Chinese Visitors ‘On the Ropes’ at Souhegan

Jeanne Neverisky:

When the principal from the Shenzhen delegation to Brown University signed-up to come to the US for an education exchange program, he undoubtedly did not imagine himself 35 feet above ground, in the trees, standing on a cable. Participant in The Brown University-Shenzhen Exchange program, he was among the 24 Chinese delegates visiting Souhegan for the day on June 6.  Dan Bisaccio, former teacher at SHS, and now Director of Science Education at Brown, brought the group here to see a progressive school model in action.  

When Dan offered to one of the visitors to observe the class at the ropes course, more than half of the group opted to go along. With the help of a translator, instructor John Dowd explained to the group how the ropes course functions. Spontaneously, one visitor asked if he could go up. While he suited up in a harness, John gave directions which were translated through interpreters.  

SHS Students Rylee Noorda, Alexandria DeFranco and Emily Shaw--Freshmen in the Wellness class—belayed for the climber, providing stability in case of a mis-step.  The High Ropes Course at SHS teaches students all aspects of how to climb safely and helps build confidence and trust while challenging their comfort zone.   Teacher John Dowd is a founding member of Souhegan, bringing years of outdoor experience in Outward Bound and AMC to the students.

With encouragement from his colleagues and John, and a little friendly teasing too, our hero made it across the wire.  When he returned across the cable he let himself slip to be caught by the belayers and his harness. Later, one other bold visitor gave it a try.

The visitors had come to SHS to observe the more creative approach to education that schools in the US—especially Souhegan--offer. Pointing to artwork in a showcase, one visitor commented, ”we don’t have that” in Chinese schools.  In Matt McDonald’s Social Studies class, students played a game using their knowledge of capitalism, communism, and socialism.  Chris Herold’s class shared topics in the current World Studies arena. China is looking to bring some of these educational practices that encourage creativity to their schools, via exchanges such as the Brown-Shenzhen program.

Back at the ropes course, the climber-visitor said he had wanted to do “something exciting”— and it was!