WHAT IS EXPERIENTAL LEARNING AT KINGSWOOD COLLEGE?
Experiential learning at Kingswood College builds upon the strong foundations established in the classroom by offering students rich, real-world experiences to test, apply, and extend their understanding
These opportunities, whether through outdoor education, community engagement, service learning, or workplace immersion, allow students to connect theory with practice in authentic and meaningful ways. Alongside academic growth, experiential learning is a powerful vehicle for character development.
At Kingswood, we are deeply committed to using experiences outside the classroom to actively cultivate and reinforce our core values of perseverance, kindness, excellence, courage, and respect.
Through these purposeful learning moments, students not only deepen their knowledge but also develop the confidence, empathy, and resilience needed to thrive in an ever changing world.
DISCOVER OUR EXPERIENCES:
• Year 7 Adventure Camp
• Year 8 Coastal Wilderness Camp
• Year 9 City City Experience
• Year 9 Service Week
• Year 9 Tasmania Experience
• Year 10 Central Australia Trip
• Year 10 Work Experience
• VCE Study Camp
• Years 10 & 11 China Cultural Tour
• Years 10 & 11 French Cultural Tour
YEAR 7 ADVENTURE CAMP
Location: Warburton
Duration: 3 nights
When: Term 1
The purpose of The Warburton Adventure Camp is to provide a transformative and enriching experience that fosters personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of a strong and cohesive community
The beautiful setting of Warburton will provide the context for our exploration of relationships with ourselves, others, and our environment.
By stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging in various learning opportunities, students will be encouraged to develop essential life skills such as leadership, resilience, communication, and problem-solving. By immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Warburton’s surroundings, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the environment and develop a sense of stewardship towards the Earth.
Students will be prepared through their wellbeing sessions. They will then participate in a 4-day outdoor
program. As they return to school, we will spend time debriefing and reflecting on their experiences.
WE HOPE OUR STUDENTS:
• Grow in their understanding of each other
• Continue to develop a love for the outdoors
• Grow in their understanding of their own capacity and ability
WE WILL ASK THEM TO:
• Persevere through difficulty
• Appreciate the environment
• Build connections with others
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 7 curriculum.
YEAR 8 COASTAL WILDERNESS
Location: Wilson’s Promontory
Duration: 3 nights
When: Term 1
In Year 8, the students at Kingswood College will build upon prior Outdoor Education experiences and learnings from their Year 7 Program.
This year they will camp in tents and prepare meals as a small community by cooking on Wok Stars, following recipes with wholesome foods provided under guidance of their Group Leader. Students will discover the beauty of one of Victoria’s oldest National Parks and its unique environment.
Adventure Level 1:
Environmental Discovery Basecamp groups will spend three nights in tents at Tidal River Campsite where they will participate in an educational session with a Park Ranger, be introduced to skills in surfing, kayak on Tidal River and enjoy half-day walks.
Adventure Level 2:
Overnight Campout Challenge groups
will be based at Tidal River Campsite for two nights. They will spend one night at a hikers campsite such as Halfway Hut. When at Tidal River, groups will participate in an educational session with a Park Ranger, be introduced to skills in surfing and enjoy gentle kayaking on Tidal River.
Adventure Level 3:
Immersive adventure groups will spend three nights hiking between Oberon Bay Hikers Camp, Roaring Meg and Tidal River campsites. While at Tidal River they will participate in a surf session. *Please note hiking campsites will be confirmed closer to the date based on conditions and availability.
WE HOPE OUR STUDENTS:
• Grow in their understanding of each other
• Continue to develop a love for the outdoors
• Grow in their understanding of their own capacity and ability
WE WILL ASK THEM TO:
• Persevere through difficulty
• Appreciate the environment
• Build connections with others
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 8 curriculum.
YEAR 9 CITY CITE EXPERIENCE
Location: Melbourne City Duration: 2 weeks
When: Term 2
The City Cite Program offers Year 9 students an immersive, 2 week-long educational experience set in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district.
Operating as an extension of the classroom, this program provides students with the opportunity to explore the social, political, and cultural fabric of urban life through hands-on inquiry, real-world learning, and civic engagement. Hosted by City Cite, an established educational organisation focused on experiential metropolitan education, the program invites students to step out of the school setting and into the dynamic learning environment of the city. Working in teams, students investigate issues affecting communities, interact with professionals and civic leaders, and present findings on social justice, environmental concerns, and urban planning.
Throughout the 2 weeks, students
visit key civic and cultural institutions, including courts, Parliament House, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, the Melbourne Museum, Federation Square, local councils, and community organisations. With guided tasks and inquiry-based learning, students are empowered to think critically and contribute constructively to civic discourse.
The Year 9 City Cite Program is a powerful catalyst for student growth—socially, intellectually, and civically. It encourages students to take an active interest in the world around them, to consider how they can contribute to society, and to approach complex issues with curiosity and empathy. By bringing learning to life beyond the classroom, the program builds capable, compassionate, and informed young citizens ready to shape the future.
