Experiential Education
Some of life's most important lessons aren't learned sitting at a desk.
Learning beyond the classroom
At Pulteney, experiential learning challenges students to step beyond the classroom and into authentic experiences that build confidence, character and capability. Whether they are hiking through national parks, exploring another culture overseas, participating in service projects, leading environmental initiatives or reflecting on Australia’s military history on the ANZAC Tour, students learn by doing.
These experiences encourage curiosity, resilience and independence while helping students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
Purposefully designed to complement classroom learning, our experiential programs are tailored to students’ ages, interests and stages of development. Delivered by experienced staff and trusted partners, they provide safe, meaningful opportunities that inspire students to embrace challenge, develop new skills and discover their potential.
Through experiential learning, Pulteney students become thoughtful leaders, compassionate global citizens and confident young people who are ready to make a positive contribution to their communities.
A world of opportunity
Experiential learning at Pulteney extends from local adventures to interstate and international experiences, allowing students to broaden their perspectives while developing practical life skills.
Students may have opportunities to participate in:
- Outdoor education camps and adventure programs
- Interstate expeditions and environmental conservation experiences
- International cultural exchanges and study tours
- The ANZAC History Tour, bringing Australia’s military history to life
- Ski expeditions and alpine experiences
- New Zealand adventure programs
- Service learning and community partnerships
- Leadership development programs
- Sustainability and conservation initiatives
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Each experience is designed to encourage students to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships and develop the confidence to navigate an ever-changing world.
Outdoor Learning Experiences
Through a carefully sequenced program from Junior to Senior School, students build confidence, resilience and independence as they learn to embrace challenge, solve problems, work together and step outside their comfort zones.
Whether they’re setting up camp, navigating a hiking trail, paddling a kayak, catching a wave while surfing, abseiling down a cliff face or preparing a meal in the outdoors, students discover new strengths while developing practical outdoor skills, leadership and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. Along the way, they explore Australia’s rich cultural heritage, including First Nations perspectives, form lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.
Led by experienced outdoor educators, Pulteney’s Outdoor Education program inspires students to challenge themselves, discover what they’re capable of and develop a lifelong spirit of adventure.
Pulteney’s outdoor education is led by one of South Australia’s most skilled and talented adventurers, Jamie Buxton Stewart. Read more about Jamie further down the page.
Camps:
- Year 3 Woodhouse (Adelaide Hills)
- Year 4 Douglas Scrub (McLaren Value)
- Year 5 Victor Harbor
- Year 6 Canberra
- Year 7 Robe
- Year 8 The Grampians
- Year 9 Flinders Ranges
- Year 10 Mt Arapilis, Flinders Ranges, Coorong or South East
- Year 11 Opportunities through Outdoor Education
- Year 12 Retreat program
Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.
Global experiences
Some of the most powerful learning happens when students experience the world beyond the classroom. Pulteney’s global experiences foster curiosity, cultural understanding and global citizenship through language, history, service and international collaboration. These purposeful opportunities help students develop confidence, broaden their perspectives and build meaningful connections with people and places around the world.
Students may have opportunities to participate in:
- International language and cultural tours to Japan, China and Germany
- The ANZAC History Tour
- International service learning expeditions, including Nepal and Borneo
- Music, performing arts and cultural exchange opportunities
- Interstate and international study tours
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Pulteney proudly offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised program that encourages students to challenge themselves, serve others and develop lifelong skills. Through personal goals, outdoor adventure and community service, students build confidence, resilience, leadership and independence while gaining an internationally respected qualification.
Students complete four key components:
- Skills – developing or improving an area of personal interest
- Service – contributing to the community
- Physical Recreation – pursuing health and wellbeing
- Adventurous Journey – exploring the outdoors through team expeditions
Bronze is available from age 14, with Silver and Gold offered throughout the Senior School.
Venture Club
For more than 30 years, Venture Club has inspired Pulteney students to embrace adventure, challenge themselves and connect with the outdoors. Through day trips, expeditions and holiday programs, students develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and practical outdoor skills while forming lifelong friendships and creating unforgettable memories.
Experiences may include:
- Surfing, sailing and beach adventures
- Rock climbing and mountain biking
- Multi-day hiking expeditions
- Cross-country and downhill skiing
- Yorke Peninsula surf and fishing adventures
- Flinders Ranges expeditions
- A 10-day New Zealand adventure
Book a tour
Conservation Corps
Conservation Corps empowers students to make a genuine difference through hands-on environmental action. Working alongside community partners, students explore sustainability, contribute to conservation projects and develop the knowledge and leadership skills to become responsible environmental stewards.
Students may:
- Participate in conservation projects on campus and beyond
- Support environmental campaigns and fundraising initiatives
- Attend sustainability events and guest presentations
- Join conservation excursions and field experiences, including Kangaroo Island
- Develop leadership, teamwork and scientific understanding
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Conservation Corps helps students understand how local action can create global impact.
We encourage our students to see the world with breadth and perspective and provide opportunities for involvement in global communities.
Meet Jamie Buxton Stewart
Jamie has worked across Australia and overseas as an adventure guide for all ages. Jamie’s approach to experiential learning is ‘challenge by choice’.
As educators, we equip students with the tools and opportunities, but the ultimate decision to engage lies in their hands. Take, for instance, leading Year 9 students on an abseiling adventure in the rugged terrain of the Flinders Ranges. Some students may arrive with preconceived notions or fears, deciding beforehand that abseiling is not for them. However, our goal is to create an environment where, even with predetermined ideas, students are given the chance to confront their choices.
By readying students for the experience – explaining the safety measures, demonstrating the use of harnesses, and accompanying them to the clifftop – we lay the groundwork for a moment of personal decision. The moment unfolds when a student, perched on the edge, realizes the power of choice. They can either descend the cliff, overcoming their reservations, or choose to observe, respecting their own boundaries.
The primary goal here is not merely to coax every student into abseiling, but rather to instil a sense of safety and self-efficacy. Through preparation and exposure, we aim to nurture the students’ confidence to take the next step, be it a literal descent down the cliff or a metaphorical leap into unfamiliar terrain. In this process, students learn not only about the activity at hand but also about their own capabilities and the significance of personal agency.