Outdoor Education
Intrepid Explorers
Young people have an instinct for adventure. Opportunities within the Outdoor Education program provide an exciting range of experiences to support physical, social and emotional wellbeing, helping students push the boundaries of their comfort zone, build resilience and explore their potential.
Through interaction with the natural world, Guildford Grammar School students develop an understanding of their relationship with themselves, their peers and the environment. Best of all – it’s fun!
Camps
From Year 2, students participate in a camp program that ranges from overnight stays through to week-long camps, including academic camps in Year 12. There are also many voluntary expeditions and trips offered throughout the year.
Camps are designed to give students a range of challenging experiences that will help them:
- think creatively
- apply their knowledge to different situations
- develop teamwork skills
- encourage personal growth.
Cadets
The Guildford Grammar School Cadet Unit has a proud history – from its inception in 1904, where students were required to perform one hour per week of drills, through the turmoil of WWI and WWII, to its present-day structure.
The aim of military training within the Australian Army Cadets is to:
- develop an interest in the Army and its traditions
- encourage cadets to continue military or community service
- give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline
- develop the qualities of leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative, and;
- provide training in these areas.
Students participate in drill and a range of other activities including:
- navigation
- canoeing
- rock climbing
- abseiling
- camping (field craft)
- survival (field engineering)
- martial arts
- community service
- first aid
- firearms handling and marksmanship
- weapons drill
- radio telecommunications
- annual camp.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a Voluntary Framework aimed at increasing the involvement of young people in extracurricular activities. There are four sections to the Framework: Physical Recreation, Skills, Community Service and Adventurous Journey.
At Guildford Grammar School, the Bronze Level is offered to students in Year 9 and 10, and takes a minimum of six months to complete. Many co-curricular activities, such as Inter-School Sport, Drama, Music and Cadets, can count towards the Bronze Level, although its intention is to encourage users to take up new pursuits. Many students who complete their Bronze Level then move onto their Silver and Gold Levels in Years 11 and 12.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Framework is currently represented in 130 countries. Since its establishment in Australia in 1962, over 500,000 young Australians have completed their first Award. The Program is well regarded by employers and universities throughout Australia and the rest of the world. The Framework is also a SCSA endorsed course, and as such, can contribute to Year 12 Graduation.
