Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)

When does the Residential Program run?

The Year 9 Residential Program runs throughout the year with one program per term commencing Sunday 10am of Week 2 and concluding Friday of Week 5 (Honouring Ceremony 2pm - 3:30pm).

How are the students allocated a Term Program?

Parents and students will indicate their preferred term following the Year 8 into Year 9 2024 Subject Selection Evening. Students should submit term preferences with consideration of co-curricular activities or events and significant family events. Leave will not be granted for these events during the program. Leave will also not be granted for concerts or similar personal interests, so terms should be selected around these events.

Following a review of preferences; Upper School will allocate students to their specific term considering co-curricular and wellbeing circumstances. We are aware that for some students there may be clashes with elite co-curricular events across all terms and these can be discussed with Upper School staff as necessary.

When are students and parents advised which residential term they are allocated to?

It is anticipated that students and families will be advised of their allocation in Term 4.

Can students and/or parents choose whom their daughter attends / does not attend with?

Allocations for each term are finalised by Upper School with consideration to subject selection, elite co-curricular commitments and wellbeing circumstances. One of the many opportunities in the Residential Program is developing independence and fostering social skills where students can make meaningful connections with peers outside of their usual friendship circle. Prior to each program commencing, students can however indicate a buddy preference for their rooming allocation.

Does every Year 9 Student have to attend?

The Year 9 Residential Program is a compulsory core component of a Year 9 Pymble students' education.

Are there additional fees to attend the Residential Program?

There is no additional participation cost for the Residential Program, the program is inclusive of uniform, full board, meals and lessons.

How is accelerated learning, NAPLAN, assessments, and academic support managed while on the Residential Program?

Residential Program groups are blocked within core subject areas so that these classes do not continue while students expand their learning at Vision Valley. Rather than consider what students may be missing at Main Campus, it is encouraged to focus on the opportunities and life experience gained through learning in a different environment. The Residential Program has been considered within the academic element of the Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) curriculum structure to ensure that academic learning is not compromised. The structure affords students the opportunity to participate in experiential learning specific to the Residential Program setting with a focus on integrated lessons and collaborative projects.

Students are welcome to bring course work and study notes to continue with their academic program during free time and structured study sessions during their stay. (Refer to example Study Timetable) 

Will my daughter be able to keep up with music, dance and other co-curricular practice?

Yes, there will be opportunity for both music, dance and other co-curricular lessons and practice; during the Residential Program at specific morning, afternoon and evening times. (Refer to example Study Timetable) Lessons with peripatetic music tutors and co-curricular teachers will be facilitated via Microsoft Teams video conferencing on Vision Valley devices. Lessons with external teachers may be facilitated by video through assistance with Residential Staff.

Will there be the opportunity to continue swim training and will there be other cross training opportunities available?

Vision Valley has a 3-lane 15m pool on site. While this may be too small for required water based swim training, students can maintain their weight and fitness training programs, for all sports, specifically prepared by swim coaches/trainers.

To assist students improve their overall fitness and prepare for offsite expeditions, a typical day on program starts with the “VV3”, our 3 kilometre trail run which students are encouraged to do; at their fitness level with a focus on continued personal improvement. There is also an onsite gym with a range of popular equipment including rowing ergs and spin bikes.

Will there be the expectation for students to complete hand in assessments or exams during the Residential Program?

There is no requirement for students to complete or submit assessments during the Residential Program or in the week immediately after they return to school. This allows students to immerse themselves in the experiential learning program and have time to reintegrate into main campus learning after the program.

While at Vision Valley, students are assessed informally and formatively for outcome achievement with no exams or formal assessments submitted during the Residential Program. The experiential learning at Vision Valley is collaborative and project based, with staff working closely with students to develop outcome achievement over four weeks.

What about Year 9 exams? Students attending the Residential Program may have less time for revision and study.

There will be no examination block in Year 9. Assessment dates for Year 9 will be published at the start of the year within the assessment booklet.

How is communication structured and can parents visit or drop off Care Packages?

