In October, six of our boys took part in a personal development expedition to Morocco.
This was an amazing opportunity for our boys, many of whom haven’t travelled outside Hampshire or stayed away from family.
Much work had been done preparing the team for the challenges that lay ahead, including a Moroccan cooking and food tasting day and teambuilding at Marwell Zoo, also an exciting opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of a Souk in Marrakech using cutting edge Virtual Reality technology thanks to Freemantle School.
The overall aim in organising the expedition was to give the boys experience of different cultures and religions, increase independent living skills, communication and resilience. The expedition itself is bespoke to the Polygon school. It has been designed with our students in mind to incorporate the right level of risk and challenge.
Phase 1 UK residential
As part of the build up to the expedition itself, the team went on a UK residential in the New Forest. During this time the boys were able to gel as a group by facing trials on high ropes, practice trekking, campfire cooking, and general wild camping skills
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| Boys preparing food for dinner |
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| Nice Onsie Jack! |
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| Someone didn't want to get out of bed! |
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| Reece making it to the top of the climb whilst being belayed by the team |
The Expedition
During the expedition, The team flew
in and out of Marrakech but travelled around while in country.
We had a detailed and action packed itineary for the week which included visiting the High Atlas Mountains near Aroumd and living amongst local Berber communities, camel riding and spending time on the coast in
Essaouria. Of course a trip to Morocco wouldnt be the same without a visit to the famous Souks aand spice markets of Marakesch !
The team had amazing experiences including visiting a local Berber school, Argan oil cooperatives and even a traditional Hammam!
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| High Atles in Imlil you can see the snow capped mountains |
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| Trekking with our guide Abdul |
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| Yes ... Cobras and Pit Vipers! |
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| Lewis loved the traditional sweet mint tea- he even took some home! |
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| Exploring outside our mountain gite |
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| Cheers Spence! |
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| Just about to tackle the busy markets |
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| Breath taking scenery |
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| Textile quater in the Souk |
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| Learning about Saffron in the Souk |
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| The local football pitch will be covered in snow by now! |
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| Wooden chess pieces carved using feet! |
Go Mrs Thomas!
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| Camel riding on the coast |
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| Spencer syaing goodbye to our cooks |
Build up and preperation
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| An amazing opportunity to experience to sensory overload of the Souks from the UK- Virtual reality headsets as part of our build up preperation |
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| View from our camp - beautiful listening to the call for prayer during sunrise |
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| A feast! |
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| Shaun cooking Moroccon food as part of our build up preperation |
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| Delicious! |
The team had an amazing experience and have made memories that will last a lifetime. Well done boys for showing relilience and great teamwork.
Go Mrs Thomas!
