Experiential Learning 2021 - Pulteney Grammar School
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Experiential Learning
2021
Experiential Learning Vision
Experiential learning enables learners to purposefully engage in direct experience and focused reflection to
increase their knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop their capacity to contribute to their
communities. Through experiential learning, Pulteney students explore new opportunities, build collaboration
and communication skills and develop passions.
As their confidence in learning flourishes, students are inspired to be creative, independent and critical in their
thinking, and reflective in their learning. Whilst fostering confidence, risk-taking and resilience, the outdoor
experiences aim to challenge students to achieve their personal best and take responsibility for their learning,
ensuring they are motivated for their future learning endeavours.
Pulteney offers bespoke experiential learning Developing Relationships
opportunities including overseas, interstate and Personal responsibility.
local experiences for service, curriculum, sporting, Understanding others.
cultural, conservation and adventure-based learning. Recognising and understanding the impact of
Pulteney aims to provide a wide variety of actions.
experiences for students in a range of interest areas Working collaboratively and value others opinion.
and in diverse locations.
Development of inner self
In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions impacted the range Leadership skills.
of programs we offered overseas. Pulteney is Standing up for personal values and beliefs.
delighted in 2021 to present conservation, Treating others and self with love and kindness.
adventure, culture and service-learning programs Quest for meaning through experiences.
within South Australia, interstate, as well as New Being adaptive and agile to change.
Zealand at the end of the year. Please find the details Accepting challenges with a growth mindset.
in this booklet for the programs offered in a range
of locations from extended journeys to local Awareness of Natural Environments
programs through Venture Club and Conservation Conserving natural environments.
Corps. Appreciation of the natural world.
Personal impact on the environment.
Each program is unique to Pulteney and specifically
designed for student interest and ability levels. Practical challenge
Experiential learning programs are run in Recognising the benefits of physical exercise on
partnership with external organisations that overall wellbeing.
specialise in the field where possible, to ensure Taking on physical challenges.
outcomes are met at the highest level and risk Developing of new and advanced practical skills in
mitigation is comprehensive. natural environments.
Pulteney provides experiential opportunities for Community focused
students to develop core values which focus on: Developing global citizens and a sense of belonging
in the world.
Thinking outwardly and making positive impact
through actions.
Leadership opportunities to be responsible,
solution focused, strong communicators,
confident and courageous leaders.
2
Experiential Learning Coordinators and Staff
Duke of Edinburgh Award
James Burrows
Award Leader
james.burrows@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Simon Sharley
Award Leader
simon.sharley@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Venture Club
Richard Drogemuller
Coordinator
richard.drogemuller@pulteney.sa.edu.au
John McCall
Programs Organiser
john.mccall@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Amy MacKenzie
Programs Facilitator
amy.mackenzie@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Conservation Corps
Lauren Sutter
Programs Organiser
lauren.sutter@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Daniel Polkinghorne
Programs Organiser
daniel.polkinghorne@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Jayme Wearn
Programs Facilitator
jayme.wearn@pulteney.sa.edu.au
3
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised program that provides the opportunity for
students to develop important life skills, gain a sense of achievement and contribute to the community. Students
design their own unique program that challenges them to set and meet goals while developing qualities of
strength, resolve and commitment. The Award is run in over 140 countries and is available at Bronze, Silver
and Gold levels. Each of these levels has four sections which include Skill, Service, Physical Recreation and
Adventurous Journeys.
Pulteney is committed to aligning experiential learning programs with the Award levels, in order to provide
students with additional skills and qualifications. The structure and benefit of the formal certification will upskill
students and provide alignment of all the co-curricular and extra-curricular programs students participate in
through Years 9 to 12. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is offered to all Year 9 students in 2021, and
they can complete this prior to the end of Year 10. The Silver and Gold levels are voluntary for students in
Years 10, 11 and 12.
Students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award on all levels will be provided opportunities to meet with
staff regularly. A schedule of meeting times will be given to students, which occur during the School day.
Students involved in the Awards are encouraged to participate in other experiential programs, as they offer a
range of initiatives that meet the Award criteria.
4
Venture Club Vision
Pulteney’s Venture Club has been an integral part of the School’s Co-curricular program for over 30 years.
