By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations

In a world where screens dominate, and virtual experiences are becoming the norm, our Year 5-6 students broke out of the mould recently by engaging in an exhilarating real-life treasure hunt known as geocaching. This captivating outdoor activity not only ignited their spirit of adventure but also aligned seamlessly with one of the Round Square pillars - the pillar of adventure.

The pillar of adventure encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, take calculated risks and explore the world around them. A morning of geocaching provided a perfect opportunity for students to do just that.

Geocaching, a modern-day treasure hunting game, involves participants using GPS coordinates to locate hidden containers, or ‘caches’, in various outdoor locations across the world. On Thursday, 10 August, 25 Round Square students, along with their teachers, Mr Montesin and Ms Markovic, headed out bright and early to Gossan Hill in search of a number of caches.

Armed with a mobile phone and a thirst for exploration, students immersed themselves in nature, technology and teamwork while fostering a deeper understanding of the Round Square pillar of adventure.

Geocaching thrives on teamwork and cooperation. Students worked together to decipher clues, brainstorm strategies and ultimately unearth the treasure. These collaborative efforts not only strengthened existing friendships, but also provided opportunities for students to connect with peers they might not have interacted with otherwise.

After an hour of searching and three of the six possible caches found, time was running out - our first geocaching adventure had come to an end. Students walked back to school with a spring in their step, connecting with their friends, sharing stories with each other and planning for our second adventure.