Endeavour Program 2026
Africa
Thailand
Vietnam
Welcome to Hunter Valley Grammar School’s Endeavour Program
The Endeavour Program is HVGS’s signature Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) experience, specially designed for our Year 10 and Year 11 students.
At HVGS, Experiential Learning opportunities develop students to be inquiring and caring young people through lived, real-world experiences that go beyond the classroom setting. Learning through experience allows students to actively explore new concepts and transform knowledge to construct meaning.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we value excellence in holistic education. Experiential Learning fosters the development of the IB Learner Profiles and vital Approaches to Learning Skills (ATLs) such as critical thinking, communication, self-management, research skills, and social skills. It contributes to important wellbeing outcomes that promote health and wellbeing, pro-social behaviour, and community cohesion. Experiential Learning provides an avenue to develop and promote our HVGS Values.
The HVGS Endeavour Program, provides a range of Experiential Learning opportunities that promote active lifestyles, higher civic engagement, improved social and emotional skills, and an appreciation of the natural environment. It offers a rich personal and relational undertaking that challenges our HVGS students to be active, compassionate, outwardly focused global citizens. It embodies our school motto ‘Success through Endeavour’. The four Pillars of Endeavour are:
• Challenge: The HVGS EOTC program is rigorous and intentionally challenging. It focuses on developing students’ resilience when presented with situations which require them to face the discomfort of new experiences and different ways of thinking. Challenge may present physically, cognitively, socially, or emotionally.
Service: The EOTC experience requires students to engage ‘with others in a shared commitment towards a common good’. Through service, students build an understanding of their own sense of agency to act as outwardly focused, responsible citizens. Meaningful service engagement reflects and models the IB Service-learning Outcomes.
Leadership: Students engage with experiences which require them to support team and group activities, demonstrate the Schools Values and act as advocates for maintaining high HVGS expectations.
Connection: Students participate in structured experiences designed to develop positive relationships with the environment, others, and ourselves through interaction with the natural world and diverse environments. Collaborative team-building activities and peer interactions promote problem solving, perspective taking and enhanced communication skills.
Year 10 and Year 11 students in 2026 will have the opportunity to select from a range of expeditions occurring either locally, interstate or internationally. This guide will assist to with those choices.
Yours sincerely,
Nicole O’Brien Director of Experiential Learning and Co-curriculum
LOCAL NSW OPTIONS
Photo: Canva
OPTIONS
Photo: Canva
Myall Lake Kayaking Expedition
Duke of Edinburgh, Silver
Location: Myall Lake National Park ( Tea Gardens NSW)
Proposed Tour Dates: Saturday, 28 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (6 days)
Maximum Students: Maximum 20 students
Cost to Families: $0.00
Accommodation: Tents
Transportation: Coach
Tour Overview
Take on a kayaking adventure on Myall Lake, where you’ll plan the route, lead the way, and organise your own meals. This journey ticks off both your practice and qualifying Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Ed Silver Award (for those pursuing that award).
Tour Requirements
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
• Students will need a medium level of physical fitness to undertake this tour and be prepared to engage with lead up work/skill training prior to the expedition.
• Students will provide their own sleeping mats, sleeping bags and food.
• HVGS will supply equipment such as tents, packs and stoves.
Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 50m PFD independently.
If students have previously completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), this tour will allow them to achieve their Silver DofE.
Tour and Company Information
Lazy Paddles https://lazypaddles.com.au/
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The Great North Walk
Duke of Edinburgh, Bronze
Hawksbury Track, Somersby NSW
Proposed Tour Dates: Monday, 30 March 2026 - Thursday, 2 April 2026 (4 days)
Maximum Students: 28 students
Cost to Families: $0.00
Accommodation: Tents
Transportation: Coach
Tour Overview
Hike a stunning section of the Great North Walk, from Somersby to the incredible views at Warrah Lookout. You’ll trek through valleys, bushland, and along massive waterways—it’s the kind of adventure you won’t forget. This journey ticks off both your practice and qualifying Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Ed Bronze Award (for those pursuing that award).
Tour Requirements
Students will need a medium level of fitness to participate in the trip.
Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
Tour and Company Information
The Outdoor Education Group
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“My favourite part of this experience was hiking Mount Kosciuszko and the beautiful scenery throughout the trip. I also had a great time river sledding and abseiling for the first time. I challenged myself out of my comfort zone.”
