Outdoor Education
Stanmore 7-12 Outdoor Education
Newington offers a selection of Outdoor Education programs.
These programs are designed to teach students how to explore, engage and care for the natural world. Whether it’s rock climbing for the day or a few nights in the bush, we aim to inspire students to discover the great outdoors and learn life-long skills.
Our Outdoor Learning program is divided into:
- Cadets (a youth development program which encourages learning, independence, self-motivation, and leadership in a military context)
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (this international recognised scheme provides an opportunity for students to develop skills, display initiative and build self-esteem)
- Eungai Creek social service and outdoor ed campus
Year 7 and 8 Camp
The Year 7 and 8 Camps program is designed to introduce students to the foundations of Outdoor Education through immersive experiences in both purpose-built facilities and National Parks alongside specialist outdoor education providers. Across three-night camps in Years 7 and 8, students develop essential skills in navigation, camp craft, outdoor cooking, hiking, mountain bike riding and ropes courses, while engaging in a wide range of teamwork and challenge-based activities.
These experiences foster confidence, resilience and independence, while encouraging students to build strong relationships with their peers and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. These programs help build the foundation for the future outdoor education programs that are available to them in years ahead.
Australia’s Longest Running Cadet Unit
The Cadet program is an opportunity to develop endurance, physical fitness and mental strength and character. Newington has one of the longest, continuously running cadet units in Australia.
The Cadet training program is exciting and varied, encompassing a range of activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, navigation in the bush and camp craft and leadership development.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to discover their potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
The Duke of Ed has been offered at Newington for many years to encourage our students to challenge themselves through setting and achieving goals across a range of activities over a set length of time. Participation is voluntary and is structured so that participants can design a unique program centred on their own interests and passions.
Social Service and Outdoor Ed Campus
Our mid-north coast campus at Eungai Creek is the home of Newington’s social service immersion and outdoor education programs.
Students take part in range of outdoor education skills and programs including hiking, kayaking, surfing, mountain bike riding and fishing all with an aim to build confidence, resilience, a sense of adventure and appreciation for people and place in which in they live.
Set on a 200-hectare parcel of hinterland-like farmland, the campus provides students with the foundation for life-changing experiences, including:
- a vigorous, regular social service program with local educational institutions and organisations, particularly Macleay Vocational College – we want to be good members of the community
- a profound, holistic and humble relationship with the local Thungutti, Dunghutti, Ngamba and Gumbaynggnir people, some of whom we already have very good connections with. Students should learn a great deal by going on country with Elders
- an excellent and tailored academic program. English, Science, Maths, History, Languages, Visual Arts and other subjects all lend themselves to wonderfully embedded experiences at this campus. Learning on the land will be an exciting privilege
- new perspectives and connections to the environment through outdoor experiences, farming and ecological stewardship
- learning to look after and take responsibility for themselves, including cooking, laundry, ironing and cleaning their cabins. Students generally come back as even more capable, helpful young people around the family home
- time to simply enjoy each other’s company – at the beach, mountain biking, or just sitting by a campfire.
