Junior School Outdoor Education

Year 2

Year 2 Outdoor Education Program

Location:

In Year 2 students participate in their first Outdoor Education experience at St Hilda’s with a full-day excursion to Kings Park Education Centre and Naturescape. Beginning their Outdoor Education journey in Year 2 gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge of their local environment, its rich history and the role they play in its preservation.  

The Program:

As part of our Junior School Outdoor Education programs, we encourage student-driven exploration and investigation. The Year 2 program at Kings Park explores Aboriginal culture and science to promote a sustainable and respectful future for all. Aboriginal presenters share their knowledge of Bunuru (second summer) and traditional Noongar life. Students will also spend time exploring Kings Park’s Naturescape, a dedicated nature space that encourages learning and discovery of the natural world.

Students will participate in experiences including:

• Learning from the custodians of Mooro Kaarta (Kings Park), the Whadjuk Nyoongar, and how they used this significant site for its plants and animals for food, shelter and medicine.
• Learning and using Whadjuk Nyoongar names for plants and animals.
• Participating in role-play and making a journey stick to reinforce this trip through time, remembering the important people and events that have shaped Mooro Kaarta (Kings Park) and Western Australia.
• Exploring Rio Tinto Naturescape: a place for students to connect with nature and develop an appreciation for WA’s unique environment.

Year 3

Year 3 Outdoor Education Program

Location:

In Year 3, the students participate in a full-day excursion to Penguin Island in the Rockingham Shoalwater Marine Park.

The Program:

The program focuses on the ecological significance of the island and its wildlife. Students will participate in:

• Waddle: A 45-minute guided walk of Penguin Island hosted by a DEC Island Ranger
• Penguin, Dolphin and Sea Lion Cruise: Explore the wildlife sanctuary zone of the marine park on board a glass bottom boat. Get up close to the ruggedly spectacular reefs and islands and learn all about the nesting sea birds and fish from the friendly skippers. Highlights include viewing rare Australian Sea Lions at Seal Island and visiting a pelican rookery before concluding on Penguin Island
• Penguin Art Session and Swim: Art session and opportunity for a swim.

Year 4

Year 4 Outdoor Education Program

Location:

The Year 4 program will be held at St Hilda’s Senior School and Junior School campus. Students will also explore the local areas of Manners Park and the Swan River (Mosman Bay).

The Program:

Under the direction of the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education department, the Year 4 program is a fun-filled afternoon and sleepover in the outdoors. Continuing with the theme from Year 3, the students are encouraged to learn through investigation and exploration to help develop their level of comfort and knowledge of the Australian outdoors.

Girls will participate in:

• Learning basic snorkelling skills in the St Hilda’s Pool
• Interactive Australian Animal Encounter provided by Peel Zoo
• Bay View Map and Clue Adventure based around the Senior Campus to Manners Hill Park
• Beachcombing along the Swan River in Mosman Bay
• Sleepover (Junior School campus in tents)
• BBQ dinner under the stars
• Lunch, dinner, breakfast and snacks are provided.

Year 5

Year 5 Outdoor Education Program

Location:

The Year 5 program will be held at St Hilda’s new Outdoor Education Centre in Yeagarup. Yeagarup Campus is located just out of Pemberton nestled in state forests and farmland. It is a 7.4-hectare property, complete with an orchard, herb gardens and its own water tank. It is located near the Bibbulman Track, Munda Bindi bike trail and the Gloucester State Forest. The new facility will have state-of-the-art facilities to help deliver amazing educational outcomes for our girls.

The Program:

The program will focus on introducing the students to the Australian bush in a safe and comfortable environment. There will be a focus on sustainable food practices as well as introducing basic outdoor skills.

Some of the activities, students will take part in include:

• Pemberton Tram Trail
• Indigenous session
• Discovery trail orienteering
• Bush cooking (sustainability session)
• Raft building/tubes
• Veggie garden (ecological footprint activity)
• Camping in tents
• Sleeping in dorms

Year 6

Year 6 Outdoor Education Program

Location:

The Year 6 program will be held at St Hilda’s new Outdoor Education Centre in Yeagarup. Yeagarup Campus is located just out of Pemberton nestled in state forests and farmland. It is a 7.4-hectare property, complete with an orchard, herb gardens and its own water tank. It is located near the Bibbulman Track, Munda Bindi bike trail and the Gloucester State Forest. The new facility will have state-of-the-art facilities to help deliver amazing educational outcomes for our girls.

The Program:

The Year 6 Program has been designed to enable girls to consolidate a comfortable, safe and positive outdoor experience within the Pemberton region. Having been introduced to the great southern forests and Yeagarup Campus in Year 6, students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the indigenous culture, sustainability, explore their ecological footprint and positive communal living skills.

Girls will participate in:

• Exploring the Big Brook Dam by canoe in preparation for aquatic activities in the following year-level camps
• Both evenings spent camping, will involve students working together to create a variety of delicious meals
• A cultural session will be facilitated through an interactive evening session
• Activities that build an understanding of local sustainable food practices that help to understand their ecological footprint
• High/low ropes course