tea Art Workshop: Students will be introduced to the main types of teas and their corresponding flavors in this hands-on experimentation with tea. This workshop lets student feel more confident about their knowledge of tea once they return home.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 12 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :: BEIJING | 北京

798 ART

This flourishing Art District, on the surface, offers a mixture of internationally renowned giants of the art world such as UCCA and also small local galleries. However, we will also engage the students in uncovering the fascinating story behind the area’s original purpose and its gradual change to the top Beijing destination we know today. MIGRANT WORKER SCHOOL EXCHANGE Migrant Worker communities are an essential part of the social fabric of Beijing. The Hutong works with several migrant schools in the area and provides visiting student groups with a unique opportunity to provide for the less fortunate and relate to their Chinese peers in a way that is only possible through service projects. Depending on the school’s needs, the nature of the projects can change, but you can be sure it will be one of the students’ most memorable experiences.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 13 VALUES AND CHALLENGES

Throughout our programs, we challenge students to not only push their THE CHOPSTICK CHALLENGE boundaries and explore their surrounding culture but we encourage them to take responsibility for their actions through embracing sustainable Each student is given their very own set of sustainable bamboo chopsticks travel, making good decisions and supporting their classmates. These with a stylish pouch to keep them in. Why? Forests are being chopped notions are born out of our own company Core Values: down for producing chopsticks – 20 million trees per year to produce 80 billion disposable chopsticks for China alone. To discourage deforestation 1. Be a good egg! and wasteful consumption we avoid using disposable chopsticks and encourage responsibility for possessions. Students who demonstrate 2. Embrace diversity! best sustainability practices will earn the ‘Golden Chopstick Award.’ 3. Light a spark! THE HUTONG HELMSMAN 4. Go the extra ‘li’ (mile)! Mao Zedong was known as “The Great Helmsman” because of his ability 5. Seek challenge! to steer the PRC to the right course of action. At The Hutong, we will choose our Helmsmen and Helmswomen based on who has lived up to 6. Smile more! the Hutong’s Core Values that day, thereby helping steer us to a more successful trip. We typically have each teacher choose someone from his or her group, and by the end of the trip each student ends up being We like to challenge students to adopt these practices and award those recognized for their positive contributions. who demonstrate such values during the trip, through initiatives such as:

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 14 REFERENCES

We have been running innovative, custom-crafted educational tours since 2009 with responsible professionalism and while maintaining an exemplary safety record. We encourage all new partners to contact references for an unbiased perspective on their experiences with The Hutong. Below is a list of top administrative contacts for international schools that we regularly run programs for. We are also happy to provide contact information of teachers who have been trip leaders on our programs, and with whom we have worked closely.

Simon Joyce [email protected] Brenda Petersen [email protected] Head of Co-Curricular Activities, ISF Academy Hong Kong Assistant Head of School, Concordia International School, Shanghai

Colleen Drisner [email protected] Greg Ladner [email protected] Secondary School Principal, Beijing City International School Associate Principal, Hong Kong International School

Heidi Witt-Williams [email protected] Fred Runkel [email protected] Head of Secondary School, British School of Nanjing Co-Principal, YCIS Shanghai

“The Hutong sets the bar high for educational travel in China! Great communication, excellent planning, authentic on-site learning, appreciation of Chinese culture, and top-notch professionalism are just a few of the consistent ingredients for a wonderful experience by Hutong educational staff members. It’s clear that Hutong staff love what they do, and their enthusiasm is infectious! Anyone can make a travel itinerary, but The Hutong always hits the mark by creating excellent onsite learning opportunities.“

- Karin Semler, Director of Student Life, Concordia International School of Shanghai

“The hands-on focus of the activities that The Hutong provides to our students enhances both the lessons that we teach in the classroom as well as their understanding of the culture that they live in. The programs that The Hutong offers, allow our students the opportunity to interact with the subject matter that we present in the classroom in a way that they are able to conceptualize their understanding in a manner not available within the classroom.”

- Brian McManus, Strategic Learning Coordinator, International School of Beijing

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 15 ABOUT THE HUTONG

At The Hutong, we offer a range of interactive, educational, unique, and Each year we expand our destinations and topics. Our goal is to work fun activities to students and school groups of all different ages. Our closely with schools to incorporate their curriculum and learning objectives interactive programs are designed to broaden participants’ understanding in our educational travels, and give the students and staff exceptional of Chinese culture and allow them to experience an authentic side of experiences. The Hutong is happy to propose customized offsite programs China. We aim to adapt our programs and work closely with schools and that build upon the units of inquiry taught in your school. teachers to create customized cultural activities for various Grade Levels and subject areas. By incorporating grade and subject-specific learning The Hutong places particular emphasis on experiential learning, and targets into the design of our onsite and offsite excursions, The Hutong works increasingly to give its students the opportunity to service the strives to offer top-notch activities that are engaging and relevant. communities they visit. Students who attend Hutong trips engage with global issues by collaborating to plan and execute community service Combining our staff’s expertise in both tourism and education, we have programs. They leave the trip with a renewed sense of their strengths been running unique and creative study tours to off-the-beaten-track and abilities, as well as a more solid understanding of ethical tourism destinations since 2009, with thorough professionalism and maintaining and global development. an impeccable safety record. We aim to broaden students’ horizons by exposing them to memorable experiences throughout China. Our typical educational tours focus on a combination of cultural immersion and outdoor education. We place an important emphasis on experiential learning. We do not just visit tourist spots, but we experience the places we visit and take a step deeper. The majority of our team has a background in both travel and education and this is where we look to excel.

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 16 CONTACT INFORMATION

Morgan O’Hara [email protected]

Web: www.thehutong.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +86 159 0104 6127

1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang | Beixinqiao | Dongcheng District | Beijing | 100007 | China 中国北京东城区北新桥九道湾中巷1号100007

VSA HONG KONG JUNE 2019 17