Summit Magazine December 2005 - International School Moshi

The IB1 Raft RaceIn today's complex world it is often difficult toaccomplish things as an individual working alone.An understanding of group processes and groupdynamics can be crucial to success. Whether it's astudy group, a stage performance, or a teamsport, people of different backgrounds,personalities, temperaments, and expertise arebrought together. Groups are complicated, butthey are indispensable. It makes sense to figureout how to work together. The IB1 classesinvestigated the ways people interact andcommunicate. They observed verbal and nonverbalstyles of communication to analyze howthey affect the dynamics of the group. Theylooked at different leadership styles to formopinions on the pitfalls in group dynamics, andcommon elements of a successful group. As aculminating activity the IB1s worked in groups todesign and construct rafts that could carry Primaryand IB passengers in a race across the swimmingpool.Catriona SutherlandS5 Tarangire Trip(an excerpt from story by S5 EIL student)We left the school on a lovely Thursday morning togo to Tarangire with the students from both Arushaand Moshi campus. It was an opportunity tosocialize and get to know one another.Together we unloaded the lorry and the cars and setup camp. Then the boys started some games andthe girls began to talk. People started to socialize abit.We were then divided into groups and wereinstructed in games to play to help get to know oneanother better. Over the duration of the weekendwe collectively prepared dinners, did the washingup, and laughed and joked with each other.Some of the activities we had to do were amazing.One activity had us put something over our eyes andfind a rope and make shapes with it. In anothergame we had to go in a circle, going through thecircle as fast as we can, but had to hold hands. Thethird game was very cool. First, everyone had to liedown on their back and put their hands up. Thelightest person lay on their backs and had to passacross everyone just using our feet. Then we had topass a bucket of water with our feet. I can tell youthat I got very wet! And the last game was veryfunny. There was a rope tied to a tree and therewere mines all over the place. We had to try and getto the other side using the rope. I survived!The activities were followed by an afternoon at theTarangire Safari Lodge. We had the best meal of ourtrip there - big burgers! We also listened to a talkabout the elephants. It was very interesting.On Saturday morning everyone was tired and didn'twant to go back. It was really sad saying goodbyeto all the new students I met from Arusha. Thewhole trip I was with them laughing and havingfun.Eloise Martin S517R a f t R a c e / S 5 C l a s s T r i p : T a r a n g i r eISM