Outdoor Education | St Philip’s College

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 Years 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. In Year 9 students go out for nine days, carrying all their food, clothes and equipment needed to survive. In Year 10 students 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; or students can go to Wollangarra which showcases pioneer-style, off-grid and sustainable living without phone reception and modern electronic commodities with access via a flying fox across the river.

The Outdoor Education program which culminates with the Year 11 Aspire 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 communication ('Comm Talks'), leadership (theory and practice with Management Teams), 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 Aspire Course was recently accredited as a SACE Stage 1 subject (2 units - equivalent of a 12-month subject!).

The SACE 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 Advance 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. All proposed dates for camps are available in our calendar, most are during Term 2 and 3.

Information Packs

Initial Letter to Parents Year 7 Discovery 2024

Initial Letter to Parents Year 8 Adventure 2024

Initial Letter to Parents Year 9 Endeavour 2024

Second Letter to Parents Year 9 Endeavour Full Course 2024

Initial Letter to Parents Year 10 Mittagundi 2024

Second Letter to Parents Year 10 Mittagundi Full Course 2024

Initial Letter to Parents Year 11 Aspire Programs 2024

Second Letter to Parents Year 11 Aspire 2024

Initial Letter to Parents Year 12 Advance 2024

Initial Letter to Adults (Adult Endeavour Program 2024)

Year 9 Endeavour / Year 11 Aspire Training Outline