Outdoor Education is an integral part of life at Canberra Grammar, beginning in the Junior School and continuing throughout the Senior School. The program reflects the School's commitment to holistic education that develops boys' intellectual, spiritual, social and physical abilities. It has a strong tradition within the School and is valued by students, parents and staff, many of whom volunteer to take expeditions both in Australia and abroad.
All camps and expeditions are based on the premise of experiential learning and are designed to promote personal growth and social interaction and environmental awareness. The program from the early years onwards is designed to promote the sequential development of skills. Boys learn new abilities, set new personal goals at each stage and discover their potential. At all times, they are supported and guided in working together to meet both individual and group challenges, at the same time gaining respect for the environment and understanding of the need for a sustainable future.
The Program
Outdoor Education at Canberra Grammar is a mobile program. A number of sites are used and students will visit a diverse range of exciting places.
Students in Years 5 and 6 are introduced to camp activities in a safe but challenging environment.
In Year 7, students attend a 5 day camp focusing on friendships and group unity. For many students who are new to the school this is their first outdoor camp experience.
In Year 8, camps are in House groups and are planned so that Housemasters and students have to time to get to know each other as the boys enter their new House communities.
Students in Year 9 spend five days on camp learning bushcraft, and skills such as abseiling, caving and orienteering. All groups are accompanied by experienced Outdoor Education staff.
In Year 10, students participate in a nine day expedition that is the pinnacle of the School's Outdoor Education program. The expedition includes an extensive range of activities that involve a high level of commitment and challenge. Boys return with deeper friendships, maturity and greater self-understanding.
In addition to the year group camps, there are many opportunities to attend extended camps, in holiday time or on weekends. These include, for example, trips to Far North Queensland and Tasmania and Sea Kayaking in the Whitsundays.
Students learn a great deal from these exciting opportunities and many continue to pursue these activities once they have left school.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh is offered by Canberra Grammar School to senior students with a passion for the outdoors, community service, and a desire for self-development within a supportive and supervised environment. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme is acknowledged internationally as an outstanding and rigorous program. It teaches resourcefulness, determination, leadership and compassion. We encourage students to complete the challenging program by the close of their Senior School education.