Overview
Outdoor Education at St Philip's College focuses on programs that develop self awareness, self esteem, leadership, communication skills, self confidence and a real belief in themselves and their abilities.
St Philip's Outdoor Education Program has been judged truly outstanding by educators and Outdoor Education professionals from all over Australia. The focus for the College's expeditions is the spectacular MacDonnell and Chewings Ranges in Central Australia and the Victorian Alps. The Outdoor Education expeditions are cited by many students, past and present, as being the highlight of their time at St Philip's.
In Year 7 and 8 students camp, hike and cycle over part of the Larapinta Trail as a lead up to the more sophisticated challenges of the Year 9 Endeavour Camp, when students go out for nine days, carrying on their backs all the food, clothes and equipment needed to survive. Students in Year 10 have the opportunity to travel to Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre, in Victoria, where they camp in the snow, go cross country skiing and hiking in the Victorian high country, and help run the farm and maintain Mittagundi - see Photo Gallery.
The Outdoor Education program which culminates with the Year 11 Leadership Course is again held in the MacDonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs, and is led by College staff and highly qualified Outdoor Education instructors. The course focuses on leadership ( theory and practice with Managment Teams), communication ('Comm Talks') and self reflection (thorough structured daily 'Quiet Time', 48 hour solo, personal and group journals), and is particularly tailored to match the needs and maturity of Senior students about to embark on their final year of study. The Year 11 Leadership Course was recently accredited as a SSABSA Stage 1 subject (2 units - equivelent of a 12 month subject!).
The SSABSA Stage 2 (Year 12) Outdoor and Environmental Education Course is also offered to senior students. This is a challenging language rich subject that focuses on activities outdoors and environmental issues.
The focus for students in Year 12 is a three-day camp focusing on team building, goal setting and time management, as well as developing confidence, self esteem and strong relationships with College staff.
Prior to each of the camps, Parent and student information briefings are held. Detailed written information is also distributed to students early in the School year - see Forms. All proposed dates for camps are available in calendar format here - most are during Term 2 and 3.
In 2013, students from St Philip's competed in the NT Bouldering Championships in Darwin and returned as champions. Durng the week, between the serious and competitive nature of rock climbing, a short video was produced about the more light hearted moments of the week's adventures NT Bouldering Championships 2013
Camp Forms
For your convenience, the following forms are available electronically to be printed as required. Medical/Consent forms must be completed for each camp/expedition and returned to Student Access at the College. As forms must be signed they can only be delivered directly, posted or faxed to the College (not emailed).