3 minute read
Fulfilling Lives
SIMON FINNIGAN, DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The College’s Year 10 Fulfilling Lives Program is an innovative and transformative initiative that has garnered much attention over the years for its positive impact on students’ personal development and well-rounded education.
The Fulfilling Lives program represents a holistic approach to education, going beyond traditional academic subjects to foster character development, critical thinking, and a deep sense of cultural understanding and social responsibility.
Each Year 10 student participates in a multi-day immersive experience that embraces both culture and service - either locally or internationally, depending on their preference.
This year’s trip destinations included: Cambodia, Fiji, Lilla –Central Australia, Local Connections, Top End – Northern Territory, Lizard Island – Queensland, Vietnam and New Zealand
Many of these locations are remote, most with a way of life very different to our own.
A wide array of learning opportunities are encountered, enabling students to not only come to understand the culture, history and geography of an area but in some cases the socio-political influences that have shaped the nation.
But Fulfilling Lives is a lot more than a cultural exchange.
One of the program’s standout qualities is its focus on community service. Throughout their trip, students engage in tasks such as building, planting, painting, concreting and other activities alongside local residents to assist with community-driven projects. This hands-on approach to learning instils empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose in students, shaping them into responsible global citizens. It also enables both visitor and host to see, hear and experience their differences but also to embrace their commonalities as citizens of the world, the latter far outweighing the former.
At the core of the Fulfilling Lives program is a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals with a particular focus on developing emotional and social intelligence.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their immersive journey as they engage in a range of experiential learning activities that challenge them to think outside the box.
Along the way, they strengthen their resilience and self-confidence - skills that are invaluable for personal growth and are transferrable to other aspects of life.
The diverse make-up of each trip cohort also means students work in teams with peers they may not have previously known well. This, alone, is of great benefit upon their return to school life.
The students of 2023 represented themselves extremely well. As a group, they understood the intent of the program and participated accordingly. This resulted in a deep learning experience, which in some cases was transformative.
I wish to thank teaching and operational staff across the school who contributed to this program in a myriad of different ways - some of which are highly visible, and others that are less so. Regardless of visibility, they are all vital to enabling programs such as this to be actualised.
Lastly, thank you to our parents and guardians for your continued support of this program. I have no doubt numerous conversations take place at home to address student trepidations, excitement and uncertainty. There is also the burden of organisational and logistical preparation - the planning and the packing. I know that the College staff and each one of our students are grateful for your input and continued support.