Separate to the drop off at the program start and ceremony at the end of the program, there is no opportunity for parents to visit during the program. A benefit of the Residential Program is disconnecting from the hyper-connected world, and as such, communication with families is maintained through letter writing. Where required, families can also send a letter via email to our Residential Team who can print and circulate the letter to students. A student-led Blog site will be shared with families and next of kin. In groups, students write a daily entry and share photos to keep loved ones updated on the happenings throughout the program.

Care packages, of both personal and food items, are not allowed to ensure equity is maintained for all students. Care packages received at Vision Valley will be stored until the end of the program and distributed at departure. The equipment list is comprehensive, and if prepared, students should not require any additional items throughout the program. On the rare occasion that a student may have overlooked an essential item required for the Residential Program, the Residential Staff Team will be in direct contact with families to advise and arrange drop off to Upper School.

What about family emergencies?

In the event of family emergencies or other necessary and essential student requirements, visits and leave can be arranged in consultation with the Residential Staff Team and Upper School. In line with family leave from Main Campus, an “Exemption From Attendance Application” (EFAA) will need to be completed as discussed with a staff member.

What are the sleeping / living arrangements?

Students will typically share a quad-share bunk room within their allocated lodge. Students will be responsible for their laundry together with the cleanliness of their bedroom. Students will be allocated other duties on a rotating roster for the duration of the program which include cleaning, kitchen, site duties and writing the daily blog.

What about food and special diets?

Vision Valley is a nut-free campus and our caterer, Chartwell’s Catering Group, are familiar with catering for individual special diets. Prior to the Program commencing, families complete a thorough medical and dietaries form. The Residential Team will be in touch if there is something of note and parents are welcome to contact the Residential Team to discuss any particular dietary needs.

How is medical and health support provided and safety addressed?

Residential Program staff have first aid qualifications ranging from Provide First Aid to Remote Area and Wilderness First Aid. Most Residential Program staff are also trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Where required students can continue with any pre-established main school counselling support. External health supports can also be maintained through tele-health and / or video conferencing. For infectious disease safety, students may be asked to isolate at Vision Valley where possible, or at home, depending on the nature of the illness.

Will we need to purchase specialist equipment and camping gear for the Residential Program?

Minimal personal specialist equipment is required for the Residential Program and hopefully most items can be procured from supplies at home or borrowed from friends or family. A sturdy pair of hiking boots, worn in, is the most important item for the Residential Program. Hiking boots will be required for the offsite expeditions however can also be worn on a day-to-day basis whilst at Vision Valley including for the VV3 trail run. A comprehensive Packing List is provided to assist with preparation for each of the Residential Programs and can be found here.

As part of the Residential Program, a uniform is supplied consisting of:

• 1 x zip-off quick dry hiking pants

• 2 x lightweight quick dry long sleeve shirts

• 1 x broad-brimmed hat,

• 1 x long-sleeved warm fleece

• 2 x 1 litre water bottles.

Specialist equipment provided on loan includes a backpack, gaiters, rain jacket and rain pants, and lightweight cooking stoves for student use during the program. Students may be required to use their opal card if a local bus, train or ferry is part of the journey for their offsite expedition.

Where specific gear is required to be purchased, we encourage purchasing from a reputable supplier. Our uniform supplier, Equipped Outdoors, has a list of items that can be purchased directly with delivery to Vision Valley, complete with name labels for the start of the program. The Equipped Order Form for any gear purchases required can be found here. 

Does the Residential Program link with the Duke of Edinburgh Award?

Yes, elements of the Residential Program can be used toward the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, including both expeditions. For further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Program please refer to the following website at Pymble.

If interested in participating in the Award, it is important that the online registration is done prior to commencing the Residential Program at Vision Valley.

It is important that students register online for the Duke of Edinburgh Award before they arrive at Vision Valley. Activities, including hikes, that occur prior to registration cannot be counted towards the award. Please refer to information on Pymble’s Duke of Edinburgh website or contact the Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator with any specific questions.

I have further questions regarding the program, who do I refer them too?

There are many staff on hand to answer any questions regarding the Residential Program. As a starting point this can be done by sending an email to the Upper School Office or to the Residential Staff Team via the email links provided. Following receipt, the most relevant staff person will respond to you via email or with phone a call and if required a meeting can be arranged.