On Thursday 5 November 2020, our Y8 boys were challenged to re-enact the devastating volcanic eruption on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano, which had started to erupt in 1995 after remaining dormant for over 300 years, experienced its most intense and violent eruptions in 1997. As part of the simulation re-creating the disaster, the boys’ classroom became the incident room for the disaster as the boys, working together in teams as geologists, information coordinators and crisis managers, made crucial decisions to protect the inhabitants of the island. As with the real disaster, teamwork, strong communication, analysis and logical reasoning were all key as the boys assessed and responded to the changing data and ‘live’ reports coming in through their walkie-talkies from the 10 News helicopter pilots in the air. At every stage, the boys had tough decisions to make to protect inhabitants.
At the end of the re-enactment, the boys and their teacher Miss Goodman reflected on their decision-making, ranking their choices.
“I am so proud of how the boys responded to this challenge. It was incredible to watch them working together, using their listening skills and taking great responsibility for their collective decisions. Without a doubt, they seized upon this challenge and the opportunity to put their geography skills and understanding into practice.”
The exercise, which the boys participated in with great enthusiasm and maturity, helped to bring geography to life for the boys and challenged the boys to not only use but also reflect on the many Future Skills they have developed.
