Immersion Programme Summary Day 1 to 3 (Mind-Mapping Concepts)

Thots from our hearts: Group 1

Thots from our hearts: Group 2

Thots from our hearts : Group 3

Thots from our hearts: Group 4

Ooty Trip @ The Peak (Day 6)

After a wonderful night of sing-a-long session and campfire, we were given the opportunity to interact with our friends while we pack our luggage in preparation for Ooty Trip.

In the morning, we spent some time at Brindavan Public School to interact with the pupils at the school.
We bonded with them through interactive games. At the same time, all of us exchanged contacts with one another.

We had spend another hour travelling further up the mountain in the afternoon. It was a magnificent panoramic view at Doddabetta. It is the highest peak (2634 metres) in the Nilgiris. The name Doddabetta literally means 'big mountain'. It lies at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats and offers beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense sholas.

News Update @ Coonoor 3 Sept 2012 – 2300 (India Time)

Dear Parents

Here are the highlights for today….

High Field Tea Plantation Visit

Our pupils learnt more about the processes involved in making tea – withering, CTC – Crush, Turn & Curl and Roasting. They learn that tea plucking is not an easy task to do and usually it is done by the ladies. 200 women pluck at least 35 kg of tea leaves every morning and their job starts before dawn.

Our pupils learn that the tea leaves that are plucked are used for various type of teas – white tea, black tea, flavoured tea and green tea. They had a chance to sample various teas – chocolate tea, masala tea, green tea and ginger tea. Chocolate tea seems to be their favourite!

ACRES Organic Cheese Making Farm

The rest of the day was spent at the ACRES farm. The owner of the farm, Mr Mansur, explained to the children about his self-sustainable farming system. They also visited the biogas plant where they made use of the methane gas produced by the cow dung for the fuel for domestic uses. Mr Mansur also explained how they make their own bricks for the plant using mud, sand and lime.

Before lunch, Mrs Mansur told the children about a little boy in the Middle East who was travelling with his bag of milk. From the story, pupils were introduced to the process of cheese making. Our pupils had the chance to cut the cheese curd before sampling it. They then proceeded to the cheese cellar where the cheese is left for three to four months before they are read to be eaten.  The children had some cheese biscuits.  Every child had an opportunity to milk the cow and plant lime seed for tree planting. It is definitely an unique experience for all of them. 

News Update @ Coonoor - 2 Sept @2030 (India Time)

Dear Parents

Kindly take note that we have safely landed at Coimbatore Airport @ 1615 (India time).

We have arrived at MGM Hill Worth Resorts @ 2000 (India time) and the children are having their dinner now.

Due to the limited Internet access in Coonoor, we would be able to post frequent updates each day. We would be posting our progress when once we are back at the hotel at the end of the day or before we set off to our destination in the morning.

For any urgent matters, kindly take note of the contact details (on the right side of the blog page).

Thank you for your patience and kind understanding.


Mdm Sue
Reporting from Coonoor, India

Moving off to Coonoor and Ooty

Dear Parents,

We will be departing from Keys Hotel now. Due to the travelling and movement, our updates will be at a later time. Do stay tuned. :)

Mind Mapping Concepts - School Immersion Summary (Group 1)

We will be posting about School Immersion the next few days. Do stay tuned.

News Update @ Chennai - 1 Sept @ 1159 (India Time)

Dear Parents,

Here's today highlights...

Anderson-Gateway Outdoor Fieldtrip @ Dakshnacitra

Together with Gateway buddies, our pupils learnt more about the culture and lifestyles of the Southern Indians in Dakshnacitra. They participated in a few hands-on craft activities such as pot making and cloth painting. Our pupils also observed how sarees are being weaved traditionally.There are many cultural demonstrations and craft works being showcased at the centre.

To immerse into the culture and lifestyle of the locals here, both Gateway and Anderson pupils played an indoor game to find out more about the languages used by the locals with the use of IT as a tool to facilitate the activity.

Parting with the Gateway buddies was the hardest thing to do... Some of our pupils were sad to bid farewell to their buddies.

Sight-Seeing @ Marina Beach

The pupils were awed by the beauty of Marina Beach. They had fun exploring the beach and watching the activities that were taking place at the scene.

Shopping Spree @ Express Lane & City Centre

We visited the latest shopping mall in town - Express Lane. Most of them purchased lots of things for themselves and their loved ones. We went to KFC Restaurant for dinner before heading to another shopping mall. We went to Landmark - a two-storey bookstore where there are many story books for children.

DAY 3 @ CHENNAI

We have just ended the Day 3 Immersion and will be busy packing our luggage for tomorrow's journey.  So please stay tuned to this space. :)