Shaping and Defining

Experiential learning which capitalises on our proximity to some of Australia’s most significant areas of natural beauty is very much a reality for students participating in the School’s Outdoor Education programme. This is evident within Grade 10 Enrichment Weeks with one week on Retreat, one in the Futures programme and one on an Outdoor Education expedition.

The Enrichment Weeks have been developed in line with the School’s commitment to provide an environment in which students are challenged to become confident, creative, self-reliant, thoughtful, and sensitive to the needs of others.

Head of Outdoor Education, Jennifer Tait says through the Enrichment Weeks students are engaged in challenging learning experiences which helps to develop a stronger sense of self and community.

“Outdoor Education provides the framework for many of life’s skills, including the sense of responsibility, resilience, pride and fun that comes from overcoming challenges with a group of peers,” says Jennifer.

“The Grade 10 Expeditions are a culmination of students’ Outdoor Education learning so far at Grammar.

“This programme focuses on independence within the context of an outdoor journey-based expedition where students select, lead and conduct their expedition, allowing them to hone their problem-solving and communication skills and form bonds over shared experiences.

“It is an opportunity to put into practice the skills that have been learnt in earlier years and to demonstrate independence, teamwork and leadership.”

There is a wide variety of expeditions being offered, to all parts of the State including the

Gordon River Sea Kayaking, White water rafting and kayaking the Huon River, and bushwalking the Overland Track.

These expeditions provide the perfect opportunity to reflect and contemplate Tasmania’s pristine natural environment – where students can appreciate first-hand, the river, the water reflection on a clear day and cascading falls and the natural beauty that is held in Tasmania’s wilderness.

Outdoor Education at Grammar shapes and defines students into more independent and confident people, with each camp building upon, teamwork, resilience, independence, courage, mateship, and practical skills. These skills, provide students with the qualities and experiences required to be a leader in any walk of life.

“I believe the Outdoor Education programme at Grammar is one of the most significant assets to the school, as it provides students with strengths and qualities that complement the academic learning that happens in the classroom,” says Jennifer.