High School (Grades 9–12)

Outdoor Education in High School

High School offers outdoor education expeditions that develop students across all aspects of our learner profile. All students must participate in at least one expedition in Grade 9 or 10, as the personal and social development opportunities are impossible to replicate in the classroom. UWCSEA’s overseas travel operates in accordance with the College’s robust health and safety guidelines and sustainable trips framework.

Grade 9 adventure programme

Grade 9 students are offered a variety of challenging expeditions during the March/April and June/July holidays. These 7-19 day expeditions, run by our in-country partners, are not with their mentor groups, but with other Grade 9 students from both Dover and East campuses. Destinations include India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and Japan, and activities include trekking, rafting, sailing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Locations can be remote, accommodation is often basic and the food will reflect the local culture of the host country. 

Grade 10 adventure programme for new students

Students who join UWCSEA in Grade 10 are expected to participate in a Grade 10 expedition, which takes place during the March/April and June/July school breaks. They include students from both campuses and offer a choice of destinations with varying outdoor challenges and durations. The expeditions help new students deepen friendships, build a sense of belonging, and cultivate key skills and mindsets that prepare them for Project Week which takes place in May of Grade 11. For returning Grade 10 students who have already completed an expedition in Grade 9, they are able to apply to join a Grade 9 or Grade 10 expedition if spots become available.

Grade 11 Project Week

Project Week is a unique experiential trip-based educational programme that allows Grade 11 students to plan and undertake meaningful activities aligned with the IBDP CAS programme and College mission. Students are guided through preparation steps that incorporate skills such as first aid, risk assessment, and itinerary planning before receiving approval to travel. While students may complete their IBDP CAS project within Singapore, most choose overseas projects that include adventurous, creative, and/or service activities. Project Week develops skills like leadership, collaboration, and cultural awareness, preparing students for post-school challenges.

Optional trips 

In the past these have included:

• Cultural immersion trips for students of Chinese, Dutch, French and Spanish language

• Multi-day course-based fieldwork and study tours for those enrolled in academic subjects such as Biology, Drama, Economics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography and History
• Trips for students competing in sports, maths, MUN and other representative competitions
• Visits to Service programme partners in destinations such as Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal