Outdoor Education
Physical challenges, personal growth.
In this crucial period of development, her relationships and her experiences of challenge, frustration and success will have a lasting impact on your daughter. It is our belief that our outdoor education program offers all of these experiences and more.
School Camp
In Terms 1 and 2, Years 3-11 venture on an annual school camp that works on many levels of personal development.
Students get to know each other out of the traditional school environment, while participating in adventurous physical activities such as abseiling, canoeing and bushwalking.
The ability to work as a team and gain new skills creates a bond between the girls, who also develop self-confidence and resilience when faced with challenges.
Outdoor Education Group
Queenwood works in partnership with The Outdoor Education Group to deliver a unique sequence of Outdoor Education Programs from year 3 through to year 10.
Year 11, with the assistance of Lands Edge, focuses on building leadership skills in the senior years. Each program builds incrementally on the previous year, with students gradually developing a greater sense of independence and confidence in the natural environment.
Intrinsically, the sequence requires more from students each year. This may be in the form of longer programs, more demanding personal organisation, changing environments or more effective communication. These camps not only provide opportunities for the girls to experience a range of exciting activities, but they encourage students to take initiative, think responsibly and make empathetic decisions. This is especially important in today’s ever increasing digital world.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a youth self-development program for all young people.
The Award is non-competitive and encourages young people to set and achieve goals at a level appropriate to their needs.
There are four sections that must be completed for a young person to qualify for an Award: Voluntary Service, Skills, Recreation and Adventurous Journey.
These provide an opportunity for students to acquire and develop skills, initiative and self-esteem which will help them become more confident members of the community. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is highly regarded by many employers.
Three Award levels are available:
- Bronze: 3 months minimum, per section
- Silver: 6 months minimum, per section
- Gold: 12 months minimum, per section
Year 9 students may start at the Bronze level.
For more information visit the Duke of Edinburgh website.
To obtain the Award students must complete the following sections:
Voluntary Service
At least three months at an average of one hour a week of voluntary Community Service. Complete an appropriate course of specialised training such as a First Aid course.
Skills
At least three months at an average of one hour a week of a cultural or social activity must be pursued leading to a deeper knowledge of the subject and the attainment of a reasonable degree of skill.
Examples include: dance; a musical instrument; drama; printmaking.
Physical Recreation
At least three months at an average of one hour a week participation in a physical activity, leading to some improvement in that activity.
In addition, a further three months at an average of one hour a week must be completed in either the Service, Skill or Physical Recreation sections.
Adventurous Journey
Plan, train and take part in a group journey – where you work together, navigate, and step outside your comfort zone.
It’s a supervised experience, and often the most memorable part of the Duke of Edinburgh!