The Venture Club works with students to:
• Create an interest in the outdoors as an environment for adventure.
• Carefully plan the use of resources and use ‘Leave no trace’ principles in natural environments.
• Develop skills needed to safely and responsibly participate in outdoor activities.
• Progress group and personal abilities to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.
Through participation in the Venture Club, Pulteney aims to provide opportunities for individuals to improve
confidence, develop perseverance and extend comfort levels to develop outdoor abilities.
Through group interactions students will develop relationships across year levels, learn group skills to achieve
common goals in a non-competitive environment and take on leadership and mentoring roles. Students will
also gain a deeper understanding of natural environments and how to use and maintain resources and
equipment in outdoor pursuits.
Individual Commitment
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 in 2021, and link into other co-curricular opportunities such as Conservation Corps and Student
Wellbeing teams. The Student Committee will facilitate these meetings, so it is run by students with the support
of staff. These meetings will involve planning and implementing programs.
The schedule of meetings will be communicated to registered students. There are also special events scheduled
through the year, such as Venture Club BBQs, guest speakers and fundraiser activities. The Venture Club is
also unique in that there is opportunity for parent and family involvement in programs, to assist with planning
and implementing specific programs.
5Venture Club – Day programs
Program focus: Introductory day activities
Program Location: Beach activities – Mid Coast
Rock Climbing – Morialta Conservation Park
Mountain Biking – Kuitpo Forest
Sailing – Goolwa
Year levels: 7 to 12
Dates: Term 1 – Beach activities 21 March
Term 2 – Rock Climbing 22 May
Term 3 – Mountain biking 21 August
Term 4 – Sailing 30 November
Staffing: 2 School staff
External partners: Goolwa Aquatic Club
Qualified Instructors
Trip Cost: TBC
Level of challenge: Beginner to Advanced
Program summary: Students experience adventurous activities in a range of settings, supported
by qualified instructors and School Staff. This gives opportunity to develop
skills in different areas and appreciate diverse natural environments.
All specialty activity equipment is supplied by the School. Experienced
instructors and School Staff lead groups, dependent on their ability and
experience. Students are taught skills related to the activity, safety,
equipment care and navigation. Opportunities for these day programs are
based on student interest and availability.
6Venture Club – extended programs
Program focus: Hiking with an option to rock climb and/or mountain bike
Program Location: Flinders Ranges
Year levels: 7 to 12
Dates: Sunday 11 to Friday 16 April
Staffing: 2-3 School staff
External partners: Bushwalking SA
Qualified Instructors
Trip Cost: $300 approximately (depending on final program)
Level of challenge: Beginner to Advanced
Program summary: Students bushwalk in ability and friendship groups with backpacks on day or
multi-day treks, depending on age and experience. A network of walking
tracks throughout the Flinders allows students to explore cascading
waterfalls, wildflowers, and panoramic views from lookouts.
All specialty activity and camping equipment is supplied by the School.
Experienced instructors and School Staff lead groups, dependent on their
ability and experience. Students are taught skills in navigation, campcraft, and
bush safety. Opportunities for rock climbing and mountain biking are an
option for this program, based on student interest and availability.
Program focus: Downhill ski and snowboard
Program Location: Mt Hotham
Year levels: 10 to 12
Dates: Sunday 11 to Friday 16 July
Staffing: 3 School staff
External partners: School Snow Tours
Trip Cost: TBC
Level of challenge: All ability levels
Program summary: This experience provides a 5-day slopes program that is a fantastic learning
and growth opportunity for students to learn how to ski or snowboard in a
safe and controlled environment. Students have the opportunity to develop
skills and learn values that will enrich their lives through experiencing new
challenges and learning how to overcome them.
The program allows students to learn to ski or snowboard in structured and
safe environments, spend time with their peers, create new friendships and
memories that will last a lifetime.
7Program focus: Pulteney Challenge
Program Location: Kuitpo Forest
Year levels: 7 to 12
Dates: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September
Staffing: 3 School staff
Trip Cost: $100 approximately
Level of challenge: All ability levels
Program summary: The Challenge is a rogaine event, which is a style of orienteering. Teams of
students gain points by finding checkpoints in natural and sustainable farmed
forests. The teams that gain the most points over the weekend are the
winners.
