Nature is the Classroom for Middle School Week Without Walls

Zip-lining above the mountains. Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean. Trekking through the forest.

Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 were transported to classrooms not made of concrete and glass, but instead were oceans, forest pathways, farms, trees, beaches, race tracks, and pools. The Week Without Walls trips in the Middle School at ICS Addis are learning experiences unlike any other throughout the school year.

Grade 8 students traveled to the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania. During their visit, they studied the marine ecosystem of the coral reefs through snorkeling, learned about local agriculture practices at spice and seaweed farms, and explored the architecture and urban development of the island on city tours.

The Grade 8 students also enjoyed fitness classes in beachside swimming pools, treks through tropical jungles, and a range of games like ping-pong and foosball.

To see pictures from all of these trips, head over to Vidigami!

Grades 6 and 7 traveled to Entoto Park, a serene forested area in the mountains north of the Ethiopian capital. Students challenged themselves to zip-lining adventures, raced on three-wheeled bikes, competed in a paintball match, hiked through the forest, and jumped through a trampoline park.

“At ICS, we aim to create unique, impactful learning experiences for our students,” Middle School Principal Kristine Adelsboell said. 

"Both at Entoto Park and in Zanzibar, students engage in exploration of nature and culture outside what they are used to, and this widens their academic and personal experiences. These memorable trips provide opportunities for students to build relationships, take risks, and create memories while learning outside the classroom.”

To find out more about the ICS philosophy of learning and the Middle School experience, visit our Learn page.