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 3 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 and citizen-science projects, our students will embark on a journey of scientific inquiry, resilience-building and creative exploration.
Year 3: Connecting Community
Our Year 3 program focuses on nurturing social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and fostering community connections. Our students visit our Metricup campus for the first time during an overnight mother-daughter stay. Our activities equip students with tools for responding positively to challenges and failure. Engaging activities include team-building exercises, exploration of Metricup, transition art using bush materials and a memorable campfire with a night walk. Separately, our Year 3 students learn about beach and ocean safety and practice their boogie board riding skills at Trigg Beach
Year 4
Our Year 4 program introduces students to learning outdoors and to staying away from home, as they spend extended time exploring and working in natural environments. Through shared experiences, they build friendships, get to know their peers in new ways and discover what the outdoors has to offer through hands-on activities, observation and play. A series of small, supported challenges helps students grow confidence and resilience as they learn to be comfortable, capable and curious in outdoor settings. Their physical skills are challenged through a high ropes course and a coastal hike along a section of the Cape to Cape.
Year 5
The Year 5 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. Students learn to respect and better understand the outdoors, while developing essential campcraft skills, including pitching a tent and cooking for the first time on a Trangia. Students will also deepen their understanding of Country through visits to local Indigenous sites near our Metricup campus, and further develop their physical skills with mountain bike riding and hiking a section of the Cape to Cape.
Year 6: Adventure Challenge
The Year 6 program is a purposeful and enriching experience that supports students as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. Through a combination of outdoor challenges and shared experiences, students build confidence, resilience and independence, while developing stronger connections with their peers. The program offers a range of carefully selected activities, such as high ropes, mountain biking and hiking, that foster teamwork, reflection and challenge students to step beyond their comfort zones, develop leadership skills, build upon their existing skills and grow into confident, capable young people.
Year 7: Connections
The Year 7 Connections Program at our Metricup campus is a foundational experience that supports students as they begin their secondary school journey. Designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, the program focuses on building positive relationships with peers, developing trust and forming meaningful connections to self, others and the natural environment. Through a diverse and engaging range of activities, including snorkelling, problem-solving challenges, yoga and theatrical workshops, students are encouraged to collaborate, communicate and step confidently into new experiences together. These shared moments help establish friendships, strengthen teamwork and lay the groundwork for a supportive and connected year group.
Year 8: Challenge and Explore
Our Year 8 Outdoor Learning Program is a five-day, four-night adventure at our Metricup campus, designed to push students out of their comfort zones through hands-on experiences in the natural environment. Students set sail on the open ocean, paddle local waterways, and scale new heights through abseiling and rock climbing, as well as taking to the trails on mountain bikes, building confidence, resilience and new skills along the way. As part of the adventure, students pitch their own tents, learn to cook on a Trangia, and gain practical experience in campcraft and outdoor living, fostering independence, teamwork, and a deep connection with nature.
Year 9: Adventure
Set in the stunning Walpole region, this immersive, journey-based program pushes students to build resilience and grow both physically and mentally. It encourages students to work together and step confidently into the unknown, embracing new challenges. Throughout the program, students paddle the Deep and Frankland Rivers, hike sections of the iconic Bibbulmun Track, camp under the stars, master outdoor skills such as Trangia cooking and contribute to environmental conservation initiatives. This program not only strengthens confidence and self-reliance but also fosters a deep connection with nature.
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.