There is a different course set up for each session: Saturday afternoon,
Saturday night and Sunday morning. Students are encouraged to compete in
all of the courses, to gain valuable points for their team.
The event is held at the Tinjella Hut in Kuitpo Forest (to be confirmed) which
has basic toilet facilities, a fireplace, picnic tables and camping area.
Specialty equipment (tents, sleeping mats, rain jackets) can be borrowed from
the School. A BBQ dinner is provided on Saturday night.
8Venture Club – Extended Program
Program focus: Trekking and adventure activities culmination program
Program Location: New Zealand
Year levels: 10 to 12
Dates: December (dates to be confirmed subject to flight availability)
Staffing: 2 School staff
Trip Cost: TBC
Level of challenge: Intermediate to advanced
Program summary: The New Zealand program is designed as a culmination of adventure
experiences at Pulteney. It is a once in a lifetime experience that showcases
the vast and unique South Island environment. This program offers student
agency in design, through a program based in Christchurch or Queenstown.
There is cultural, conservation and adventure activities scheduled for the
group in the Christchurch area. This includes access to some unique and highly
valuable experiences that many visitors to the region do not get the chance to
have.
For students that choose to travel to Queenstown area and go trekking, there
are tracks that vary from grassy river meadows to steep mountainous slopes.
Weather can vary from mild summer sun, to cold windy, snow. The
experience is enormously rewarding and will test the individual and group’s
ability to cope with a range of challenges, including the extremes of weather,
diverse terrain, and extended time away from amenities.
The fitness of participants needs to be adequate, and pre-trip training is
provided. There will be opportunity for two overnight journeys on both
programs, either walking or cycling, and a 5-day expedition out of
Queenstown, if this option is chosen.
When not journeying the groups stay in Christchurch or Queenstown
depending on their chosen option. Queenstown calls itself “The Adventure
Capital of the World” due to the many extreme activities on offer. A day is
set aside for students to try an extreme adventure experience facilitated by
an appropriate company in Queenstown. In Christchurch students can
participate in adventurous activities that are exciting and rewarding but a little
less challenging.
9Conservation Corps Vision
Conservation Corps is a co-curricular opportunity for all students that is focused on sustaining the natural
world in its current state, as well as exploring and implementing initiatives to make the world a better place.
Initiatives that involve a wide variety of conservation practices and learning opportunities, based on current
global needs as well as student interest and input. Aligning with local, national and international awareness and
action campaigns, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, makes the Conservation Corps an integral part
of daily life at Pulteney.
Being part of the Conservation Corps engages students in:
• Humanitarian understanding.
• Global Citizenship.
• Personal and cultural development.
• Conservation focus in daily life.
• Exposure to complexities of conservation in today’s society.
• Building scientific and geographical knowledge of Australia and other countries.
• Collaboratively working with peers, Pulteney staff and other members of the School community.
• Careers in conservation and eco-tourism.
• Opportunities to be ambassadors for conservation.
The Conservation Corps encourages engagement by all members of Pulteney’s community, through awareness,
support and participation, to achieve continual development of the School’s commitment to conservation.
Individual Commitment
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 will be
fortnightly in 2021, every week on Wednesdays. There will also be opportunity for project work at certain
times in between regular meetings. The Student Committee will facilitate these meetings, so it is run by
students with the support of staff. These meetings will involve planning and implementing programs.
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 fundraiser activities. The Conservation Corps provides a unique opportunity to be involved in
the Western Australia and Kangaroo Island Conservation Programs.
10Conservation Corps – Projects
Program focus: In-school and offsite projects
Program Location: Various, including School campus, Parklands and local communities
Year levels: 7 to 12
Dates: Each Wednesday during term
Staffing: Jayme Wearn, Lauren Sutter, Dan Polkinghorne, Amy MacKenzie
Focus: Hands on learning
Additional Conservation Week (Term 2)
Level of challenge: Beginner to Advanced
Program summary: Action-based initiatives for bettering Pulteney’s commitment to
sustainability on campus and amongst our wider community. It is also about
educating our young people to be empowered agents of change for a
sustainable future.
