10 Jun 2024
Vision Valley
An excited, adventurous group of 50 Year 9 Churchie boys embarked on the inaugural Vision Valley Residential Programme in May. The four-week coeducational experience was the first Outdoor Education programme in partnership with Pymble Ladies’ College at their Vision Valley campus, a 100-acre facility situated north-west of Sydney, backing onto the spectacular Berowra Valley National Park.
Vision Valley enables students to live, learn and grow their connection to self, others and the natural environment around them in the absence of mobile phones.
The students were supervised during daily activities and on expeditions by Pymble’s experienced Outdoor Education staff, supplemented by Churchie staff who supported the residential element of the programme. While having separate accommodation, the boys and girls joined together for meals, learning, recreation, downtime and camping expeditions.
Based on research, the programme is intentionally designed for Year 9 students, being at a formative point of their lives, to build their social and emotional intelligence and to promote healthy and mutually respectful relationships.
Over the four weeks, students explored, discussed concepts and learned skills to help them discover more about themselves, each other and the natural world. Lessons included field studies, research action plans, permaculture, Australian literature and music, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), traverse theatre, ecological innovations and agriculture. They also learned about Indigenous Australian culture, particularly within the Dharug context, including language, seasonal triggers, bush tukka and sustainable fishing practices.
The onsite programme incorporated adventure-based experiences, including high ropes, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, archery and orienteering. Highlights of the programme were two overnight expeditions and a solo overnight experience.
Throughout their time at Vision Valley, students continued their school studies across mathematics, English, humanities, science and language.
We hope this first Vision Valley is one of many for future Churchie Year 9 boys to experience something immersive and formative in an adventurous and coeducational context.
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