Beyond Boundaries
Year 10
Eight days rafting or walk/canoe at either Wilson's Promontory, Great South West or Snowy River (rafting), or the Odyssey (11 days bushwalking) from Mitta Mitta River to Mt Hotham, Australian Alpine Walking Track
Theme: Empowering the individual
November or December 2009 (depending on program selected)
The culminating experience of the Beyond Boundaries program occurs in Year 10. At this point, all of the skills and knowledge the students have acquired come together in a major outdoors adventure.
Students take on an active leadership role in the overall running of their expedition (for example, girls who elect to go rafting will learn how to control their own rafts) and accept a higher degree of responsibility for its outcomes. This level of involvement is directly tied into one of the components of the St Catherine's Leadership Diploma.
A number of opportunities are offered in order to cater for a range of abilities and interests. Trips range from a surfing and walking expedition at Wilson's Promontory National Park, white water rafting expeditions on the Snowy River and a canoe and walking expedition at Discovery Bay. Some girls choose to use their expedition to satisfy the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.
This final element of the Beyond Boundaries program is timed to occur towards the end of the School year and follows the completion of examinations. At this time, academic links are not as relevant and students use the experience to reflect on, and celebrate, their achievements in the School and the outdoors.
Odyssey - a six year journey
Starting in 2006, Year 10 students were given the unique opportunity to complete a section of the Australian Alpine Walking Track, one of the great long distance walks in Australia.
Over a six-year period, ten students each year will complete a section of 650km track, which starts in Canberra and makes its way through Australia's unique Alpine region, finishing at Walhalla.
In 2009 students will start at the Mitta Mitta River and finish on top of Mt Hotham. In 2010, the journey will take our girls from Harrietville to Licola, and in 2011, the Odyssey will be complete - with the students journeying from Licola to Walhalla, the final leg. Students carry with them a unique diary in which they record their experiences and, in turn pass on to the next year's group of students.