Bounding Into Adventure

Newcastle Herald

Thursday June 28, 2007

By TERESA HOGAN

ST JOSEPH'S HS, Aberdeen, adopts innovative approaches to aid the development of its students.

The Outward Bound program is a compulsory part of the school's curriculum and students have undertaken the program since 2004.

This was instituted with the support of the Parents and Friends Association, as well as staff at St Joseph's.

The push for this program began with Alison Tilse, a long-serving staff member at St Joseph's.

"In all the years I've been teaching I've never been involved in any project as good as this one," Ms Tilse said.

"It can literally change the lives and attitudes of students taking part."

In 2004 members of the school's first year 9 Outward Bound group shouldered their backpacks and trekked off into the Canberra wilderness with qualified instructors.

Since then the program has become an annual event.

Ben Leece, a student who attended Outward Bound in 2006, learnt a lot about others during his trek.

"This experience made me appreciate that everyone is unique," Ben said. "It taught me a lot about working as a team."

Outward Bound is a program designed to challenge students, pushing them beyond their normal boundaries to demand more of themselves and to gain inner strength and self-reliance.

The Outward Bound experience builds team spirit and team work. It also places strong emphasis on protecting the environment and helping different communities.

While on course students develop mentally, physically and emotionally. They are rewarded with achievement and growth that carries into their everyday lives at home and school.

A motto of Outward Bound is: "The real journey of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in seeing life in new eyes".

For many students, Outward Bound was the most amazing adventure they had ever had, and some opted to return.

Students in the Hunter Valley can apply for a scholarship to an Outward Bound Leadership Course. This course is dedicated to expanding leadership qualities in a more demanding and challenging environment.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home