Outdoor Education

Whether rafting on the Murray River, hiking at Wilsons Promontory, or sea kayaking across the Gippsland Lakes, students are immersed in a world where technology takes a back seat as they begin to rely on themselves and the support of friends to accomplish great things. In this busy world, it is sometimes easier to communicate via text messages or social media, to take the easy option instead of the right one, and to look after ourselves before considering how our behaviour affects others.

During each Outdoor Education camp, students are encouraged to willingly embrace challenge in the pursuit of personal growth. They learn how to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships. They see first-hand how their decisions impact those around them. They experience the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes only through conquering one’s fears. With highly skilled instructors, carefully selected activities, and the skilful use of perceived risk, our students are able to acquire knowledge that is unattainable within the four walls of the classroom.

By anchoring all programs to the themes of respect for self, others, and the environment, our students learn to make responsible decisions regarding their own health and safety, be mindful of the needs of others, and become considerate global citizens.

The Outdoor Education program at Peninsula Grammar contributes significantly to our commitment to nurturing the whole child. It offers:

• Challenge – It takes students out of their comfort zones and encourages sensible risk taking.
• Personal Development – It promotes resilience, initiative, self esteem, motivation, self-reliance.
• Responsibility – It encourages students to take responsibility for themselves, classmates and the environment.
• Leadership – It helps to develop leadership skills in students in a different type of environment.
• Teamwork – It creates opportunities for relationship building, problem solving, respecting differences, communication and social skills.
• Environmental – It brings students into contact with nature and teaches minimum impact practices – locally and globally.
• Health – It promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

At Peninsula Grammar, we value the outdoors for the richness of the learning experience it provides. Students attend age-appropriate camps, ranging from a sleepover at School in Year 2 to a ‘get to know you’ camp at the start of Year 5, the annual Year 6 Study Tour to Canberra, and a two-week wilderness camp in Year 9.

In the Middle, Pre Senior and Senior Schools, the Outdoor Education Program is sequential in nature, building on the skills developed in previous years.