Experiential Learning

Pulteney’s experiential learning opportunities align with the School’s core values and strategic intent and are underpinned by the seven attributes of well-being.

Sustainability

Understanding sustainability within the context of the biosphere, ecosystems, and social systems is paramount for shaping a better future for all life on Earth.

At its core, sustainability acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms and systems on our planet. The biosphere, a complex and dynamic system, serves as the foundation for sustaining life. Ecosystems within this biosphere provide essential services such as clean air, water, and fertile soil, upon which all living organisms, including humans, depend for their survival. By recognising our dependence on these ecosystems, students gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure the continued well-being of all life forms.

Moreover, sustainability extends beyond ecological considerations to encompass social systems. Just as ecosystems support life, social systems support human well-being. Communities, economies, and cultures are interconnected, forming intricate webs of relationships that shape our daily lives. School camps offer a platform for students to explore these social dynamics firsthand, fostering an understanding of the interdependence between individuals, communities, and societies.

By engaging with sustainability concepts during school camps, students are empowered to recognise the impact of their behaviours on the environment and society. They begin to understand that their choices today have far-reaching consequences for future generations. Through experiential learning activities such as nature walks, conservation projects, and discussions on environmental responsibility, students develop a sense of accountability towards the planet and its inhabitants.

Cultural Connections

Pulteney’s experiential learning programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to learn about the cultures and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose connection to Country and Place spans over 60 thousand years. Immersing students in the landscapes, stories, and cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples provides a deeper connection to the land and an appreciation for its significance in First Nations cultures. Activities such as bushwalking, traditional storytelling, and cultural workshops offer hands-on opportunities for students to engage with cultural knowledge and connections to Country.

Understanding and appreciating knowledge systems, culture and contributions of First Nations Australians is essential for students to understand Australia’s national narrative and the diversity and strength of its First Nations.

Outdoor Learning Outcomes

Tailored outcomes specific to each year level cater to diverse abilities and developmental stages within each cohort. These outcomes encompass various facets:

Developing Relationships: Fostering personal responsibility, empathy, and collaboration while understanding the impact of actions on others.

Development of Inner Self: Cultivating leadership skills, resilience, and adaptability, while promoting kindness, values, and embracing challenges with a growth mindset.

Awareness of Natural Environments: Instilling a sense of responsibility towards conserving natural habitats, fostering an appreciation for the environment, and understanding personal impact.

Practical Challenge: Encouraging physical activity for overall well-being, embracing challenges, and acquiring new skills in natural settings.

The overarching goal of each program is for students to return to school filled with a sense of accomplishment, deeper self-awareness, and enhanced leadership qualities. Moreover, they develop a stronger connection with their peers and the natural environment.

Experiential Learning Expression of Interest Form

Experiential Learning Handbook 

Outdoor Education is an integral part of life at Pulteney, beginning in Reception and continuing through to Year 12. All excursions, camps and expeditions are designed to promote personal growth, social interaction and environmental awareness while complementing the traditional school experience.

School camps are an important part of the Pulteney curriculum. Each camp is carefully planned and designed to foster personal growth, to build resilience, self-knowledge and confidence. Camps also present a new environment for students to connect with their peers and to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural environment.

Students often return to School with a sense of achievement and a better understanding of their capacities as individuals, leaders and teammates, and a stronger connection with the natural environment.

In addition, Year 12s participate in a Retreat program designed to give students the time to reflect and recharge as they undertake their final year of study.

The Conservation Corps provides students with a co-curricular platform dedicated to environmental preservation. The group collaborates with peers, staff, and the wider school community, to explore ways to improve sustainability in our daily lives.

Participation in the Conservation Corps gives students a sense of responsibility and global citizenship and offers insight into career opportunities in conservation and eco-tourism.

Encouraging active involvement from all members of the Pulteney community, the Conservation Corps is integral to the school’s actions toward a sustainable future.

Students gain a comprehensive understanding of modern conservation challenges and develop scientific and geographical knowledge to support their quest for global change.

Being part of the Conservation Corps engages students in:

• Humanitarian understanding.
• Global Citizenship.
• Personal and cultural development.
• Conservation in daily life.
• Exposure to complexities of conservation today.
• Building scientific and geographical knowledge of Australia and other countries.
• Collaboratively working with peers, staff, and other members of the School community.
• Careers in conservation and eco-tourism.
• Opportunities to be ambassadors for conservation.

