Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education at St Hilda’s is a comprehensive sequential program designed to instil a passion for the outdoors and the environment in our students. Students are involved in year level curriculum programs from Year 2 – 10. These experiences are developed to engage students in the environment, personal growth, wellbeing, leadership, independence, interpersonal skills, cultural awareness and resilience. Each program has a specific focus to help develop students beyond the classroom.
As part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded education Perth families can rely on, we also offer the Optional Pursuits Program alongside the core Outdoor Education curriculum. These optional programs are designed to explore outdoor activities and environments that students have shown an interest in. These programs range from before school and after school activities to expeditions run during School holidays. Below you can see what options each year level has and some specific information regarding each optional pursuit.
Junior School
Year 2
Curriculum Experience
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.
Program
As part of our Junior School Outdoor Education program, 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.
- Students will learn and use Whadjuk Nyoongar names for plants and animals.
- The students will participate in role-play and make 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
Curriculum Experience
In Year 3, the students participate in a full-day excursion to Penguin Island, in the Rockingham Shoalwater Marine Park.
Program:
The program focuses on the ecological significance of the island and its wildlife. Students will participate in:
- Penguin Feeding: Enjoy a 20-minute viewing and interpretive session with the Little Penguins at the Discovery Centre hosted by a DEC ranger. Students will learn all about the biology, natural behaviours, habitat and conservation of these fascinating creatures.
- Guided Island Tour: 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
Curriculum Experience
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).
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 snorkeling 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
Curriculum Experience
The Year 5 program will be held at St Hilda’s Yeagarup Campus located just out of Pemberton and 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 campus has state of the art facilities to help deliver amazing educational outcomes for our girls.
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 sustainability and exploring students’ ecological footprint as well as introducing basic outdoor skills. Some of the activities, students will take part in include:
- Building Mia Mia’s
- 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
Curriculum Experience
The Year 6 program will be held at St Hilda’s Yeagarup Campus located just out of Pemberton and 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 campus has state of the art facilities to help deliver amazing educational outcomes for our girls.
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 5, students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Wardandi culture, sustainable food practices and positive communal living skills.
Girls will participate in:
- Girls will explore Big Brook Dam by canoe in preparation for aquatic activities in 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.
- Students will be involved in activities to build an understanding of local sustainable food practices that help to understand their ecological footprint.
Senior School
Year 7
Curriculum Experience
The Year 7 program will be held at St Hilda’s Yeagarup Campus located just out of Pemberton and 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 Bibbulmun Track, Munda Bindi bike trail and the Gloucester State Forest. The campus has state of the art facilities to help deliver amazing educational outcomes for our girls.
Program:
The Year 7 program is sequenced as the introduction to expedition-style outdoor education, which continues and develops in Years 8 and 10. The experience is designed to ignite an interest in the natural world, encourage adventure and develop relationships between students.
- Students are introduced to a range of outdoor experiences including:
- Bushwalking and basic navigation
- Packing and preparation for an overnight bushwalk
- Stand up paddleboarding
- Cooking on ‘Trangia’ stoves – students cook all meals in a structured lesson format
- A strong theme of all St Hilda’s Outdoor Education programs is learning about the cultural and natural history of the area that the program takes place in. The groups will participate in an indigenous cultural session with a local Noongar elder and have the opportunity to investigate and see some of the amazing natural history in the area.
Year 7 Outdoor Education Optional Pursuits Program
Surf Camp Lancelin (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3, the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3, the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Year 8
Curriculum Experience
Year 8 Camp. Cape to Cave
The program takes place in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park in the Margaret River region, where students will be camping for the duration of the program.
We will be based at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Contos Campground. Students will spend at least one night at Contos base and the remaining nights camping at alternative DPaW campsites or the Hamelin Bay Caravan Park.
Program
Our students will participate in a co-educational program with students from Christ Church Grammer School. The Year 8 program is sequenced as an expedition style outdoor education program aiming at building positive experience for students in the outdoors, ignite an interest in the natural world, encourage student adventure and learning critical interpersonal skills.
Students are introduced to a range of outdoor skills and experiences including:
- Expedition planning & weather observation
- Leave No Trace camping techniques
- Map reading / navigation & camp cooking
- Introductory caving
- Abseiling
- A strong theme of all St Hilda’s Outdoor Education programs is learning about the cultural and natural history of the area that the program takes place in. The groups will participate in an indigenous cultural session with a local Noongar elder and have the opportunity to investigate and hear about some of the amazing cultural and natural history of the area.
Optional Cocurricular Opportunities
St Hilda’s Coral Bay Marine Program
The Program:
In the April school holidays the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a Marine activities program in Coral Bay. This is an extremely popular trip, which is facilitated by Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp.
Students will be introduced to intermediate snorkeling skills and techniques, discuss the ecology of the reef with marine biologists and have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, turtles and manta rays.