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 9 curriculum.
YEAR 9 SERVICE WEEK
Location: Various Locations
Duration: 1 week
When: Term 3
The Year 9 Service Experience is a unique and formative opportunity for students to engage in meaningful acts of service that extend beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
For one week in Term 3, students step away from their traditional learning environment to take part in a range of service-based activities designed to foster empathy, responsibility, and a deepened understanding of the world around them.
The Service Experience is an opportunity for our young people to spend time in service to their community. Students will participate in a variety of experiences that aim to connect with and serve others. At this pivotal time in adolescence, self is often regarded highly—a normal and essential phase in identity formation. However, structured opportunities to serve provide a valuable counterbalance, inviting young people to look outward and consider
the needs of others.
Research consistently shows that volunteering acts as a protective factor for young people’s mental health, reducing stress, fostering a sense of belonging, and strengthening social connections.
Service learning also plays a vital role in building students’ self-efficacy, purpose, and civic identity. When students witness the tangible outcomes of their contribution— whether through supporting the elderly, assisting at community kitchens, engaging with early childhood centres, or aiding environmental clean-ups—they gain a broader perspective of their place in the world and the difference they can make within it.
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 9 curriculum.
YEAR 9 TASMANIA EXPERIENCE
Location: Tasmania
Duration: 4 nights
When: Term 1
The Tasmania Experience is a 5-day experiential learning program designed for Year 9 students at Kingswood College, crafted in partnership with Infuse Travel
Taking place in Term 1, the program immerses students in Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and critical environmental ecosystems. It combines outdoor education, service learning, and personal development in a meaningful and adventurous setting.
The itinerary includes visits to iconic locations such as Port Arthur Historic Site, Freycinet National Park, and Bicheno’s wildlife ecology park. Activities range from sea kayaking and hiking to community service projects, with groups rotating through different experiences across the state. Students will engage with Indigenous histories, witness conservation efforts firsthand, and explore Tasmania’s geological and ecological wonders.
The program is carefully structured to support learning in both formal and informal contexts, encouraging resilience, reflection, and teamwork. It includes full logistics, accommodation, flights, and staffing by both teachers and experienced Infuse leaders.
WE HOPE OUR STUDENTS:
• Grow in their understanding of each other
• Continue to develop a love for the outdoors
• Grow in their understanding of their own capacity and ability
WE WILL ASK THEM TO:
• Persevere through difficulty
• Appreciate the environment
• Build connections with others
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 9 curriculum.
YEAR 10 CENTRAL AUSTRALIA TRIP
Location: Central Australia
Duration: 10 nights
When: Last week of Term 3
The Year 10 Central Australia Trip is a signature learning experience at Kingswood College—an immersive journey into the heart of Australia’s landscape, culture, and history
Designed as a rite of passage for students entering their senior years, this multi-day expedition takes students through the Red Centre, offering a powerful blend of personal challenge, cultural engagement, and outdoor education.
This experience enables students to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of places such as Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon while engaging deeply with the stories, customs, and contemporary realities of First Nations peoples. Through guided cultural tours, storytelling, and interactions with Indigenous guides and educators, students develop respect for Australia’s traditional custodians and a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Students will camp under the stars, navigate desert trails, prepare shared meals, and take part in reflective group discussions. These moments foster resilience, independence, and social connection at a formative stage of adolescence.
There are additional costs associated with this trip. This trip is subject to numbers and operates yearly.
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Location: Student-sourced work places
Duration: 5 days
When: December
The Work Experience Program is designed to give students in Year 10 the opportunity to engage in meaningful placements within real working environments
These placements support students’ personal, academic, and career development by providing first-hand experience in the world of work.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
• Personal Growth: Work experience promotes independence, confidence, and responsibility. It allows students to interact with adults in professional settings, encouraging maturity and self-awareness.
• Skill Development: Placements offer the chance to develop key employability skills including communication, teamwork, time management, and problemsolving. Students may also learn
basic industry-specific skills depending on the placement.
• Workplace Readiness: The program helps students understand workplace expectations such as punctuality, appropriate dress, workplace safety requirements and professional communication, preparing them for life beyond school.
• Resumes and Applications: Students gain experience they can include on their CVs, tertiary applications, or apprenticeship forms. This demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and real-world awareness to future employers and educators.
• Academic Engagement: By seeing the real-world application of classroom learning, students often return from placements more motivated and focused on their studies.
• Professional Networking: During placements, students have the chance to meet professionals and establish early career connections that may benefit
them in the future. In some cases, a successful placement may lead to part-time work, an apprenticeship offer, or a referral to further opportunities within the same industry.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Kingswood College Work Experience program is typically scheduled as the final week of the Year 10 academic year, to minimise impact on classes and take advantage of the employment opportunities of the pre-Christmas rush in many workplaces.
Students are supported in identifying and securing suitable placements, with guidance from our Careers and Pathways Coordinator.
Pre-placement preparation activities will occur in the lead-up to the placement
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 10 curriculum.
