Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education at Northholm is recognised as an important part of each student's development, and as such is a compulsory part of the sports curriculum rather than a true co-curricular activity. This allows individuals to participate in activities that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. In particular, students learn skills that they can use outside of the classroom and they are carefully guided and supported through challenging activities in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Each Year 7 Core Class participates in a two day, overnight excursion, conducted between Berowra Waters and Crosslands reserve. Students bushwalk with a pack, navigate with a map and compass, canoe, cook on an open fire and sleep in tents. For some this is their first experience of many of these activities. The students return to school on the final day knowing that they have risen to the challenge of travelling at the pace of the slowest group member, as well as caring for themselves and the environment.

Year 8 students participate in a three day, two night expedition. It is intended that students gain an extended outdoor experience, where emphasis is placed on participation, personal challenge, and teamwork in an unfamiliar environment. Small groups of twelve to fourteen students are accompanied by a Northholm staff member and a qualified outdoor leader. A variety of outdoor activities including abseiling, canoeing, hiking and whitewater rafting, build on existing skills and prepare individuals for future opportunities in the Duke of Edinburgh and Leadership programs.