Surf Camp Lancelin (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3, the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3, the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Year 9
Curriculum Experience
As all students in Year 9 take part in the Wandering Spirit program, therefore no Outdoor Education program is run.
Wandering Spirit is a year-long program, where leaders work with the girls to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships with friends, elders, siblings and loved ones. Most importantly it gives girls the space to learn about themselves, have the confidence to love themselves, their uniqueness and their place in the world.
Optional Cocurricular Opportunities
Year 9 Coral Bay Marine Adventure: (Optional Year 9)
The Program:
In the April school holidays the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a Marine activities program in Coral Bay. This is an extremely popular trip, which is facilitated by Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp.
Students will be introduced to intermediate snorkeling skills and techniques, discuss the ecology of the reef with marine biologists and have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, turtles and manta rays.
Sea Kayaking Ningaloo Adventure: (Optional Years 9, 10 & 11)
The Program:
In late July during the school holidays, St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a Sea Kayaking adventure on the Ningaloo Coast. The program will run through the stunning Cape Range National Park.
Students will kayak and camp along the magnificent Ningaloo coast stopping at all the great snorkeling locations and exploring the underwater ecosystem. Guided by expert marine/ kayaking staff from Exmouth Adventure Co students will be fully emersed in the breathtaking environment. The program will conclude with a full day snorkeling with whale sharks on a luxury boat tour.
Surf Camp Lancelin (Year 7s – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3, the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon Tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Year 10
Curriculum Experience
The Year 10 Outdoor Education program is a mobile bushwalking journey over seven days through the ancient and beautiful landscape of Wooleen Station in the Murchison region of Western Australia. Wooleen is a cattle station approximately 650 km north north-east of Perth and covers an area of half a million acres.
Program:
The Year 10 cohort travel to Wooleen together and upon arrival are divided into eight groups, with approximately 15 students in each group.
The expedition is largely student run and allows each group to set the tone of their trip based on knowledge and experiences gained on previous outdoor education programs. Each group will have two experienced Outdoor Educators who will facilitate and be responsive to each groups focus.
All groups will be immersed in the landscape and will encounter significant indigenous areas. Students will be visited by a local Wajarri elder who will discuss her life growing up in the Murchison. They will also participate in a unique experience cooking kangaroo tails and damper in the fire.
Optional Cocurricular Opportunities
Coral Bay Dive (Years 10, 11, 12)
The Program:
In the April school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department offers a chance for students to receive their “Open Water Dive Certificate”. Two separate programs will run out of Coral Bay exploring the Ningaloo Reef which is situated 1200 kilometres north of Perth on WA’s mid-west coast and stretching over 240kms, Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s longest fringing coral reef systems and an amazing opportunity for students to experience a true wonder of the natural world.
Students will study for their online open water dive course in the lead up to their expedition in Coral Bay. On arrival, students will spend one day in the pool doing basic safety and skills before diving on the Ningaloo Reef for two days completing their certificate. As a bonus, students will also have a full day on a whale sharks boat doing a deluxe Whale Shark snorkel. Girls will stay at the Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp (Safari Tents) in Coral Bay.
Exmouth Dive Program (Years 10 & 11)
The Program:
Due to high demand for our amazing dive programs, we have decided that in the July school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a chance for students to receive their “Open Water Dive Certificate” in Exmouth. Diving on the Ningaloo Reef around Exmouth and the surrounding islands is one of the most spectacular dive opportunities in the world.
Students will study for their online open water dive course in the lead up to their expedition in Exmouth. Once there, students will spend one day in the pool doing basic safety and skills before diving on the Ningaloo Reef for two days completing their certificate. As a bonus, students will also have a full day on a whale sharks boat doing a deluxe whale shark snorkel. Girls will stay at the Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort.
Sea Kayaking Ningaloo adventure (Years 9, 10 & 11)
The Program:
In late July during the school holidays the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a sea kayaking adventure on the Ningaloo Coast. The program will run through the stunning Cape Range National Park.
Students will kayak and camp along the magnificent Ningaloo coast stopping at all the great snorkeling locations and exploring the underwater ecosystem. Guided by expert marine/ kayaking staff from Exmouth Adventure Co students will be fully emersed in the breathtaking environment. The program will conclude with a full day snorkeling with whale sharks on a luxury boat tour.
Shark Bay Sea Kayaking Program (Years 10 & 11)
Program:
The Outdoor Education Department is offering an amazing opportunity to participate in a sea kayaking expedition in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. The students will have an opportunity to investigate the natural history of the area and explore the unique coastline, including mangrove forests and tidal flats.
Students will paddle double Sea-kayaks. They will be self-sufficient for the expedition, carrying all supplies in water-tight bags and hatches.
The trip can be used for the expedition section of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for either Bronze or Silver. Girls who choose to do this will be involved in the organisation which will include route planning, menu planning, clothing list and logistics. The planning sessions will take place at lunchtime one day a week (day to be advised) in the weeks leading up to the expedition.
