At NKCS, we firmly believe: Truly future-oriented education has no predetermined script. Growth often blooms in unexpected moments—it may not be a leap in exam rankings, but a sudden realization when unlocking new life experiences; it is not just burying oneself in books in the classroom, but the perseverance and persistence to take that step even when exhausted and wanting to give up. We believe that the core competencies required in the 21st century go far beyond the knowledge points outlined in the curriculum. They involve the courage to face the unknown, the judgment to find a way out of dilemmas, and the collaborative wisdom and sense of responsibility when moving forward with others. Therefore, at NKCS, the boundaries of education are never limited to books and classrooms, but extend to the real world, allowing every student to learn independent thinking, forge a resilient character, and develop teamwork skills in real-life scenarios, ultimately growing into future creators with both profound heritage and broad vision, and a heart full of passion and awe.

Recently, NKCS students traveled to the Guangfu Mountain area in Suzhou to embark on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) Hiking Practice Journey. Over two days, 75 students (41 Silver-level participants and 34 Bronze-level participants), accompanied and guarded by 10 faculty members and coaches, trekked through muddy mountain roads in the rain, collaborated to overcome numerous challenges, measured perseverance with their footsteps, and interpreted team spirit through their actions—this is not just a "hike," but a holistic education practice course on survival skills, coexistence ability, and leadership.

Award Leader / Alex O.

The DofE Practice Journey at Suzhou Guangfu Hills was a highly successful and educational experience. All participants had the opportunity to develop and strengthen their navigation, camping, survival, teamwork, and leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment. The journey laid a strong foundation for the students’ upcoming qualifying expeditions and fostered a sense of achievement, resilience, and personal growth in line with the core values of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

1 Departure in the Rain: Step Out of the Comfort Zone and Learn in the Real World

At NKCS, we have always adhered to the belief: "Growth goes beyond the classroom." The truly important abilities are often only truly awakened at the moment of stepping out of the comfort zone. On the early morning of the first hiking day, the mountain roads in the Guangfu Mountain area were slippery and difficult to traverse after being soaked by rain. Students carried heavy backpacks and climbed seemingly endless steep slopes step by step, with many exclaiming, "My legs are about to give out." But between the struggle of "wanting to give up" and "persisting a little longer," they made a choice—no one stopped. Along the way, everyone reminded each other of road conditions, encouraged one another, successfully conquered three checkpoints in a row, and set up camp smoothly at the third checkpoint.

A simple lunch at noon quickly replenished their energy, and as night fell, a bubbling pot of "army stew" dispelled the chill in the mountains. The camping sleep was slightly cramped, and the tents were still stained with mud washed by rain, but the laughter by the stew pot and the soft chats between teammates accumulated full strength for the next day's challenges. This friendship forged in wind and rain and the warmth gained through collaboration are exactly the "way of coexistence" that NKCS hopes students will learn—not only to be independent, but also to understand unity; not only to take good care of themselves, but also to be willing to reach out and help others succeed.

2 Team Collaboration: Everyone Has a "21st-Century Superpower"

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is never just an outdoor hike; it is more like an elaborately designed "competency development system": In an uncertain environment, students need to read maps, assess risks, and make decisions; with limited resources, the team must divide work reasonably, support each other, and back each other up—these are exactly the problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and leadership highly valued in the 21st century. During this journey, the tacit cooperation of each group became a vivid illustration of holistic education in real-life scenarios.

During this journey, the tacit cooperation of each group became a vivid illustration of holistic education in real-life scenarios. On the second day, the lingering light rain and mountain fog added difficulty to navigation, but each group had already united into a tight whole, and everyone unlocked their own "superpower": • Some became "navigation experts," using maps and compasses to identify directions accurately, and even if they occasionally took the wrong path or went in circles, they could quickly review and adjust; • Some turned into "hiking assistants," taking the initiative to share backpacks for teammates who were physically exhausted and reaching out to help them climb steep slopes, ensuring no one was left behind in the team; • Some served as "supply managers," coordinating materials and distributing them reasonably to ensure the team's energy and rhythm; • Others silently took on the role of "mood boosters," telling jokes, singing, and encouraging everyone when they were most tired, giving the team an emotional "fulcrum." Among them,

Team Bronze 4, with extreme unity and perseverance, became the first team to cross the finish line—even during the lunch break, they did not slack off, interpreting the spirit of "never giving up" through their actions. Along the way, coaches also taught many practical skills: how to walk more efficiently, how to use trekking poles to prevent slipping on muddy roads on rainy days... Behind these seemingly "technical" contents lies NKCS's consistent educational pursuit: letting students learn from real problems and grow through solving them.

3 More Than a Hike: Become a More "Complete" Self Through Constant Attempts

This journey was more arduous than imagined, yet it allowed every participant to gain growth beyond expectations. Students who had never set up a tent before can now complete camp setup independently and quickly—this is an improvement in practical skills and hands-on literacy; students who lacked exercise on weekdays strengthened their physical fitness through perseverance—this is training in willpower and self-management; navigation mistakes and rainy day dilemmas taught everyone to make calm judgments under pressure and find the optimal solution in imperfection—this is the ability to make decisions in complex situations.

More precious is the tempering of team spirit: when someone fell, someone immediately reached out to help; when someone was tired and complained, there were always teammates to comfort and encourage them; during the lunch break, everyone covered in mud sat closely together, sharing snacks, telling jokes, and chatting about interesting things—those seemingly chaotic moments are quietly shaping their empathy, tolerance, and ability to connect with others. In addition, the students consciously practiced the "Leave No Trace" principle, picking up garbage casually and disposing of waste properly, showing respect and protection for the environment in every choice. This is also the civic awareness and global responsibility that NKCS values: being able to go out into the world and, more importantly, knowing how to treat the world kindly.

4 Unchanged Original Aspiration: Ignite Infinite Possibilities for the Future with a Challenge

The core of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is "challenging oneself"; NKCS chooses to persist in this activity because we believe that only through challenges can the youth who have withstood wind and rain gain sufficient confidence and resilience to embrace the unknown future. This hiking journey in Guangfu, Suzhou is not just a simple excursion; it has allowed students to improve practical skills such as navigation, camping, and first aid in real-life scenarios, and more importantly, subtly cultivated their independence, resilience, collaboration, and leadership, laying a solid foundation for subsequent qualification certification expeditions and serving as a mini preview for them to face challenges in college and society in the future. Transform in wind and rain, grow through collaboration. With their footsteps over two days and one night, NKCS students have measured the length of "perseverance" and the distance between themselves and the future. We deeply understand: Education is not about shielding them from wind and rain, but about teaching them how to move forward in the wind and rain. We look forward to the future, where more NKCS students will bravely step out of their comfort zones, continuously ignite their own growth light in real and challenging scenarios, and become what this era truly needs—capable, responsible, and compassionate global citizens and future creators.