Outdoor Education

‘Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.’ David Polis

Outdoor Education is an authentic expression of the Hillbrook motto ‘In Balance We Grow’. 

It is an active and experiential form of learning conducted primarily in outdoor spaces and is a compulsory part of our curriculum. At the core of Outdoor Education is the development and understanding of healthy relationships; with others, the environment and with self. Every Year level has an overarching theme which aligns with where our students are in their own journey through adolescence and high school. You can read more about these themes here.

There is a strong context of collaborative learning, balanced with space and structure for reflection. Our students leave the creature comforts of home behind and gain experience and knowledge of a variety of different environments and ecosystems. We do this in rural settings, national parks, urban areas and parkland. Sometimes we are in canoes or riding horses or bikes, sometimes we climb or walk and other times we might be sailling, surfing or scuba diving.

We camp and travel simply and students are expected to play real roles in their experience by being involved in every aspect of each journey; from packing their equipment, setting up camp, cooking meals and ultimately leaving no trace at the campsite.

Our Outdoor Education program is a key aspect of your child’s Hillbrook education and plays a pivotal role in the life of the school.

 

“Outdoor Education has helped me grow as a person because I’ve learnt, and am continuing to learn, to perservere during the worst of conditions.”  Year 9 student

Hillbrook Outdoor Education

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