Outdoor Education

Outdoor education is a key component of our curriculum at Prince of Peace and our varied, challenging program is central to holistic student development.

We believe that the outdoor education opportunities provided to our Middle and Senior School students support the development of confidence, self sufficiency, initiative, teamwork and leadership skills. All students are expected to participate as part of their educational journey.

Our Middle and Senior School outdoor education program is an integral part of each year group’s curriculum and develops as follows:

Year 7 students commence the school year with a three-day outdoor education program at Camp Northpine, Joyner.  Heading off together on the first day of secondary school provides the perfect opportunity for building positive relationships and powerful partnerships. Camp activities challenge students to create connections, build a sense of unity and community.  This camp helps to build confidence to embrace the challenges of a new school.

Year 8 students develop their leadership skills at a camp at Luther Heights, Coolum Beach. Students undertake a number of physical activities and scenarios that build teamwork, confidence and trust.  In idyllic surroundings students are encouraged to embrace growth through challenge.

Year 9 students participate in a four-week outdoor education experience at Mt Binga, near Blackbutt, as part of their yearlong Ubuntu program. The camp is a significant milestone in the social, emotional and spiritual development of our Middle School students and includes community living, horse riding, farm work, abseiling, hiking, overnight outdoor camping and team challenges.

Year 10 students spend three days at Maroochy Waterfront Camp.  Dragon-boat racing will no longer be on their bucket list after the Year 10 camp—it is fast, fun and furiously intense. The camp includes team building activities and challenges to further develop their sense of community, confidence and openness to embrace challenge.

Year 11 students attend a Leadership Camp at Emu Gully that, in the words of one student, ‘sorts the men from the boys’—regardless of gender! Over two days, the cohort faces a range of ANZAC-themed physical and mental challenges, designed to test the group’s resilience, teamwork and tenacity.

I thought I wouldn’t like going to camp, I was wrong. I found that once I began to think from another perspective I was enjoying every second. Yes there were up and down moments, but those times when I had a better attitude were when I enjoyed the camp most. — Year 9 student