Experiential Learning
Education at St Michael’s Grammar School is designed to transcend the boundaries of the classroom. Our Experiential Learning programs empower students to engage deeply with the world around them, cultivating the knowledge, skills and empathy required to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Outdoor Education (ELC to Year 12)
Outdoor Education (K–6) lays the groundwork for students' educational journey from their earliest years, signifying the initial steps of discovery, curiosity, and growth inherent in childhood development. Through age-appropriate experiential programs, young learners build foundational skills, cultivate a sense of wonder about the world around them, and develop the resilience needed for future endeavours.
Outdoor Education (7–12) represents arrival, anticipation, and new beginnings. As students progress through their educational journey, this phase fosters their transition to more expansive national and potentially international experiences encompassing geographical exploration, service-learning, environmental stewardship, adventure and resilience.
This integrated approach to outdoor education ensures continuity and coherence in students' learning beyond the classroom, empowering them to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world with confidence, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for lifelong learning.
Junior School
Year 2 - School sleepover, basic camping skills, wildlife observation, introductory outdoor teamwork activities
Year 3 - Low ropes course, bush cooking, team challenges, night activities (e.g., astronomy), environmental awareness activities
Year 4 - Archery, high ropes course, disc golf, kayaking, lighthouse tour, environmental workshops
Year 5 - High ropes course, zip-lining, tent camping, historical exploration (e.g., Sovereign Hill), bush cooking
Year 6 - Educational tours (e.g., Parliament House, Questacon), museum visits, sporting activities (e.g., Australian Institute of Sport)
Senior School
Year 7 - Mountain biking, high ropes activities, canoeing, overnight hikes, outdoor survival skills
Year 8 - Canoeing, rafting, river sledding, bush camping, environmental reflection activities
Year 9 - Tasmania Unleashed programs (varied: cycling, hiking, food tour, art tour, environmental/social justice), teamwork in diverse settings
Year 10 - Grampians/Arapiles rock climbing, Wilsons Prom surf/walk, Marysville Refresh and Recharge, Service/Leadership Program
Year 11 - Kosi to Coast expedition (multi-day trek, rafting, canoeing), preparation trips (hiking, snow)
Year 12 - Retreat focused on academic preparation, wellbeing sessions, study habits, mentoring
Highlights
Year 4 Coastal Guardians
An inspiring adventure on Gadubanud Country, focused on exploring, protecting, and celebrating our coastal treasures. This this two-night camp empowers students to become stewards of the coastal environment through archery and low ropes challenges, Giant Swing and climbing experiences, disc golf, kayaking, and a lighthouse tour, developing teamwork, confidence and environmental awareness along the way.
Year 8 Big Rivers
A transformative program that offers students the choice to journey along the Glenelg, Mitchell or Yarra River, immersing them in community and culture. Through canoeing, rafting, river sledding, bush camping, campcraft and reflective journeys on the water, students develop independence and a deeper connection to the natural environment, while gaining a stronger understanding of their role as stewards of the land through action and reflection.
Year 10 and 11 Kosi to Coast
The pinnacle of Outdoor Education at St Michael’s, taking students on an unforgettable 21-day journey from the heights of Mt Kosciuszko to the Victorian coastline. This high-adventure expedition challenges students through snowshoeing and alpine trekking, overland navigation, rafting and canoeing, demanding endurance, teamwork and resilience while offering powerful rewards in personal growth amid Australia’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
Immersion Programs
St Michael’s Grammar School’s Immersion Programs have been designed to offer students the opportunity to explore a topic or area of passion through local, interstate, and international experiences.
Year 9 Cambodia Service Learning
Study Tours
Study Tours are carefully crafted to align with certain areas in the academic or co-curricular curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to engage deeply with specific subjects or areas of interest through interstate and international travel.
Broadway's Best Performing Arts Tour – New York City
Students will attend world-class shows, join exclusive workshops with industry professionals, explore NYC’s vibrant culture, and visit renowned colleges to learn about arts careers. This unforgettable adventure offers behind-the-scenes access to Broadway, sparking creativity and career insights.
USA Sport Tour – California
Designed for aspiring basketball and volleyball players. Students train at top facilities like Sierra Canyon and UCLA, participate in elite coaching and scrimmages, and gain behind-the-scenes access to professional sports. The tour also includes visits to iconic stadiums, meetings with athletes and experts, college and pro games, and sightseeing, offering a deeper understanding of sports culture and industry.
Generations in Jazz – Mt Gambier
A renowned event bringing together jazz legends and rising stars. Since 1987, it has been a cornerstone of Australian jazz culture, offering our students the chance to perform, learn, and collaborate with talented musicians while experiencing life as professional artists in this inspiring environment.
Language Exchange Programs
St Michael’s Grammar School’s Language Exchange Programs offer students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the language, culture, school life, and family life of another country. These reciprocal exchanges foster global connections, independence, and a deeper appreciation for different ways of life.
Co-curricular Clubs and Activities
Co-curricular clubs and activities form an essential part of Experiential Learning at St Michael’s, offering students opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and build connections beyond the classroom.
Clubs Junior School
- Art Club (P–6)
- Book Club (1–6)
- Chess Club (P–6)
- Community Service Club (2–6)
- Environmental Action Club (2–6)
- Ethics Olympiad (4–6)
- French Club (4–6)
- Japanese Club (4–6)
- Makerspace Club (1–6)
- RAP Club (P–6)
- Robotics Club (4–6)
- Tournament of Minds (4–6)
Clubs Senior School
- Art Club
- Book Club
- Catch up Club
- Chess Club
- Community Action Club
- COSMOS Club
- Debating and Public Speaking Club
- Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
- Drama Club
- Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Environmental Action Club
- Equality Club
- Math Catch up Club
- Math Enrichment Club
- Robotics Club
- Sewing Club
Snow Program
St Michael’s offers snow sports experiences for all skill levels, including the annual Interschools Snowsports Championships at Mt Buller for Prep to Year 12. The New Zealand Snow Adventure in Queenstown and Mt Hutt provides advanced training on world-class slopes, while the Snow Weekend at Mt Buller invites senior students to develop skills and enjoy a fun winter getaway.
St Michael’s is one of Australia’s leading independent coeducational schools, educating more than 1200 students from Kindergarten to VCE. We acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St Michael’s stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and we are committed to reconciliation through authentic relationships and continued cultural learning.
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