Learning Beyond the Classroom
Outdoor and Experiential Learning
Outdoor Education offers students opportunities to challenge themselves; enhancing their resilience, independence and wellbeing while enjoying the natural world and developing key life skills.
Through time spent in nature, students build resilience, independence and teamwork skills, while developing a deeper appreciation for the environment and a strong sense of wellbeing that supports their growth both in and beyond the classroom.
The Curriculum
We encourage our students to challenge their thinking by providing meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the year levels, our Outdoor and Experiential Education Program encompasses our values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion.
Girls develop their creativity by engaging in problem-solving activities that require collaboration and skill. They display courage by moving outside their comfort zones, enhancing their resilience and self-awareness. They show compassion through respect for others, and an appreciation of nature and environmental responsibilities.
Students from Years 1 to 12 are involved in our structured curriculum, taking part in rich experiences which have clear outcomes. Each year level program is thoughtfully and progressively challenging, and by the end of Year 10, our girls become self-reliant in camp preparation and flexible in their response to discomfort and challenge.
This program supports our girls in developing positive relationships with themselves, with others including peers and School staff, and the natural world. The program also connects closely with our #EMPOWHER Wellbeing Program.
Growth through Learning
By immersing themselves in the natural environment, these experiences bring learning to life. From understanding an Aboriginal perspective on Country to conservation and sustainability initiatives in action, students explore different elements of the curriculum in unique ways, designed to help them see and think differently. All while building self-reliance, teamwork and leadership skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Duke of Edinburgh
From Year 9, our students are invited to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – a globally recognised youth development program that encourages personal growth, leadership and resilience.
Through a combination of physical activity, skill development, adventurous journeys and community service, participants are inspired to step outside their comfort zone, discover new interests and make a positive impact in the world around them.
Program Activities
Events by Year Group
| Age Group | Location | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | School stay-back | 1 evening | Games, sausage sizzle, movie night |
| Year 2 | AFL Max - Adelaide Airport | 2 days | Indoor footy field, inflatables, bouldering walls, interactive games and skill challenges |
| Year 3 | Victor Harbor | 2 nights | Beyond Limits challenge activities along with Granite Island and Whale Centre experiences |
| Year 4 | Woodhouse Activity Centre | 3 days | Team-building activities, outdoor challenges, and shared responsibilities, students learn the value of collaboration, effective communication, and problem-solving. |
| Year 5 | Grampians, Victoria | 4 nights | Students explorw geology, ecosystems and the Gold Rush through hands-on experiences in places like Halls Gap Zoo and Sovereign Hill. |
| Year 6 | Canberra | 4 nights | Study tour of Australian history, politics, science, sport |
| Year 7 | Robe | 4 nights | Kayaking, adventure caving, bushwalking, beach activities |
| Year 8 | Kangaroo Island | 4 nights | Bushwalking, bodyboarding, snorkelling, sandboarding, history, birds of prey |
| Year 9 | Yorke Peninsula | 4 nights | Bushwalking, rock climbing, abseiling, history |
| Year 10 | Flinders Ranges | 4 nights | Bushwalking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling |
| Year 11 | Glen Haven Park | 1 night | Leadership and Wellbeing Retreat with high ropes |
| Year 12 | The Grand - Glenelg | 1 night | Study and Life Skills Retreat |
| *Locations and activities are subject to change due to a range of mitigating circumstances to ensure student safety and inclusion occurs |
