CAMPS AND EXPERIENCES
Our students learn invaluable life skills through participating in age-appropriate outdoor education experiences during their time at the College.
Our camps are a significant part of our school culture – a time for students to bond together, step outside their comfort zones, test resilience and learn new skills.
YEAR LEVEL CAMPS
Junior School
Years 1 to 5
From 1-night camps for students in Year 1 building to 3-day outdoor education camping programs for Year 5 students.
Year 5 - Sovereign Hill
The Sovereign Hill School offers a unique two day, fully immersive, costumed school experience tailored to this age group. Students are exposed to some fascinating insights into the distinct social norms and hierarchy of the times.
Year 6 - Canberra Experience
Experiencing the capital of Australia and its many attractions is a wonderful bonding experience for the final year of Junior School.
Senior School
Year 7 - Glenelg National Park (River Environment)
A four-day canoeing journey, staying in tent accommodation.
Year 8 - Mittagundi
A seven-day hiking, skiing, snow, camping and bush skills experience. Mittagundi is located in the Glen Valley near Omeo in Victoria’s High Country and provides a unique and challenging outdoor experience.
Year 9 – Regional, Urban, International Experience
Programs include Grampians Retreat, Melbourne, Vietnam (international service trip) and local community service. This is a full year of experiences that encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones in many different situations and environments.
Year 10 - Central Australia
An eight-day cultural and natural immersion trip visiting King’s Canyon, Alice Springs, Yulara, Ulura, and Kata Tjunta. Students complete a four-day cultural and service component living in the Lilla Indigenous community near King’s Canyon.
Year 12 - Tertiary Program
Three day retreat in a tertiary environment is a great team building, goal setting and preparation time for the year ahead. The retreat gives Year 12s exposure to a university setting.
World experiences
Students have the opportunity to participate in diverse trips that encompass a wide range of experiences. These trips may include immersive ventures, engaging international platforms or sporting adventures. These experiences aim to provide students with valuable opportunities, broadening their horizons.
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Overview
Based in various natural environments around Victoria (trips range from a half-day to overnight) for students in Years 7 to 9.
Year 7
- Rotational Subject
The Year 7 Outdoor Education program aims to introduce students to the great outdoors, balancing practical experiences and essential knowledge of the natural environment. Students will develop an understanding of the significance and benefits of the natural environment and explore our Mirranatwa Outdoor Learning Facility.
Land
- Year 8 and 9 Elective Subject
Students begin their journey in Outdoor Education in “land” based practical activities such as Bushwalking, Adventure Caving, Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking. During theory lessons they will learn about topics such as, “Planning and preparing for outdoor expeditions”, “Safe participation in the outdoors”, “Minimal Impact Travel and living” and knowledge learnt will be linked into their practical fieldwork and assessment.
Water
- Year 8 and 9 Elective Subject
Students can continue their journey in Outdoor Education in this subject, which focuses on students planning and organizing practical trips within “water” based natural environments. This may include stand up paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, scuba diving, and snorkelling. Theory topics will include, ‘Motivations for outdoor experiences’, ‘Access to outdoor experiences’ and ‘Technology and the individual’s outdoor experience’ and knowledge learnt will be linked into their practical fieldwork and assessment.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD
Overview
This elective program operates worldwide for students between the ages of 14 and 25, starting at Bronze level through to Silver and Gold levels.
Purpose
It aims to develop the qualities of self-reliance, initiative and social awareness through participation in a non-competitive program of voluntary activities involving community service, physical recreation, skill development and expeditions.
Activities
Past College students have met the requirements of the program by working in libraries, hospitals and schools (Service) and by arranging expeditions featuring bushwalking, horse riding and canoeing (Expedition).
COMPASS AWARD
The College is registered to host Award Victoria's, Compass Award.
The Compass Award is promoted as 'a program of discovery for young people 10-14 years' and is geared to the development of the individual child. In structure, the award is similar to The Duke of Edinburgh Award. The program is voluntary, non-competitive and aimed at the individual's interests and abilities under the banner of 'Physical activity, exploration, hobbies and volunteering. Individual students must negotiate their own program with a coordinator.
Through completing the award participants should develop self- esteem, confidence, an awareness of the community and a desire to help others. In addition they should develop a feeling of ownership and 'engagement' in their formal and informal education.
