fbpx Outdoor Education | Hills Grammar

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is part of the School Co-curricular Program but also complements the aims of the Academic Program and the Wellbeing Program. Students work together to develop skills such as leadership, resilience and inclusiveness;  learn the value of working towards a common goal and the concept of team. All of this is achieved within the context of the school values.

Through the Outdoor Education program, each student learns about their own strengths and weaknesses and how persistence in extending oneself can bring success in the most challenging of situations – be they physical, emotional or social.

This resilience (ability to bounce back from setbacks or challenges with confidence) and optimism is vital for any young person as they enter adulthood.

The School’s Outdoor Education Program is set in a variety of environments such as alpine, coastal, inland river, bushland or non-familiar urban. This allows students to develop a sense of adaptability as new environments are explored and adapted. Environmental Education is a key focus of the program.

The students explore the natural bush environment at Hills Grammar. They learn about the Flora and Fauna and explore ways to look after the local environment.

Outdoor Education program focusing on developing an appreciation of natural environments. Students explore the local bush environment surrounding Hills Grammar. They learn about group dynamics and leadership, safety and well-being, environmental awareness and management. Students also develop an understanding of the importance of fresh air and open spaces for play.

Students build on their outdoor living knowledge and skills encouraging self-reliance and minimal impact. They learn about how to pack suitable food and gear/equipment for a short adventure (bushwalk). Students continue to build on their knowledge of health and safety rules/regulations which apply to natural environments.

Student exploration through guided journeys e.g. day walk and lunch in local National Park or other more pristine area. Increasing knowledge of survival skills in natural environments. Students also learn about the History of natural environments.

In Year 3 students have their first overnight camp experience. Exploration through guided journeys with increasing independence.

  • Leadership Development Activities
  • Rock Climbing
  • Canoeing
  • Archery
  • Initiatives

Overnight camp - exploration through guided journeys with increasing independence.

  • Orienteering and Rogaining
  • Crate Stacking
  • Bush Shelter Building
  • Team Activities

Students continue to extend their outdoor education knowledge and skills in Local Mountain Ranges.

  • Initiative activities
  • Mountain Bike Riding
  • Abseiling
  • Catapults
  • Bush Cooking
  • Low Ropes

Year 6 continue to explore the great outdoors. Students are introduced to water and land-based activities. Focus on leadership and maintaining positive relationships.

  • Alpine Rescue
  • Cave Maze
  • Archery
  • Giant Swing
  • River walk and Swim
  • Flying Fox
  • Campfire (weather permitting)
  • Team Games/Initiatives

Year 7 experience a range of outdoor education activities. They will reflect on a range of personal and social skills as they participate in the great outdoors.

  • Orientation to Year 7 activities
  • Team building
  • Aquatic activities
  • High Ropes
  • Leadership development

Students attend Adventure Learning Initiative (ALI) Jindabyne for an Alpine Outdoor Education experience. The camp provides many challenging and fulfilling experiences. They will explore the alpine environment; understand weather patterns and a greater understanding of human interactions with nature.

  • River Sledding (weather permitting)
  • Mountain Bike Riding
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Camp Out
  • Camp Cooking
  • Team Initiatives

Students visit Somerset Upper Colo River whereby they extend their outdoor educational knowledge and experience. This camp encourages students to build confidence as they interact with the environment. Students engage in activities that develop personal and interpersonal skills and develop a greater understanding of safety requirements in outdoor pursuits. This camp satisfies both the Practice Journey and Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • High Ropes
  • Crate Stacking
  • Wombat Hole
  • Camp Out
  • Camp Cooking
  • Team Initiatives
  • Orienteering and mapping skills.

*Activities may vary depending on student grouping.


Students complete an Urban Challenge adventure in Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Students will be given the opportunity to be a part of an adventure, which broadens the definition of ‘outdoor education’ in an innovative, exciting and fun way. This takes place in the CBD over four days and three nights. Students fulfil designated roles such as Treasurer, Ticketmaster, Caterer, Navigator, Taskmaster and Photographer. They enjoy an Amazing Race style journey around the city of Sydney.