Outdoor Learning
Our renowned Outdoor Learning program encompasses a variety of experiences aligned with Australian Curriculum content. Beginning in Kindergarten and extending through to Year 11, this sequential journey offers a diverse range of experiences.
In the early years, our students participate in Bush School, a captivating exploration of our neighbouring Trigg Bushland Reserve during Terms 2 and 3. Here, they engage in hands-on activities, from discovery and construction to creative endeavors, fostering a deep-rooted appreciation for nature.
Building upon this foundation, our camping experiences from Years 4 to 11 are tailored to enhance skills acquired in previous years, promoting personal growth and development. Each camp is thoughtfully curated to cultivate initiative, independence, effective communication, teamwork, environmental awareness, bushcraft, and safety skills in an enjoyable and nurturing environment.
Outdoor Learning Program: Scope and Sequence
Kindergarten to Year 2: Igniting Curiosity
Our Ecology Immersion and Awareness Program is designed to engage our students in the wonders of nature, fostering a deep connection with the environment while nurturing essential skills and knowledge. Through engaging activities, including nature-based art, collaborative cubby building, and citizen-science projects, our students will embark on a journey of scientific inquiry learning, resilience building and creative exploration.
Year 3: Engaging Hearts
Aligned with the Health curriculum, our Year 3 activities strengthen our students’ personal identities by exploring the influences of family, friends and school. Beach-based activities such as dune restoration at Trigg Reserve and coastal conservation programs provide hands-on experiences that connect our students with the environment. A cohort sleepover offers the girls a chance to connect with Senior School mentors through shared activities, like a night walk, animal spotting and a blindfolded walk, to instil the value of teamwork and trust.
Year 4: Connecting Community
Our Year 4 program focuses on nurturing social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and fostering community connections. Aligned with the Health curriculum, our activities empower students with tools for positive responses to challenges and failure. Engaging activities include team-building exercises, small group hikes, orienteering, transition art using bush materials and a memorable campfire with a night walk. In Year 4, our students visit our Metricup campus for the first time during an overnight mother-daughter stay.
Year 5: Ecology Stewardship
Our Year 5 Stewardship Program focuses on instilling a sense of responsibility, environmental awareness and cultural understanding in our students. Aligned with the theme of stewardship, it blends geography, inquiry learning and the formation of friendships to create a holistic learning experience. Our students investigate local threatened species, participate in conservation efforts and learn about the dynamics of fire. Cultural heritage is celebrated through visits to Ellenbrook Homestead and local Indigenous sites near our St Mary’s at Metricup campus.
Year 6: Adventure Challenge
This is a transformative journey where our students focus on building resilience, fostering personal growth and developing their leadership skills. Aligned with the students’ history curriculum, the program explores Australia’s systems of government and citizenship. Through a series of exhilarating activities, our Year 6 students are not only challenged physically but also encouraged to develop resilience, leadership qualities and a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural foundations of our nation
Year 7: Connections
Our Year 7 Connections Outdoor Learning Program at our Metricup campus is a transformative experience designed to help the girls form meaningful connections – to nature, to their peers and to holistic learning that engages their hearts and minds. Our diverse range of activities are curated to provide the girls with a well-rounded experience. From the thrill of snorkelling to the teamwork required in raft building, the serenity of yoga, and the creativity unleashed in theatrical sessions, every moment is a chance for growth and learning.
Year 8: Challenge and Explore
Our Year 8 Outdoor Learning program entails an exhilarating five- day, four-night adventure at our Metricup campus, which challenges our students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the beauty of the outdoors. From riding waves during surfing lessons to conquering new heights on high ropes courses, navigating mysterious caves, and honing essential hiking and navigation skills, each activity is crafted to inspire personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. The program also includes learning the art of trangia cooking, which gives the girls experience in preparing meals outdoors.
Year 9: Adventure
This immersive experience begins with a short visit to our Metricup campus before venturing into the Margaret River region to challenge our students in a journey-based experience. Designed to foster resilience, grit and determination, this unique experience encourages the girls to step into the unknown and discover their strength within. Activities include canoeing the Blackwood River, hiking sections of the Cape to Cape trail, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking.
Year 10: Boora Koort
Boora Koort goes beyond traditional outdoor programs, providing a holistic approach to personal development. Our students will be encouraged to step into the unknown and embrace challenges that not only build their resilience but also contribute to a shared sense of growth. Through engaging exercises, the girls will delve into their intrinsic values and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Boora Koort isn’t just about individual growth – it’s a journey of community involvement and service.
Year 11: Kaartdijin
The name ‘Kaartdijin’, meaning knowledge, encapsulates the essence of this transformative program. The four-day experience based at our Metricup campus is designed to empower our students with profound insights into themselves and others. Kaartdijin is more than just an outdoor adventure; it is also a platform for honing leadership skills. Curated workshops provide a structured framework for students to delve into self-reflection, interpersonal dynamics and the principles of effective leadership.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
St Mary’s offers The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The Award is a worldwide, self-development program for young people aged between 14 and 25 years. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has three levels, each with four sections: Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and an Adventurous Journey (there is a fifth section for Gold level: Residential Project). Each year, the Award gives thousands of young people the chance to set and achieve personal goals and to prove to themselves that they can succeed in anything they attempt. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is recognised by government and industry, and is a valuable achievement to have listed on one’s resume. It is also a School Curriculum and Standards Authority endorsed program.
In Year 9, our students are invited to join this program and are assisted as they strive towards acquiring their Bronze award, with activities taking place outside normal class time. This program helps girls develop their leadership skills while they assist in the organisation and planning of their own camps throughout the year. Students can work towards acquiring their Silver and Gold awards in Years 10, 11 or 12.
Apply today
St Mary’s is all about girls discovering their best. We want our students to be engrossed in the exploration of ideas, to be self-motivated and self-directed, to delight in trying something new and to contribute positively to the community.