Conservation Corps – Beach Program
Program focus: Surfing and beach conservation
Program Location: Yorke Peninsula
Year levels: 7 to 12
Dates: Saturday 4 to Monday 6 December
Staffing: 2 School staff
Trip Cost: Approximately $310
Level of challenge: Beginner to Advanced
Program summary: Students learn about the issues with beaches and waterways in the local area,
and also globally. Students participate in aquatic activities of their choice,
including snorkeling and surfing.
All specialty activity and camping equipment is supplied by the School.
Experienced instructors and School Staff lead groups, dependent on their
ability and experience. Students are taught skills in conservation, campcraft,
and bush safety. Opportunities for activities are an option for this program,
based on student interest and availability.
11Conservation Corps – Extended Programs
Program 1
Program Location: WA Indigenous Immersion and Ningaloo Reef Conservation Program
Year levels: 10 to 12
Dates: Sunday 11 to Monday 19 July
Staffing: 2 School staff
Trip Cost: $3500 - 3800
Level of challenge: Conservation and cultural focused students
Program summary: This multi activity program explores the stunning coastline of North Western
Australia combined with an extraordinary indigenous immersion program with
the local community.
Students explore Monkey Mia, a world heritage marine reserve in the Shark
Bay Marine Park. The main attraction are the Bottlenose dolphins that have
been coming close to shore for more than fifty years. They get to meet the
dolphins and other marine creatures at the World Heritage Centre and
Marine Park and a marine scientist facilitates an engaging program including
beach clean-up service.
The students then immerse themselves in a three-day cultural program with
local traditional landowners, learning about their culture and heritage and
connection to country. This is a special purpose-built program run by the Wula
Gura Nyinda team heads in restricted territory and focuses on cultural
awareness, leadership, and communication. Students see the incredible marine
life and stunning environment kayaking in the Francois Peron National Park
and visit remote Aboriginal Heritage sites in the area.
Lastly, students visit Exmouth and the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef
Marine Park. On route they visit the Stromatalites at Hamelin Pool, one of the
main reasons for Shark Bays Heritage listing. At Exmouth students explore
stunning white sandy beach coasts and swim with turtles, dugongs, tropical fish
amongst stunning reef at the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef. They learn
about life below water and the importance of reefs in marine ecosystems.
12Conservation Corps – Extended Programs
Program 2
Program focus: Conservation, Service and Adventure (in Conjunction with Venture Club)
Program Location: Kangaroo Island
Year levels: 8 to 12
Dates: Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 October
External partners: Department of Environment and Water
Staffing: 2 School staff
Trip Cost: TBC
Level of challenge: Introductory to intermediate
Program summary: This unique crafted conservation, service and adventure program for students
is designed to give an insight into Kangaroo Island, the impacts of bushfires and
the road to recovery. Through conservation, service and immersion activities,
students will be able to contribute to the local community, whilst appreciating
and experiencing the unique natural environment.
The program will include initiatives such as tree planting, fence repair, local
fauna and flora rehabilitation, garden bed building and planting and service to
local residents. The program will include some adventure activities such as
overnight hiking, cycling and coastal exploration. We will visit local tourist
attractions and contribute to the economy on Kangaroo Island by purchasing
local products where possible.
Students will be engaged in the planning of the program, and we give them
choice in the activities and initiatives they participate in. Regular meetings in
Term 3 will be asked of interested students, to ensure the program is tailored
to student interest.
13The Final Word
Learning from experience is highly valuable, as is understanding the meaning of humanity and sustainable global
citizenship. Through challenging one’s comfort zones, and making the most of opportunities presented,
understanding of the world and empathy for others is developed. Pulteney encourages all students to actively
involve themselves in experiential learning opportunities.
“All the experiences we go through in life are our lessons, all the people we meet are our teachers. What we learn is
what we earn from those experiences. See, discover, and create the silver lining that’s always been there so you don’t
discard the unpleasant moments as things you want to forget.”
Humble the Poet, Things No One Else Can Teach Us
14observations of their lived or imagined experiences in visual
15You can also read
