Last week, Year 8 set off from the Wellington campus for their annual residential expedition to Dianshan Lake. During the three-day trip, the pupils enjoyed an educational and social experience far from their usual environment and comfort zones. The trip helped the pupils to develop resilience, and to build long-lasting relationships away from the classroom, which are all important strands of the Wellington experience. After their arrival at Dianshan Lake, Year 8 were set for a day filled with activities. The morning’s activities included raft building or dragon boat racing, through which the pupils learnt to work as a team and the importance of listening to others. The activities were done in great spirit and laughter most definitely ensued. In the evening, Year 8 came back together as a whole to work in a group-based learning session, which took place in the dark. At the end of the day, all pupils had the opportunity to reflect on the day's successes as groups and individuals with their teachers and mentors. Day 2 gave the groups an opportunity to move from activity to activity with great anticipation, having heard all of the groups sharing their stories from the day before. Despite the dry weather not every pupil managed to avoid the wet with raft building proving to be a challenge. In the afternoon the pupils embarked on new journeys: orienteering around the 25km oriental land and kayaking in the lake. There were smiles all round as they overcame fears and took calculated risks to overcome obstacles. The pupils showed exactly what it means to be a Wellingtonian, from developing independence to inspiring others through their leadership skills. Every Year 8 pupil came back ready to embrace their final year in Prep school determined to reach their true potential.