Year 7 Outdoor Learning Program
For our Year 7 students, the Outdoor Learning Program is a rite of passage — a chance to leave the classroom, head outdoors and discover what they can achieve when conditions get tough. This year, the challenge arrived in the form of relentless rain and some of the coldest days in recent memory.
Held at the Manjedal Activity Centre and delivered with the Outdoor Education Group, the program pushed students through abseiling, crate stacking, confidence courses, bushwalking and archery. These activities test ability, but more importantly, they build teamwork, resilience and character.
Why Go on OLP?
The Outdoor Learning Program brings our School mission and values to life. It delivers lessons not possible in a classroom, develops personal growth, strengthens social bonds and deepens House and Mentor connections.
Students worked in mentor groups, breaking down barriers and building friendships through shared effort. Adolescence is shaped by peers, and programs like OLP help students form respectful, supportive relationships.
True Grit in Tough Conditions
When storms were predicated at the campsite, staff and students moved from tents to dormitories in the middle of the night. The program continued, with safety always the priority.
Despite little sleep and cold, wet weather, students pressed on. Their commitment to each activity, from survival skills to the climbing wall, showed remarkable grit.
Deputy Principal – Operations Holly Miller recognised the efforts of our staff: “Thank you to the staff that attended the Year 7 OLP. In seemingly the wettest and coldest few days, you persisted and showed resilience and grit. All your efforts are very much appreciated.”
Director of Outdoor Learning, Jason Zaurs added: “The staff and students showed ‘True Grit’ and managed exceptionally well.”
A Community of Support
A day’s scheduled for the students looked like this: expedition pack-out, survival skills, archery, climbing, crate stacking, confidence course and a navigation bushwalk. Demanding in fine weather, it became extraordinary in rain and cold.
On the wettest day, students trudged through the mud, tired from little sleep yet determined to take part. Leaders emerged, rallying their peers and keeping spirits high. Every student, those confident and those cautious, kept going with the encouragement of others.
Hard to watch from the sidelines, but the purpose was clear. Resilience. Character. Strength together. These moments shape young people into determined learners and compassionate citizens.
Looking Forward
Principal Peter Allen reflected: “Our Year 7 students returned from their Outdoor Learning Program last week, which is always a memorable experience that builds friendships, resilience and confidence, particularly with the amount of rain we had last week!”
The 2025 Outdoor Learning Program will be remembered, somewhat for the weather, but mostly for the grit it brought out in everyone involved. It was a defining experience for our Year 7 cohort and a reminder of what it means to Go Forward.
Discover the Outdoor Learning Program
Our Outdoor Learning Program challenges students to grow in resilience, leadership and connection with nature. Learn how our “third classroom” shapes confident, compassionate young people.
Explore Outdoor Learning