At Edge, we believe that part of a person's responsibility to others is to share his or her stories, thoughts and concerns as part of the global village.

The Edge School Global Studies class is very much an opportunity to connect in such a vital way.

MARCH - APRIL 2010  GREECE

This year's Global Studies class toured Greece:

• from the academic - The House of Parliament on Syntagma Square; the University, Academy and National Library on University Street
• to the athletic - the marble Panathenian Stadium (where the 1st modern Olympics were inaugurated in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus; a bicyle tour of Athens
• to the character - Ancient Theater of Dionyssos and Acropolis.

In 2007, the Edge team journeyed to Kenya, Africa - exploring and challenging themselves under the great leadership of Principal (now Academic Dean) David Salberg and Science Teacher/Student Leadership Director  Wendy Closkey (now Kersweill).

Learn more about that first trip - through the words of our students:

"A screech of tires announced our arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a night's stay at the Mountain Inn, our trek up Kilimanjaro started.  As we all snapped of some "before" pictures and steadied ourselves for the challenge, we noticed that t-shirts shouting out loud "Just Done It" were awaiting us in the gift stand nearby.  We had work to do before that however.

Our climbing was rock-steady, slow but sure.  After some time, the summit attempt was upon us.  The switchback trail was composed solely of scree and our footing was somewhat compromised.  But everyone overcame the challenges that day to scale great personal heights!

Our way back down was marked with great anticipation - having done it, whatever "it" was to each one of us!

Next stop - Kenya.  A soccer game and visit to an orphanage certainly helped change some of our perceptions about Africa - for the better! This was no television story we could just turn off.  These children looked right at us, and in some cases right through us, as we drove slowly by in our vans.  Their eyes were so telling; it was difficult to look away.

A nightime big game drive enabled us to watch more real life unfold as linoesses hunted, chased, killed and devoured an Impala, seemingly but a few metres away.  Breathtakingly real.

We returned two weeks later into the loving arms of our families; never to forget the journey and camaraderie developed during this trip of a lifetime".

In 2008, the Edge Team ventured to Hong Kong and China - again getting "out of the box" to experience life up close and personal, if even for a few weeks.  Academic Dean Salberg, Athletic Therapist and Teacher Brady Greening and Teacher John Crosser provided great stewardship and leadership.

Again, our students tell their story of that memorable trip:

"Global Studies 2008 found us thinking of Asia.  Seventeen students and three supervisors were set to meet the challenges and opportunities which awaited.

As things so often happen - last minute switches were forced upon as Tibet and China renewed their old hostilities. We wanted to experience the beauty and majesty of Tibet but were forced to make 11th hour changes.  No problem as Asia was a wonderful mystery for most of us anyway and we were sure that China and Hong Kong would offer us a memorable trip.

China was amazing - from the Great Wall, to the Forbidden City to Tianamen Square, every place we explored was unique, exciting and etched in our minds.

Have you ever been through the interior of China on a bus? Unforgettable is all we can say!

We completed the circle in Hong Kong, that most amazing of island cities, achingly tall building, vibrant lights and almost forgotten green space.  The famous Rugby Tournament finished the trip.

Simply amazing".

In 2009, the Edge Team boldly ventured through Quito, Educador, parts of the Amazon Rain Forest and the Galapagos Islands. Once again Academic Dean Salberg and Athletic Therapist and Teacher Greening led their troops on a successful journey.

This part of the world was awe-inspiring:

"This trip was one highlight after another.  We were cleansed by a medicine man - a humbling experience.  We played soccer right in the rainforest!

We will never forget snorkling with penguins, sea lions and eagle rays. The challenges of hiking over lava fields - a matter of  mind over matter for most of us.

We visited the Otavalo Market.  We really hiked around a volcanic lake!  We saw land and marine iguanas.

And best of all, we drew closer to each other as a group of Edge students!  A trip to remember forever".

Edge School - Creating International Citizens.