When we take learning outdoors, the lessons can become as limitless as the landscape.
Director of Outdoor Education Nic Bishop says the School’s Outdoor Education program is about much more than just getting students outside.
“It’s grounding,” he says, “We’re challenging the outdated notion that strength and endurance are the most important definitions of success – getting away from ‘who’s the strongest, who’s the tallest, who’s the fastest, who’s the fittest.’
“We focus on developing a deeper connection to oneself; what’s your connection to your identity, to spirituality, and to the people in your community.”
The various programs on offer, for our youngest students at Grimwade House through to Senior School, are uniquely tailored to suit development and learning at specific ages.
Beyond the Gates (BTG), one of the School’s most challenging outdoor education programs, is a milestone activity for Year 10 students as they make their way off campus on a 20-day expedition through remote venues across Australia.
Year 11 boarding student Harry Austin, recipient of the 2023 Winter Irving Crawford Scholarship, said BTG was a life-changing experience.
“Coming from the country and moving to such a diverse place like Melbourne Grammar, it’s a completely different life,” he says.
“But then to move into an environment with no phones and none of what we’re used to, just 15 of us working together to find something in the distance – it changes your perspective even more.
“You learn how to stay calm in different situations, and I’ve got mates now that I probably never would have hung out with. Great relationships that I would never have found without going on BTG.”
Leading together
Melbourne Grammar is incredibly fortunate that so many in our community not only recognise the value of outdoor education but also contribute philanthropically to ensure it continues to be impactful.
Leslie Gladstone Robertson (OM 1889) included a gift to the School in his Will which was used to establish the LGR Society, a unique leadership experience for older students to design and lead their own bushwalking journeys.
Year 11 student Oscar Sorell, the 2024/25 captain of LGR, said the program allows students to find strengths they didn’t know they had.
“I try to bring out the best in everyone and find out their skills so everyone can lead in some way,” he says.
“In my role as captain, I try to learn what people’s strengths are, and then get everyone to work together to balance out the team. Everyone really learns how to lead together.”
Growth and discovery
In 2024, the Outdoor Education program received significant funding from the J T Morrow Education Trust, a gift established through the Will of Jack Morrow (OM 1925).
Nic says the new funds will greatly impact the school’s ability to deliver life-changing experiences to students.
“This significant gift from the [J T Morrow Education] Trust will improve the delivery of outdoor education for the next decade,” he says.
The funds were used to purchase new mountain bikes, helmets, vests and gloves; a specialised bike trailer to transport the fleet between programs; and a new Toyota Hilux SR5 ute with a custom canopy to transport the trailer and bikes.
“Mountain biking is a fantastic lifelong activity that we use to facilitate learning around risk taking, community and team building, personal skill growth, and persistence,” Nic says.
Ultimately, outdoor experiences don’t just enrich student’s life at school – they lay the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.