All students will also be involved in preparation and skills practice over two weekend days in the weeks leading up to the expedition.
Surf Camp Lancelin (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Year 11
Optional Cocurricular Opportunities
Year 11 Outdoor Education Optional Pursuits Program
Coral Bay Dive (Years 10, 11, 12)
The Program:
In the April school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department offers a chance for students to receive their “Open water dive certificate”. Two separate programs will run out of Coral Bay exploring the Ningaloo Reef which is situated 1200 kilometres north of Perth on WA’s mid-west coast and stretching over 240kms, Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s longest fringing coral reef systems and an amazing opportunity for students to experience a true wonder of the natural world.
Students will study for their online “open water dive course” in the lead up to their expedition in Coral Bay. On arrival, students will spend one day in the pool doing basic safety and skills before diving on the Ningaloo Reef for two days completing their certificate. As a bonus, students will also have a full day on a whale sharks boat doing a deluxe Whale Shark snorkel. Girls will stay at the Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp (Safari Tents) in Coral Bay.
Exmouth Dive Program (Years 10 & 11)
The Program:
Due to high demand for our amazing dive programs, we have decided that in the July school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a chance for students to receive their “Open Water Dive Certificate” in Exmouth. Diving on the Ningaloo Reef around Exmouth and the surrounding islands is one of the most spectacular dive opportunities in the world.
Students will study for their online open water dive course in the lead up to their expedition in Exmouth. Once there, students will spend one day in the pool doing basic safety and skills before diving on the Ningaloo Reef for two days completing their certificate. As a bonus, students will also have a full day on a whale sharks boat doing a deluxe Whale Shark snorkel. Girls will stay at the Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort.
Sea Kayaking Ningaloo adventure (Years 9, 10 & 11)
The Program:
In late July during the school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be offering a Sea Kayaking adventure on the Ningaloo Coast. The program will run through the stunning Cape Range National Park.
Students will kayak and camp along the magnificent Ningaloo coast stopping at all the great snorkeling locations and exploring the underwater ecosystem. Guided by expert marine/ kayaking staff from Exmouth Adventure Co students will be fully emersed in the breathtaking environment. The program will conclude with a full day snorkeling with whale sharks on a luxury boat tour.
Shark Bay Sea Kayaking Program (Years 10 & 11)
Program:
The Outdoor Education Department is offering an amazing opportunity to participate in a sea kayaking expedition in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. The students will have an opportunity to investigate the natural history of the area and explore the unique coastline, including mangrove forests and tidal flats.
Students will paddle double Sea-kayaks. They will be self-sufficient for the expedition, carrying all supplies in water-tight bags and hatches.
The trip can be used for the expedition section of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for either Bronze or Silver. Girls who choose to do this will be involved in the organisation which will include route planning, menu planning, clothing list and logistics. The planning sessions will take place at lunchtime one day a week (day to be advised) in the weeks leading up to the expedition.
All students will also be involved in preparation and skills practice over two weekend days in the weeks leading up to the expedition.
Japan Snow Tour
Program:
In January School Holidays, The St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department will be running a Snow Tour to Japan. The program will run for 12 days and include 6 days skiing in the Hakuba region and 2 days sightseeing in Tokyo (including a day at Tokyo Disney Land or Universal Studios). Other days will be spent visiting the snow monkey park, Matsumoto Castle and sightseeing the Nagano Region.
This program will be offered to Year 12 students before they start the academic year. There will be limited positions available for this tour. If the expressions of interest exceed the number of positions, a ballot will be conducted to determine who will obtain a place on the program.
Surf Camp Lancelin (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Year 12
Optional Cocurricular Opportunities
Coral Bay Dive (Years 10, 11, 12)
The Program:
In the April school holidays, the St Hilda’s Outdoor Education Department offers a chance for students to receive their “Open water dive certificate”. Two separate programs will run out of Coral Bay exploring the Ningaloo Reef which is situated 1200 kilometres north of Perth on WA’s mid-west coast and stretching over 240kms, Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s longest fringing coral reef systems and an amazing opportunity for students to experience a true wonder of the natural world.
Students will study for their online “Open Water Dive Course” in the lead up to their expedition in Coral Bay. On arrival, students will spend one day in the pool doing basic safety and skills before diving on the Ningaloo Reef for two days completing their certificate. As a bonus, students will also have a full day on a whale sharks boat doing a deluxe Whale Shark snorkel. Girls will stay at the Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp (Safari Tents) in Coral Bay.
Surf Camp Lancelin (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf camps to Lancelin, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements.
Surf Lessons Before and After School (Years 7 – 12)
The Program:
During Term 2 and 3 the Outdoor Education Department will run surf lessons at Leighton Beach, as with all of our surfing programs, the lessons cover a variety of aspects including beach and water safety, surfing technique, wave selection and individual improvements. Students are also provided with breakfast or afternoon tea as part of the program.
Please Note: Optional cocurricular pursuits incur an additional cost.
Outdoor Education Opportunities
