Exploring Culture, Nature and Sustainability

At The British School of Bali, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens when children can step outside the classroom and experience the world around them first-hand. On Wednesday 7th October, our Primary children had a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that during a visit to Bali Eco Farm.

Bali Eco Farm brings together sustainable farming, education, Balinese culture and hands-on experiences, making it a wonderful setting for a day of learning, exploration and, of course, plenty of fun.

Beginning with Balinese Culture

Our day began with an introduction to Balinese Hindu culture and traditions. The children took part in a blessing and learned about the different flowers used within the blessing and the particular meaning and significance of each one.

This gave the children an opportunity not simply to observe a Balinese tradition, but to begin to understand the meaning behind it. They listened carefully as they learned how different elements of the blessing are used and why they are important within Balinese Hindu culture.

This was a particularly meaningful way to begin our visit. Living and learning in Bali gives our children an incredible opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions that surround them every day.

From there, we headed to the ponds, where the children had great fun feeding the fish and learning about the different varieties found at the farm. There were plenty of questions, observations and excitement as the children got a closer look at another part of the farm environment.

Discovering the Story of Rice

Next, we ventured into the beautiful rice-growing areas, where the children learned more about one of Bali's most important crops.

They explored how rice is grown and harvested and began to understand the work that takes place before rice ever reaches our plates. Surrounded by the landscape itself, the children were able to connect what they were hearing with what they could actually see around them.

Later in the day, observing turned into doing!

The children stepped into the rice fields and had a go at planting rice themselves. Everyone got stuck in enthusiastically — although it is fair to say that some children got considerably muddier than others!

There was plenty of laughter and teamwork as the children experienced first-hand what it feels like to plant rice in the fields.

Animals, Farming and Making Cheese

The children also had the opportunity to meet some of the animals at the farm, including the goats and tortoises. They thoroughly enjoyed getting up close to the animals, particularly feeding the goats, while learning more about the different animals cared for at the farm.

Later, we moved on to another exciting hands-on experience: learning how cheese is made from cow's milk.

The children were fascinated to see the process and discover how milk can be transformed into cheese. Experiences like this help children make meaningful connections between farming, food production and the food that eventually reaches our tables.

Of course, learning how cheese is made was only part of the fun — getting to taste it afterwards was definitely a highlight!

Why Learning Locally Matters

For us, the importance of a trip like this extends far beyond having an enjoyable day away from school.

As an international school in Bali, we have an incredible learning environment right on our doorstep. Our children come from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, but Bali is the place in which they are currently growing, learning and building their understanding of the world.

We therefore believe it is important that their education connects meaningfully with the place around them.

Experiences such as visiting rice fields, discovering local farming practices, learning about Balinese Hindu traditions and understanding where our food comes from allow children to make connections between classroom learning and real life.

For Primary-aged children especially, this kind of hands-on learning can make concepts in science, geography, culture, sustainability and food production much more tangible. A picture of a rice plant can teach us something; standing in a muddy rice field and planting one ourselves creates a memory and an understanding that can last far longer.

Days like this also develop skills that cannot always be captured on a worksheet. Children are encouraged to ask questions, be curious, try unfamiliar experiences, work together and develop respect for the communities, traditions and environments around them.

A huge thank you to everyone at Bali Eco Farm for welcoming us and providing such a memorable, engaging and educational experience for our children.

From learning about Balinese blessings and their meaning, feeding fish and meeting goats and tortoises, to making cheese and ending up with some very muddy feet, it was a brilliant day of learning beyond the classroom.

We can't wait to return!

Miss Hollingshead, 

Classroom Teacher