Rayann Manzoor, Y11
Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains Tour
Location: Kosciuszko National Park, Jindabyne, NSW
Proposed Tour Dates: Sunday 29 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026
Maximum Students: 120 students
Cost to Families: $0.00
Accommodation: Lodge and camping
Transportation: Coach
Tour Overview
Get ready to explore the epic landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park and discover what makes the Alpine region so unique. This camp is all about pushing yourself, building resilience, and learning how to work as a team— while having a great time outdoors.
Tour Requirements
Activities include:
• Abseiling and rock climbing
• Mountain biking
• River sledding
• Alpine hike with an overnight camp
Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
Students will need a medium level of fitness to participate in the activities.
Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 50m PFD independently.
Tour and Company Information
Action Learning Initiatives
https://bungarra.com.au/action-learning-initiatives/
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INTERSTATE OPTIONS
Photo: HVGS student, George H
“
My favourite activity was seeing the turtles. This was a new experience, and it was super cool to see these animals in the wild. We also learned a lot about the Indigenous culture in the area. This has been my favourite camp and I’ve really learned a lot..”
Photo: Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
Akshara Sabharinath, Y10
Great Barrier Reef
Marine Conservation Tour
Location: Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, QLD
Proposed Tour Dates: Saturday 28 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (6 days)
Maximum Students: 30 students
Cost to Families: $2,500 - $3,000 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Youth Hostels Australia (YHA), Cairns (including breakfast)
Transportation: Flights from Newcastle to Cairns
Tour Overview
Imagine getting the chance to work side by side with marine biologists and other experts to protect one of the most famous ecosystems on Earth – the Great Barrier Reef. This awesome program lets you dive into handson activities that make a real difference in keeping coral reefs healthy and supporting marine life. You’ll also be part of a team working to clean up the reef, fighting pollution and giving marine species the safe environment they need to thrive.
As a student, you’ll get to:
• Assist in reef monitoring to help track the health of coral.
• Join forces with marine debris teams to clean up the reef.
• Participate in research and conservation activities that focus on protecting the environment.
• You’ll also learn about the Indigenous context of the reef and how local communities have cared for these ecosystems for thousands of years.
Tour Requirements
Participants must have enthusiasm, compassion for marine life, be a competent swimmer and have a team spirit! It will be all hands-on deck to achieve the crucial goals of this mission!
Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip. Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 200m independently and tread water for 10minutes
Tour and Company Information
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers https://oceans2earth.org/
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“
It’s hard to sum up the trip in a few words. We loved learning about culture, speaking to the Uncles and Aunties about life in community and hearing stories and experiences. The views and stories at Kata Tjuta were breathtaking. Our trip leaders were so knowledgeable. This trip truly was a life changing experience. Palya! 10 out of 10!’.”
Collective statement from 2025 students.
Remote Outback Tour
Location: Central Australia, Alice Springs
Proposed Tour Dates: Friday 27 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (7 days)
Maximum Students: 30 students
Cost to Families: $2,800 - $3,000 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Out-station Dormitory
Transportation: Flights from Sydney
Tour Overview
This tour offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most stunning and historic places on the planet. You’ll spend time on country at Lilla, a remote Aboriginal outstation, where you’ll meet traditional owners who will guide you through cultural activities.
You’ll also explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta National Park with some epic guided hikes and the stories that come with them.
Tour Requirements
• BYO sleeping bag, pillow & cutlery
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
Tour and Company Information
Remote Education Tours- Jason Hardy https://www.remotetours.com.au/
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INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS
Photo: HVGS Tour Group (2017)
OPTIONS
Photo: HVGS Fiji Tour (2025)
Fiji Sports
and Education Tour
Duke of Edinburgh, Silver
Location: Nadi, Fiji
Proposed Tour Dates: Wednesday 25 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (9 days)
Maximum Students: 30 students
Cost to Families: $3,400 - $3,900 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Dormitories
Transportation: Flights from Sydney
Tour Overview
This tour takes you deep into village life, where you’ll have the chance to help out with the Petero Civoniceva Foundation (PCF) and support local primary schools in a way that brings communities together.
Sports aren’t just about playing games – they’re a way to break down barriers, create friendships, and build real character. With guidance from PCF staff, you’ll be actively involved in sports activities, from coaching to officiating, and helping with event logistics. The big event? A primary school sports carnival that you and your team will help run. You’ll see firsthand how sports can bring people together and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Tour Requirements
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip and to building relationships with schools prior to the tour.
• HVGS recommends students consult with their GP for any vaccinations recommended for the trip.
• Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 200m independently and Tread water for 10minutes
Tour and Company Information
Petero Civoniceva Foundation https://www.peterosfoundation.org/
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“I got to travel to this beautiful country to help people - to serve. This opportunity changed my whole perspective about service.”
Caitlin (Class of 2019)
Africa ServiceCommunity Project
Duke of Edinburgh, Silver
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa
Proposed Tour Dates: Saturday 21 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (13 days)
Minimum/Maximum Students: 20 students
Cost to Families: $8,000 - $9,000 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Lodge, tent and hotel
Transportation: Flights from Sydney to South Africa and internal flights
Tour Overview
In 2026, we return to South Africa to continue the life-changing community service work we were doing pre-COVID. This trip offers an adventure that will let you dive into the incredible diversity of Africa’s wildlife and vibrant community.
What makes this trip even more special is the service project at Lupinya Primary School (formerly Jabulani Primary), where you’ll work directly with the community to make a positive impact. You’ll be guided by Children in the Wilderness, a charitable group that helps connect young people to nature and community work. This is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to experience Africa.
Key Highlights:
• Victoria Falls
• Safari at Chobe National Park
• Robben Island & Table Mountain
• Township Tour in Cape Town
• Community Village Tour in Victoria Falls
Tour Information
• Participants must have enthusiasm, open-mindedness and a compassion to help others.
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
• HVGS recommends students consult with their GP for any vaccinations recommended for the trip.
Tour and Company Information
Away We Go Tours https://awgt.com.au/
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“
The Thailand trip was unforgettable. We learned about marine conservation and worked with The Coral Tribe to help build their reef structures and design our own. We came face-to-face with turtles and other marine life snorkelling around Koh Tao and watched a traditional Muay Thai fight alongside local Thai supporters. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Matilda Wills, Y11 Y11
Photo: Canva
Thailand Marine Biology
and Ecology Tour
Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
Proposed Tour Dates: Thursday 26 March 2026 - Thursday 2 April 2026 (8 days)
Maximum Students: 30 students
Cost to Families: $3,900 - $4,300 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Flights from Sydney
Tour Overview
Experience Thailand’s Koh Samui and Koh Tao island - a tropical paradise of crystal clear waters, stunning marine life and vibrant cultural diversity reflected in traditions and everyday life.
Working with local organisations, you will learn about regional and global environmental issues, marine conservation, coral reef systems and local marine life.
Students will contribute to local efforts by constructing an artificial reef.
If you’re passionate about the planet and want to be part of a global movement to protect our oceans, this is your chance to get involved in something that matters.
Tour Requirements
• Open minded to new cultures, foods and ways of living.
• Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 200m independently and tread water for 10mins.
• HVGS recommends students consult with their GP for any vaccinations recommended for the trip.
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the tri.p
Tour and Company Information
World Expeditions https://worldexpeditions.com/
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“The opportunity to build houses for those less fortunate is truly magical. Through building houses, we are changing the lives of those in need, which is the most rewarding and heartwarming experience.”
Finlay Higgins,
Y11
Photo: Student Flynn Thomas - Vietnam
Vietnam Community Service Project
Duke of Edinburgh, Gold
Location: Mai Chau, Hanoi & Hoi An
Proposed Tour Dates: Tuesday 24 March - Thursday 2 April 2026 (10 days)
Minimum/Maximum Students: Minimum 20 students
Cost to Families: $3,300 - $3,800 (depending on student numbers and airfares)
Accommodation: Homestay
Transportation: Flights from Sydney
Tour Overview
Starting in the vibrant city of Hanoi and finishing in the beautiful town of Hoi An, this tour takes you through dramatic coastlines, lush mountains, and colourful communities that show off the true spirit of Vietnam.
On this tour, you’ll be involved in a service project in the stunning, mountainous region of Mai Chau, home to the White Thai community. You’ll team up with local tradespeople to build a traditional wooden stilt house for a family in need. Not only will you be learning new skills, but you’ll also see the direct impact of your work, changing someone’s life in a meaningful way.
Ready to explore, learn, and leave a lasting mark in a community that’s just waiting to meet you?
Tour Requirements
• Students must be committed to fundraising in the year prior to the trip.
• Ability to engage with the construction project.
• HVGS recommends students consult with their GP for any vaccinations recommended for the trip.
• Open mind to new cultures, food and way of living.
• Due to the water-based activities involve, students will need to participate in a swim test prior to the trip, demonstrating they can swim 50m PFD independently.
Tour and Company Information
Edventure Travel
https://edventuretravel.com.au/ Scan for sample Itinerary
