Program Details

PROGRAM DETAILS

In 2022, Year 9 Pioneers embarked on Pymble’s first Residential Program at Vision Valley and paved the way for future opportunities. From 2024 the Residential Program will be experienced by all Year 9 students over four consecutive weeks, during their preferred term. This is a life-changing experience for students, in the best possible way, as they live and learn in the great outdoors with their peers in a less-frantic, technology-free environment, giving them time and space to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, others and the environment. 

Learning is different at Vision Valley. Every aspect of the residential experience, from experiential learning to physical challenges, duty groups and downtime, builds real-world learning and problem-solving into the context of living in this incredible setting. Our goal for each student attending the program is to return home with a developing understanding of themselves, strong connections to other students on program and an affinity with the natural world.

The program delivers a bespoke learning program, life skills courses and experiences, onsite outdoor education, offsite journey-based expeditions and a solo. The program also includes opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth, considered with intent throughout the program around students’ personal growth and journey through shared experiences. Learning has been designed to make the most of Vision Valley’s physical resources with collaborative and integrated lessons facilitated in a multitude of outdoor classrooms and learning spaces combining multiple subject areas. Important themes taught include sustainability, service to others, First Nations learning and respectful relationships, to allow a seamless transition back to main campus learning after the program. 

All participants on the Residential Program engage in daily fitness activities. On most mornings the day starts with our VV3, a 3km cross country run. During the day students may find themselves playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, table tennis or going for a bushwalk with friends. In the afternoons students can choose to participate in a gym workout or a boxing class. These regular activities assist with building fitness and preparing for the offsite expeditions.