Nothing prepares students for the challenges of real-life like the real world. Our Experiential Learning approach enhances students' physical and emotional strengths so they’re ready for life — wherever it takes them.
At HVGS, Experiential Learning turns the world into a classroom. Through hands-on adventures and real-world challenges, students spark curiosity, build empathy, and grow into bold, compassionate changemakers—ready to make their mark on the world.
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)
The EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) program encourages active lifestyles, civic engagement, and a deep appreciation for the environment through its four key pillars.
Explore our Camps
Camps: Years 3 - 6
Years 3 and 4
The Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens gives Year 3 and 4 students a chance to take on exciting personal and team challenges. It’s a valuable opportunity to strengthen bonds, build a united learning community, and enjoy plenty of fun and adventure.
Years 5 and 6
Year 5 and 6 students head to the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Kincumber for an action-packed adventure, building teamwork, resilience, and strong connections through exciting challenges.
Year 6 also visits Canberra, exploring the Nation’s Capital in a cultural and educational experience that’s a highlight of their final year in the Junior School.
Camps: Years 7 - 9
Year 7
Year 7 students enjoy an unforgettable camp experience on the banks of the Hunter River at the HVGS Rowing Complex. Over four action-packed days, they take part in a range of outdoor education activities, challenges, and team-building experiences across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
From the Treetops Ropes Course, hiking, and swimming to laser tag, beach games, Cattle Club, and rowing, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and strengthen friendships—all while having a fantastic time!
Year 8
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 the Tomaree Hike, a dolphin cruise and snorkel, a paddle tour, Indigenous immersion, surf lessons, beach clean-up, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga.
Building on the foundations laid by the Year 7 camp, this experience encourages students to develop essential personal qualities, including independence, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. While the camp offers exciting outdoor exploration, it also provides opportunities for students to reflect on their personal growth, overcome challenges, and strengthen relationships, fostering both resilience and self-discovery.
Year 9
Outdoor education experiences steadily become more challenging in the senior years. 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. It’s a chance to make bold decisions, embrace new challenges, and discover their potential.
Expeditions on offer include:
- Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains Tour, Jindabyne NSW
- Myall Lakes Kayaking Expedition, Tea Gardens NSW
- The North Walk, Hawkesbury, NSW
- Remote Outback Tour, Northern Territory
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation Tour, Cairns QLD
- Vietnam Community Building Project, Hanoi/Hoi An, Vietnam
- Africa Community Service Project, Zimbabwe
- Fiji Sports and Education Tour, Nadi, Fiji
- Thailand Marine Biology and Ecology Tour, Koh Tao, Thailand
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.