Our Experiential Learning Program turns the world into a classroom. Because, the best life lessons don’t always happen at a desk.
From tackling real-world challenges to diving into hands-on adventures, students discover what excites them, learn to see the world through others’ eyes, and build the confidence to step up and lead.
Experiential Learning is woven throughout our diverse academic pathways and co-curricular programs, encompassing:
- The Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) program
- Overseas Excursions
- The HVGS Environment
- Excursions and Incursions
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
EOTC is all about getting out, getting active, and discovering the world beyond the classroom. EOTC includes our epic camp program, allowing students to push their limits, work together, and connect with the environment in ways they’ll never forget.
Camps: Years 3 - 6
- Year 3 and 4 camps are all about adventure, teamwork, and trying new things. Students tackle fun challenges, make great memories, and grow closer as a group
- Year 5 and 6 enjoy three days of camp-based action, challenge, and adventure that builds teamwork, resilience, and friendships.
- Year 5 also enjoys a trip to Bathurst, where they can experience history hands-on.
- Year 6 also visits Canberra to explore the Nation’s Capital. A mix of culture, history, and hands-on learning that’s always a highlight of the final year of Junior School.
Camps: Years 7 - 9
- Year 7 students enjoy an unforgettable four-day camp close to home, filled with outdoor activities, challenges, and team-building experiences. Designed to help students forge new friendships and strengthen connections, the camp is a key part of how HVGS supports a smooth transition into Senior School.
- Year 8 students embark on an amazing four-day adventure in Port Stephens, immersing themselves in a dynamic and challenging camp experience. The program includes hiking, a dolphin cruise and snorkel, a paddle tour, Indigenous immersion, surf lessons, beach clean-up, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga!
- The Year 9 Urban Challenge provides the ultimate ‘big wide world’ experience as small teams embark on a fast-paced unfolding adventure through Sydney and its surrounds. Our Year 9 students rave about this camp experience!
The Endeavour Program: Years 10 and 11
The Endeavour Program flips the script on traditional school camps. Designed for Year 10 and 11 students, it offers bold, real-world experiences that challenge, inspire, and transform. Rooted in our motto ‘Success Through Endeavour’, this immersive journey sparks curiosity, builds character, and empowers students to lead with purpose and heart.
The four pillars of the Endeavour Program are:
- Challenge
- Service
- Leadership
- Connection
Choosing between local, interstate, or international expeditions is a thrilling step toward independence for our students.
Expeditions on offer include:
Local
- Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains Tour
- Myall Lakes Kayaking Expedition
- The North Walk
Interstate
- Remote Outback Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation Tour
Overseas
- Vietnam Community Building Project
- Africa Community Service Project
- Fiji Sports and Education Tour
- Thailand Marine Biology and Ecology Tour,
Please explore each of these in more detail below.
Conference: Year 12
Year 12 students attend a special conference specifically designed to engage them in academic, pastoral, social and outdoor activities. The conference mentally prepares (and bonds) students for their last intensive year of school. It’s here that students better understand their shared responsibility to take care of themselves, and each other, during their final year of school.
Overseas Excursions
Our International Excursions deepen global learning, extending language and academic knowledge while honing cross-cultural skills.
In 2025, students will be jet-setting to Germany, France and Spain for a winter adventure that will include snow!
The HVGS Environment
With expansive gardens, wetlands, an agriculture plot, the HVGS Farm, and a rowing facility by the river, students regularly move beyond the classroom to engage in hands-on learning in the outdoors. These settings provide a rich environment for exploration, growth, and discovery.
Excursions and Incursions
Excursions and incursions offer valuable experiential learning opportunities closely tied to the curriculum. Typically led by the teachers they deepen knowledge and enhance students Learner Profiles and Attitudes to Learning.
"My favourite activity was seeing the turtles. This was a new experience, and it was super cool to see these animals in the wild. This has been my favourite camp and I really learned a lot..”Akshara (Year 10) Great Barrier Reef, Endeavour Program 2025