Recently, forty students completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Adventurous Journeys in New Zealand and the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains group explored the Grand Cliff Top Walk, Ruined Castle and the Kedumba Valley, while the New Zealand groups tackled the Kepler Track from Lake Te Anau to Mt Luxmore before returning through lush beech and fern forest. It was inspiring to see students grow through the challenges of hiking for four days, with many saying they achieved more than they initially believed possible.

When students are stretched beyond their comfort zones, they have the ideal opportunity to develop the resilience and confidence we value as a College. These experiences also nurture the social and emotional growth we aim to foster. Australian research supports what we see firsthand: time spent in nature significantly boosts wellbeing. Our Duke of Ed students often reflect that they formed deeper friendships and learned to work well with peers they don’t usually spend time with.

I look forward to another year of growth and adventure!