Students are asked to register their interest in Conservation Corps before the beginning of the School year.

Students are asked to register their interest in Conservation Corps at the beginning of the year. Individual commitment can involve participating in one project or initiative, involvement regularly in planning and running of multiple projects and initiatives or being part of the Committee. The Conservation Corps meetings take place on campus on Mondays at recess. There will also be opportunity for project work at certain times in between regular meetings. The Student Committee will facilitate these meetings, with the support from staff. The meetings involve planning and implementing Conservation Corps initiatives.

The schedule of meetings will be communicated to registered students. There are also special events scheduled through the year, such as day excursions, overnight camps, Conservation Week, the Sustainable Market, guest speakers and fundraising activities. The Conservation Corps provides a unique opportunity to be involved in the Western Australia and Kangaroo Island Conservation Programs.

Pulteney proudly offers students the opportunity to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh Award, a globally renowned program recognising essential life skills, personal growth, and community contribution. The award is offered in bronze, silver, and gold. It is presented in over 140 countries to students who participate in challenges that go above and beyond demonstrating Skill, Service, Physical Recreation, and Adventure.

The Bronze Award is open to students aged 14 and above, while Silver and Gold cater to those in Years 10, 11, and 12, with an emphasis on community engagement and self-efficacy.

Students embarking on The Duke of Edinburgh program receive support from staff, with regular meetings scheduled during school hours. These sessions facilitate progress tracking and guidance, ensuring students maximise their potential. Moreover, participants are encouraged to explore additional experiential programs offered at Pulteney to assist them in meeting the program’s criteria.

Venture Club

For over 30 years, Pulteney’s Venture Club has been an integral part of the school’s co-curricular program, providing students with a range of outdoor experiences that instil a sense of adventure and challenge.

The Venture Club aims for students to explore the outdoors, push their comfort levels, and expand their boundaries, safely and responsibly.

Venture Club members plan activities while adhering to ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, ensuring minimal impact on natural environments. Students develop essential skills necessary for outdoor adventures including safety and wellbeing, environmental awareness and planning, conservation, and culture.

Students are encouraged to register their interest and engage at various levels, from participating in single-day programs to taking on leadership roles. Regular meetings, led by student leaders with staff support, facilitate the planning and running of the programs, linking other co-curricular opportunities such as the Conservation Corps and Student Wellbeing programs.

Importantly, the Club builds a sense of camaraderie and teamwork across year levels. The Club also extends opportunities for parent and family involvement, providing a unique avenue for School community engagement. Through collaborative efforts, students learn the value of leadership and mentorship in a supportive, non-competitive environment. This enables them to achieve common goals and grow their interpersonal skills and sense of responsibility.

Students are asked to register their interest in the Venture Club at the beginning of the year. Individual commitment can range from participating in single day programs, up to involvement in regular planning and running of programs or being part of the Committee. The Club meetings will be regular in the lead up to programs and link into other co-curricular opportunities such as Conservation Corps and Student Wellbeing programs. The Student Committee will facilitate these meetings, with the support from staff.

The schedule of meetings will be communicated to registered students. There are also special events scheduled throughout the year, such as Venture Club BBQs, guest speakers and fundraising activities. The Venture Club is also unique in that there is opportunity for parents and family involvement in programs, to assist with planning and implementing specific programs.

Pulteney’s extended programs offer global experiences for our students to deepen their understanding of the world.

By travelling abroad, students foster qualities such as leadership, resilience, and cultural awareness. An overseas trip is planned each year and details are available in the Experiential Learning Handbook 2024.

In addition to global experiences, Pulteney emphasises places importance of community service, both locally and abroad. Students have engaged in impactful projects in locations like Borneo, Zambia, and Nepal, contributing meaningfully to these communities. These experiences provide opportunities for students to get outside their comfort zone, open their eyes to new experiences, and connect in meaningful ways.

Service learning is an integral part of Pulteney’s curriculum, aligning academic objectives with real-world action. Through initiatives that promote empathy, compassion, and selflessness, students develop essential skills while making a tangible difference in the world. By linking service experiences to curriculum outcomes, such as those outlined in SACE Stage 1 Integrated Learning, Pulteney provides a unique avenue for students to earn academic credit while embodying the school’s values of service and global engagement.