On-site Program

LEARNING at Vision Valley

Learning at Vision Valley uses experiential, service-based and inter-disciplinary learning to embrace the opportunities afforded by the natural environment, beyond the confines of a rigid timetable, four-walled classrooms, textbooks or screens. The academic component of the Residential Program involves rich curriculum and learning experiences that maximise the use of the Vision Valley site through interdisciplinary and experiential learning.  For each adventurer, the academic program will be a seasonal signature experience. On each evening of Experiential Learning days, students have study time available after dinner until bedtime. 

UNITS OF WORK

Over the four weeks, students explore a range of concepts and skills that enable them to discover more about themselves, each other and the natural world around us. Students become co-constructors of their learning, with units taking inspiration from authentic and real-world experiences with residential life at Vision Valley. The program will be a seasonal, signature experience that is unique to each cohort and students’ individual journey. This contextual learning allows students to link academic concepts to the real world, and to connect more deeply within the intentions of the program.

Lessons may include field studies, research action plans, permaculture, Australian literature and music, shinrin-yoku, traverse theatre, ecological innovations or agriculture. Students also develop a respect for and understanding of First Nations culture, particularly within our Dharug context. Students learn language, seasonal triggers, bush tukka and sustainable fishing practices, while connecting with the land that they live and learn on.

ELECTIVES

 Students also have an opportunity to engage in Elective lessons, where students can choose topics to explore in more depth. Elective topics are focused around Vision Valley, with students undertaking a number of electives depending on the chosen topic. Students will engage in elective sessions for skills, outdoor education, subject-specific lessons, service or off-site excursions, For each of these elective sessions, topics are unique for each program, with seasonality and student interest driving available topics.

Elective skills may include bone carving, power tools, car mechanics, wilderness survival skills, entomology or cooking and dehydrating meals for expeditions. Outdoor education electives provide opportunities for extension of the on-site program, including bouldering, advanced mountain-biking, or undertaking hands-on research on the mechanisms of an adventure activity. 

DULUMI (SERVICE)

The Dharug word ‘Dulumi’ means ‘to give away for nothing’, framing a key component of the Residential Program as giving back to our community, to our land and to ourselves. Students undertake a service-based learning project that may be focused around sustainability, permaculture, architecture, creative arts or science field study. 

ONSITE OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The onsite Outdoor Education Program includes a range of adventure-based learning experiences, skills and courses. Adventure-based activities include high ropes, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, archery, orienteering, and a Rogaine. These facilities are overseen by the Outdoor Education Logistics Coordinator who ensures safety of equipment in line with Australian and International regulations specific to each activity. Skills and courses include first aid training, permaculture, wilderness and survival skills, car mechanics and basic power tools use. Students may also engage in elective sessions to develop their progression of outdoor education skills such as knot tying, shelter construction, sustainable fishing practices or First Nations perspectives.

SOLO

The program culminates in the final rite of passage, a 24-hour Solo camping experience. Students will gain skills and confidence over the month to prepare for the final personal challenge for deeper connection to self through this reflective period.

As their final Rite of Passage, students spend time alone in the bushland around Vision Valley or local Marramarra National Park. This is an opportunity for students to utilise the skills and resilience developed during the program to confidently spend up to 24 hours alone camping. Skills they will need to draw on include packing, food preparation, tents and expedition gear, knots/shelter set up, survival, personal strength, overcoming boredom, journaling and being comfortable in nature. For partnership boys programs, boys and girls will be on separate sites/locations. Students will camp self-sufficiently overnight, within 'cooee' of staff and other students, who are directed not to interact with each other during their ‘Solo’ unless in case of emergency. Students use the time to reflect on their journey and growth as young adults over the past four weeks away from home.