VCE STUDY CAMP
Location: Various offsite locations
Duration: 2 nights
When: Term 4
The VCE Study Camp is designed to give students a strong, positive start to their final years of secondary school.
It brings the next year’s VCE students together in a focused, supportive environment where they can prepare mentally, emotionally, and academically for the challenges of the following year. The timing of this camp is deliberate, as it takes place during the Orientation program and does not impact academic classes.
This Camp has three key purposes:
1. Building Teamwork & Connections
Starting VCE can feel overwhelming, but students don’t face it alone. One of the most important parts of the camp is building strong peer relationships. Through team-building activities and shared experiences, students develop trust, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. These connections form
the foundation for study groups, emotional support, and collaborative learning throughout the year. Year level cohorts that work well together generally perform better.
2. Developing Study Skills & Strategies
The camp offers informative sessions further developing their knowledge of effective study habits, time management, and personal organisation. Students will learn how to:
• Set realistic academic goals
• Create study timetables
• Revise effectively for SACs and exams
• Manage stress and maintain a balanced routine
These tools are essential for managing the demands of VCE and achieving personal best results.
3. Understanding the VCE Journey
The camp also helps students better understand what VCE involves. They will explore:
• How VCE is structured, including
SACs, exams, and ATARs
• What’s expected in terms of effort, deadlines, and assessment
• Where to go for help, and how to communicate with teachers and mentors
By gaining a clear picture of what lies ahead, students return from camp more informed, confident, and ready to begin the year with purpose.
Ultimately, the VCE Study Camp sets the tone for a successful final stage of school. It equips students not only with strategies and knowledge, but also strengthens friendships, motivation, and a shared commitment to doing their best.
The program is compulsory and a core component of the Year 10 & 11 curriculum.
YEARS 10 & 11 CHINA CULTURAL TRIP
Location: Beijing (China)
Duration: approx. 10-12 nights
When: September (last week of Term 3 into term holidays)
The aim of the China Cultural Tour is to expose students in the Senior School to the Chinese language, providing them with the opportunity to practise their language skills in an authentic setting and develop relationships with their Chinese peers that can last over their lifetime.
By immersing themselves in the rich culture of China, students gain invaluable insights and experiences.
Students visit the capital city of Beijing. The Cultural Tour in this city is led by an experienced guide who provides a different perspective to the different excursions and experiences. Students visit Tiananmen Square, the largest City Square in the world from which they then enter the gates of the Forbidden City. This massive complex was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With almost 10,000 rooms, this remarkable, well-preserved
imperial palace is the largest palace in the world. Students also visit the Great Wall of China and spend the day exploring the Mutianyu section of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The tour curriculum is carefully designed to balance educational enrichment with immersive cultural experiences. Students will have the chance to interact with local students, practise Mandarin in authentic contexts and deepen their appreciation of Chinese cultural through hands-on activities and excursions.
There are additional costs associated with this trip. This trip is subject to numbers and operates bi-annually.
YEARS 10 & 11 FRENCH
CULTURAL TRIP
Location: Paris, Lyon, Oyonnax (France)
Duration: 18 nights
When: Last week of Term 1 & Easter Holidays
The aim of this Study Tour is to provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture, history and language of France. By travelling across the world, students develop a greater sense of global engagement and awareness as they are exposed to different cultural perspectives and ways of life.
This is a joint Study Tour organised in partnership with Cornish College. Students visit the cities of Lyon, Paris and Oyonnax. In Lyon, students explore the city, visiting the Roman ruins in Fourvière, Vieux Lyon (the old town), Place Bellecour, a modern part of Lyon, a guided tour of Les Traboules (hidden passageways throughout Lyon), Croix Rousse and the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Through arrangements with our sister schools, Lycées Arbez Carme and Lycée Paul Painlevé, in the town
of Oyonnax at the base of the French Alps, students immerse themselves in the French language and culture through their authentic interactions with students and homestay families. During this time, students attend some school days but also take part in a range of excursions to Chamonix and Annecy, including the train to the glacier, Mer de glace, the comb museum in Oyonnax, the United Nations in Geneva, and Yvoire, a medieval Floral Town on Lake Geneva. Through their visit to Lake Nantua and the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation of Ain, students gain an insight into life in this region during the Second World War as this area has a strong history in saving the lives of thousands of people fleeing the German occupation of France and seeking shelter in Switzerland.
Finally, students travel to Paris, where they stay for 3 nights. During this time, they visit the Louvre Museum, the Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, L’Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles. Students also stroll through the centre of Paris
visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, Ile de la Cité, Ile Saint-Louis, Place de la Bastille, Place des Vosges, rue des Rosiers (Jewish section of Paris) and have some time for last minute purchases at Galaries Lafayette before returning to Australia. These visits provide students with the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in the world as well as partaking in the array of cultural and gastronomic pleasures the French are famous for.
These visits and experiences enrich their educational experiences outside of the classroom by allowing students to gain practical insights and deepen their understanding of French history, society and traditions.
There are additional costs associated with this trip. This trip is subject to numbers and operates bi-annually.