Oakhill’s joy of learning beyond the classroom
In March each year, a significant tradition unfolds at Oakhill School as the Grade 10 students embark on a 21-day adventure of a lifetime covering nearly 400km, hiking, biking, kayaking and abseiling across the most picturesque terrain in South Africa.
With nature's playground on its doorstep, Oakhill School is able to offer more than an education, it offers a lifestyle in which each student is able to embody the school motto 'joy of learning' beyond the classroom.
As part of the bigger picture of holistic education at Oakhill, significant camps as well as regular outings and field trips take place throughout their schooling. However, the Odyssey, a personal journey of growth and discovery for Grade 10s, is the highlight of the college's outdoor learning experience.
The 21-day adventure leads these intrepid explorers through the magnificent natural splendour of the Garden Route and Langkloof, through forests, over mountains, across stretches of semi-desert and along lakes, rivers and the breathtaking South Cape coastline.
This year, there were four groups, each covering a route of about 216km on foot, 141km cycling and 28km kayaking, arriving back at school to triumphantly hoist the Oakhill flag.
Now in its 13th year, the Odyssey is a rite of passage that leaves no student unchanged as growth seldom takes place in one's comfort zone. It is perceived as the gold standard of similar self-actualising experiences and for several years, other independent schools from Gauteng have collaborated to offer their own pupils this unique opportunity through Oakhill.
According to many who have done this wilderness experience, the freedom and independence brought about by venturing beyond their physical, emotional and mental boundaries tests their resilience, develops
their endurance and enhances self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-confidence and pride. In sharing the experience, life-long friendships are developed as 'ubuntu' is understood without being defined.
There is a time for deep self reflection in the middle of their journey, as the students complete 36 hours of profound solitude in the bush. During their 'solo' time they write letters to their parents, the school head and their 'future selves'. Following this alone time, they engage in an enriching programme at a rural crèche giving back to other communities.
The respite from technology and luxuries while on the Odyssey always gives the students time to truly appreciate the environment and their place in it, and also to reflect on their comforts and family back home.
At the same time, participants can marvel at the 360-degree vistas, have a swim and laze on the river banks, identify and listen to the call of the birds, and relish the fresh produce from the local orchards.
"It is a time to build relationships with peers and to share yourself with them; to listen and to be heard," say the organisers. "You will have time to test your individual resilience and to discover the immense power of teamwork. You will have time to lead but also to follow your leader, the route, your common sense and your inner voice. Enjoy the precious luxury of time and make the most of it."
The Odyssey's 'journey to the soul' is a once-in-a lifetime experience. A gallery of photos is available on Oakhill's website and social media to view the action and adventures.