The primary goal of the Woodcroft College Outdoor Education Program is to promote development of the positive character attributes of Perseverance, Selflessness and Community Spirit.
The activities students take part in are not viewed as ends in themselves: that is, we do not think it is vital that all our students learn how to sleep in a tent, rock climb or solve initiative problems. Rather, we see these experiences as effective ways to teach valuable lessons about life. The program’s method of achieving this goal rests on the principles of experiential learning.
Year 3 students have an overnight stay at the Aboriginal Studies and Kaurna Cultural Camp in Aldinga. Students will be introduced to the traditional skills and unique culture of Indigenous Australians.
Year 4 students take part in an overnight stay at Mylor Adventure Camp. Activities include the giant swing, bridge building, low ropes, initiative pursuits, flying fox plus a whole range of other facilitated activities. This camp develops personal and social capability as students learn about themselves and working effectively with others.
Year 5 students attend a two-night camp at Woodhouse Activity Centre. Students participate in Challenge Hill, The Labyrinth, laser skirmish, bouldering, orienteering, Tube Slide and Disc Golf. These activities along with other team games, develop our students’ leadership, team building and problem-solving skills.
Year 6 students visit Wirraway for a three-day camp with activities including horse-riding, archery and rock-climbing. The theme of the camp is ‘Getting together, getting along’. The aim is to build strong relationships between students and teaching staff early in the year, to develop an understanding of inclusion, to focus on developing self-esteem and confidence, and to introduce the students to a range of outdoor activities.
Year 7 students take part in a three-day camp at the Murraylands Aquatic Centre. Activities include sailing, sailboarding, knee-boarding, kayaking, canoeing and rowing. The aim of the camp is personal development of students, focusing on self-esteem and confidence. It helps to build interpersonal bonds between students and staff and introduce students to camping and aquatic activities in preparation for the Outdoor Education Program in Year 8 to Year 12.
Year 8 students visit Middleton Caravan Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula for a five-day camp. The focus of the camp is character development, making friends and strengthening relationships along with problem-solving skills through initiative games, surfing, kayaking and abseiling.
Year 9 Quest Camp is the pinnacle of Middle School for many students. The aim of this 14-day camp in the Grampians is to develop the qualities of perseverance, selflessness and community spirit. This intentionally occurs just before the transition to Senior School and represents the point where our community acknowledges the students’ move towards greater independence. We believe that having controlled challenges in a carefully managed environment, gives students powerful insights and personal skills that will prepare them for the learning environment of life.
Year 10 students use their Quest skills and knowledge on a four-day camp at Tuilkilkey Station in the Mid-North. Students operate with a greater level of independence, while still closely supported by staff. The ‘game’ takes them back to the 1800s and small groups compete in an extended initiative game as they move around the 20,000-hectare property.
Year 10 Future Leaders Program offers a selected group of students the opportunity to further develop identified leadership skills through adventurous outdoor activities. Learn more about the program run through our Outdoor Education faculty.
Year 11 and 12 students attend a reflective Retreat during the year led by their Head of Year. Students can also choose to study Outdoor Education as a SACE elective subject. These courses provide an opportunity to connect learning between the classroom and the natural environment. Students acquire the skills to conduct outdoor adventurous activities in a sustainable way. Students gather and act on feedback, with a view to becoming more self-directed in their ongoing personal development.
Early Learning Centre
Farnsworth Drive
Morphett Vale SA 5162
Ph: +61 8 8381 0422
Email: [email protected]
Junior School: Reception to Year 6
Farnsworth Drive
Morphett Vale SA 5162
Ph: +61 8 8381 0455
Email: [email protected]
Middle and Senior School: Year 7 to Year 12
Bains Road
Morphett Vale SA 5162
Ph: +61 8 8322 2333
Email: [email protected]
ABN 93 970 982 732
CRICOS Provider Number 01645K
