*This Amazing Race’s finish line wasn't just about checkpoints; it was also about becoming better leaders, team players, and people.*

Hello! We’re back with a new article, and you know what that means - we've got something truly exciting to share with you again! In the first week of September, Beyond Expeditions had the absolute pleasure of hosting not one, but two incredible days of adventure for Dulwich students; one day dedicated to the Year 7’s and another day to the Year 9’s! As I combed through the trove of amazing photographs taken during these races, I took a step back to think about the best way to capture the essence of this adventure in words.

*Meet the dedicated team of trainers who provided exceptional care and guidance to each group of Dulwich students throughout the race!*

*And introducing Wani, our very own Race Captain, leading this entire adventure from start to finish!*

Here’s how I decided to go ahead with this article's direction.

I won't fill you in with every program detail - if you're curious about that, simply drop us an email inquiry here, and our Head of Outdoors, Shah, will fill you in. Instead, I invite you to peer through my lens, to witness the intangible, precious lessons that will linger in these students' hearts long after the thrill of the day has faded.

Because what truly matters, whether it's for yourself, your colleagues (if you're part of a work team), your students (if you're a school teacher), or your child (if you're a parent), is an experience that brings personal transformation, one that goes far beyond the realm of mere fun and games.

If that's what you’re looking for, you’re at the right place.

And I invite you to join me as we unravel the layers of this race and explore the remarkable transformation it brought for these Dulwich students.

*** Do note that in some of the photos, the students’ faces are cropped out to protect their privacy!

Here’s a table of contents.

You can either read from start to end, or just go straight to the segments that pique your interest most.

Leadership Skills in Action
What it means to be a Team Player
Exploring Singapore’s Heritage and Culture with Fresh Eyes
Taking Them Beyond What They’re Used To.

Leadership Skills in Action

Would you believe it if we told you that participating in an Amazing Race around Singapore honed these students’ essential leadership skills in several remarkable ways? Let's break it down:

Effective Articulation:

In the fast-paced challenges of the race, students quickly understood the importance of conveying their opinions clearly and persuasively. Our trainers quoted how the groups would look at the MRT map, and dive deep into discussion.

"Chinatown is nearer compared to Little India, we can head over to Little India later on,”

“No, I think we should go to Little India first since it’s further, THEN check off Chinatown on the way back to base!”

With 20 students in each group, they learned how to express their individual opinions clearly and collaboratively, a crucial skill in leadership.

Active Listening Skills:

Throughout the race, our Dulwich students encountered a multitude of opinions, especially when deciding on their next checkpoint or how to clear a challenge. These moments demanded active listening, encouraging them to value each team member's input. This ability to handle diverse viewpoints is an invaluable asset in any leadership role and was a skill our trainers were thrilled to witness the students practicing.

practising Diverse Leadership Styles:

Each group was tasked with completing different kinds of challenges at each stations, providing a platform for them to practice different leadership styles. For example, the Little India challenge required each group to ask strangers for help in translating information we had passed to them. Our trainers stated how the Year 9’s embraced delegation, assigning specific pieces of information to each member for translation. In contrast, the Year 7s displayed eagerness to participate, teaching each group to manage overwhelming responses and balance involvement while achieving the task at hand.

the art of enrollment

We also got to see how this Amazing Race provided a platform for students to practice the art of enrolling everyone in a common vision; another important aspect of leadership! Our trainers planned creative photo challenges and collaborative tasks for them to complete during the race, and these were opportunities for students to step up and present their ideas in a way that inspires and engages their teammates, allowing them to practice the skill of actively rallying people in alignment with their vision.

Isn’t it crazy how this Amazing Race in Singapore becomes a real-world classroom where students got to learn, adapt, and thrive as leaders? Well, leadership is not the only thing these students got to strengthen; they got to learn how to be a better team player too.

What it means to be a Team Player

Now, this amazing race also helped these Dulwich students better understand the essence of teamwork.

Throughout this race, our trainers also saw how the Dulwich students discovered a fundamental truth about being a team player: a team becomes more formidable when they celebrate and utilize the strengths of their teammates. The race presented unique opportunities for this revelation; for example, when the students gathered for the beginning of the race, our trainers guided them to delegate roles within the group. A team leader, a navigator – and our students impressed us, because these roles weren't just assigned randomly; they were carefully thought out.

We saw how they keenly observed their peers, asking around and trying to discern who had a better grasp of the MRT map, and then wisely assigned the role of navigator to that individual.

In every race challenge, individual strengths shone brightly, emphasizing that everyone brought something unique to the team. The lesson was clear: the team excelled when they embraced these differences, showcasing the incredible power of teamwork and the beauty of individual capabilities.

Exploring Singapore’s heritage and culture with fresh eyes

And, of course, at the heart of it all, lies the primary purpose behind the creation of this race. This race was not just a simple excursion. It was crafted to foster a deeper connection between students and the vibrant tapestry of Singapore's culture and history, thanks to the ingenious design of our trainers.

Rather than just reading about the city's history and culture, students got to leave the classroom and immerse themselves in Singapore through fun and unique challenges and quests. They explore iconic heritage sites such as Little India and Chinatown, dive into a deeper understanding of the local culture, and truly absorb the essence of Singapore's heritage. It's a hands-on approach to learning that brings textbooks to life.

*A glimpse at the unique activities our trainers specially planned for our Dulwich students’ experience!*

Taking public transport together was also an adventure in itself. Our trainers found out that most of these students have never taken public transport before. Because they’re usually picked up by school bus, or personal driver.

By getting these students to take the public transport, these students got to directly experience the city's diversity in people and neighborhoods, rather than just be taught about it. This intentional experience could encourage them to appreciate the beauty of Singapore's multicultural tapestry and encourages them to be more open-minded and accepting of differences.

Most importantly, the fun and experiential nature of this amazing race created lasting memories with fellow classmates. The shared challenges, triumphs, and discoveries strengthen bonds and create a sense of camaraderie that definitely extended beyond the race itself. These memories become a part of their collective experience, shaping their perspectives not only of Singapore but also of their friendships and the world around them.

So, to all you teachers out there, remember that sometimes the greatest lessons happen beyond the classroom walls. Keep exploring, keep innovating, and keep seeking experiences that inspire your students to become the leaders and team players the world needs.

If this article has ignited a desire for a transformative and enjoyable experience for your students, don't hesitate to contact us via email. Our exceptional trainers from Beyond Expeditions' Outdoor Education department, Syazwani (L) and Shah (R) are ready to make it happen.

The Dulwich Amazing Race: Where Students Race across the lion city to Become Super Leaders and Team Titans