Malvern College Tokyo: Shaping Global Citizens Through Expeditions

At Malvern College Tokyo (MCT), the belief is firm: a truly excellent education extends far beyond the classroom walls. While academic rigour is essential, it is the combination of knowledge, skills, values and experiences that best prepares young people to flourish in life. This philosophy has given rise to the new Malvern Expeditions program—a bold and exciting addition to the curriculum that takes every pupil on a compulsory, intentional journey of discovery, challenge and profound personal growth. 

More than just field trips, these are a series of carefully designed, residential experiences, fully integrated into the wider Malvern curriculum. They are a central part of the school’s educational philosophy, enabling learning that is active, real-world and life-shaping.

What are the core values and skills developed during the Malvern Expeditions?

The Malvern Expeditions are deeply rooted in the five core Malvern Qualities (resilience, curiosity, kindness, collaboration and integrity) and are intentionally designed to cultivate independence and leadership skills vital for pupils to succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to the world.

These purposeful journeys—which align with the IB Learner Profile—are crucial for holistic development, nurturing open-mindedness, principled action, balanced living and reflective thinking. Through this progressive, annual program, pupils gain invaluable advantages that simply cannot be taught in a lecture hall:

• Personal Growth: Building resilience, independence and adaptability through experiences that demand resourcefulness and perseverance.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Strengthening teamwork, communication and problem-solving by working towards shared goals, often in demanding conditions.
• Global Citizenship: Developing empathy, cultural understanding and a crucial sense of responsibility through engagement with diverse communities and the natural world.
• Character Formation: Providing real-world context necessary for pupils to live out Malvern’s values and develop a lasting sense of integrity, purpose and courage through action.

How is the Malvern Expeditions Program structured across year groups?

The program is thoughtfully structured as a progressive journey, accompanying pupils from Prep 3 all the way up to Upper Sixth, with each stage offering a balance of adventure, reflection and progressively greater levels of independence. The journey starts with nurturing first steps into independence and builds towards more demanding explorations that stretch leadership and global awareness.

• Prep 3: Building Comfort and Confidence
  The earliest experiences focus on building comfort and self-reliance with “A Night at Malvern,” their very first overnight adventure spent in the school library. This gentle first step builds confidence as pupils take ownership by helping to plan, prepare and cook their own dinner and breakfast.
• Prep 4: Exploring Nature and Culture
  The progression continues with Prep 4’s first overnight trip away from home to the Nagara Nature House in Chiba. Here, they engage in hands-on activities such as forest orienteering, bushcraft, nature art and rice field farming, fostering curiosity and an appreciation for the natural and local culture.
• Preps 5 & 6: Accelerating Resilience in the Alps
  By Preps 5 and 6, the adventure steps up significantly to a three-day residential in Hakuba, surrounded by the stunning Japanese Alps. Activities such as canoeing, tree climbing and a full-day orienteering hike accelerate the development of resilience, problem-solving and collaboration through the power of outdoor education.

What deep cultural insights do older students gain in Japan?

Malvern College Tokyo provides an ideal base in Japan for profound cultural exploration, from visiting ancient temples to experiencing dramatic natural beauty. Older pupils benefit from specialized expeditions that use this unique environment to deeply connect them with the traditions, landscapes and distinctive stories of the country.

• What does the FY1 Yakushima expedition involve? This expedition takes pupils to the UNESCO World Heritage island famed for its ancient cedar forests. Through guided walks and creative workshops, pupils directly connect with nature. They discover how the island’s beauty has shaped artistic expression, nurturing their own creativity.
• What is the focus of the FY2 Hiroshima expedition? For four days, visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park alongside local youth “buddies.” During the trip, pupils gain a deeper understanding of human resilience and are encouraged to reflect on their own aspirations, sparking empathy and meaningful personal growth.
• Where do FY3 pupils travel for environmental awareness? Pupils travel to Eastern Hokkaido, a region celebrated for its vast marshlands and wildlife. Exploring the marshlands with expert guides, pupils discover diverse ecosystems, with a possible opportunity to go whale watching, deepening their environmental awareness and appreciation of Japan’s natural heritage.
• How does the Remove Kyoto trip connect history and innovation? Pupils immerse themselves in Japan’s former imperial capital, Kyoto. The trip combines hands-on workshops such as indigo dyeing and pottery painting with visits to historic sites, highlighting the connections between art, history, and scientific innovation that thrive side-by-side.
• What is the culmination of the expedition’s journey for Hundred Shikoku? For the Hundred Shikoku group, the journey culminates on Shikoku, an island renowned for its rich cultural heritage and dramatic natural beauty. One hundred pupils embark on an ambitious journey that includes walking stretches of the island’s famous pilgrimage route, fostering the highest levels of independence, curiosity and reflection.

FAQ

Are the Malvern Expeditions compulsory for all students?
Yes, the Malvern Expeditions are a compulsory, intentional part of the curriculum for every pupil, fully integrated into the wider school program.

How do the expeditions support the IB Learner Profile?
In alignment with the IB Learner Profile, these journeys intentionally nurture open-mindedness, principled action, balanced living and reflective thinking to ensure a truly holistic development.

What is the objective of the early Prep stage trips?
The earliest experiences, such as the Prep 3 “A Night at Malvern,” focus on nurturing first steps into independence, building comfort and fostering basic self-reliance and confidence in a gentle, supportive environment.

Conclusion: Lifelong Memories and Meaning

The Malvern Expeditions mark a crucial evolution of the curriculum—an outward-looking, holistic and values-driven approach to education. These annual, purposeful journeys ensure pupils develop the confidence, resilience and compassion needed to contribute meaningfully to the world. They leave the pupils with a lasting sense of wonder and lifelong memories of adventure and growth.