Starting secondary school is a big step. New school, new teachers, new classmates and a completely new environment can be both exciting and challenging. That is why our first-year students at BESST took part in a two-day adaptation program designed to help them get to know one another, build trust and gradually become a real class.
The main idea of the program was captured in our motto: “We came as individuals – we leave as a class.”
Throughout the two days, students took part in a variety of activities and challenges focused on communication, cooperation, creativity and mutual respect. The goal was not simply to have fun, but to create an environment where everyone could feel comfortable, including and safe.
One Boat, One Team
One of the highlights of the program was rafting on the Hron River. Working together in one boat was a great opportunity for students to experience first-hand what teamwork really means. Everyone had a role to play, and success depended on cooperation, communication and trust.
It was also a chance to step outside their comfort zones and share an experience that they will hopefully remember long after the adaptation program is over.
Getting to Know Each Other
During the program, students took part in a number of activities designed to help them discover what they have in common and learn more about their new classmates. From “Find Someone Who…” and “Two Truths and a Lie” to creative team challenges, the activities encouraged students to talk to people they might not normally approach and discover unexpected things about one another.
The evening continued around the campfire, where there was time to relax, talk and enjoy each other’s company in a more informal atmosphere.
Team Challenges
The second day brought a series of challenges based on five important BESST values: with heart, creatively, together, safely and challengingly.
Students worked in teams and had to solve different tasks that tested their communication, creativity, problem-solving skills and ability to cooperate. Each challenge reminded them that achieving a common goal is much easier when everyone contributes.
The biggest challenge brought the whole class together and required everyone to work towards the same goal. It was a great opportunity for students to see that every member of the class has something valuable to contribute.
Our Class, Our Rules
Towards the end of the program, students created their own Class Agreement. Together, they came up with five rules that they felt were important for creating a positive and respectful class environment.
Rather than simply being given a list of rules, the students had the opportunity to decide what kind of class they wanted to be part of and what they expected from one another.
From Individuals to a Class
The program ended with a final reflection, giving students the opportunity to look back on the two days and think about what they had experienced and learned.
Of course, becoming a real class does not happen in two days. It is a process that will continue throughout the school year. But these two days gave our first-year students a strong starting point – a chance to meet, laugh, cooperate, overcome challenges and begin creating their own class identity.
We came as individuals. We leave as a class.
