Beyond the Classroom Experiential Learning in Senior School 2026
Beyond the Classroom We are excited to share that our experiential learning is a cornerstone of The Knox School’s Three Journeys for your child’s holistic education. Going beyond conventional classrooms, activities such as camps, immersions, challenges, entrepreneurship, and trips offer invaluable and purposeful handson experiences that empower students to apply acquired knowledge in realworld scenarios, enhancing practical skills and nurturing intellectual curiosity.
Experiential Learning: Building Skills for Life Our commitment to experiential learning is shaped by a continuum of sequential experiences at The Knox School that commence in the Junior School and extend well into the Senior School. These experiences are intricately linked to the curriculum. Many involve project-based learning and design thinking, enabling our students to adeptly tackle challenges. This process embodies our core values of Resilience, Care and Empathy, Achievement, Respect, and Responsibility, with an added emphasis upon service, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a commitment to mastery that transcends textbooks and ensures our students possess the skills and mindset required for success in an ever-evolving world.
Character Skills Nurtured through Experiential Learning →
Teamwork and Collaboration Learning to work effectively with others, understanding group dynamics, and contributing to a team effort.
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Leadership Skills Opportunities to lead groups, make decisions, and develop confidence in guiding others.
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Problem-Solving Abilities Tackling real-world challenges, thinking creatively, and finding innovative solutions.
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Resilience and Perseverance Building mental and emotional strength to overcome challenges and setbacks. Adjusting to new environments and situations, and being open to change.
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Environmental Awareness Understanding and appreciating nature, fostering a connection with the environment, and learning about sustainability.
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Communication Skills Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication, including listening skills and expressing thoughts clearly.
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Self-Reliance and Independence Gaining confidence in one’s abilities and making decisions without reliance on others.
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Physical Fitness and Outdoor Skills Developing physical endurance, as well as specific skills like hiking, camping, and survival techniques.
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Critical Thinking Evaluating situations, making reasoned judgments, and understanding the consequences of actions.
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Empathy and Social Skills Building understanding and respect for others, improving interpersonal interactions.
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Time Management Learning to organise and manage time effectively, especially in task-oriented situations.
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Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness Understanding and managing risks in various outdoor activities.
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Cultural Competence Exposure to diverse cultures and communities, particularly Australia’s First Nations Peoples, enhancing understanding and tolerance.
Senior School Experiential Learning serves as a cornerstone of the three journeys of Senior School students at The Knox School. Providing opportunities to move beyond the confines of traditional classroom settings, activities such as camps, immersions, challenges, and trips, offer invaluable, hands-on experiences that enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to realworld scenarios, thereby enhancing their practical skills and intellectual curiosity.
Year 7 The Ranch - Mornington Peninsula Term 1 An inquiry into how camp can facilitate connectivity between students and Mentors: Over a span of three days, at the crucial juncture of transitioning to Senior School, students engage in a series of activities. This exploration aims to lay a foundation for a successful transition year, inviting students to reflect on and contribute to their own journey of growth and community building. Teamwork and Collaboration, Resilience and Perseverance, Communication Skills, Self-Reliance and Independence, Empathy and Social Skills.
Year 8 Anglesea Camp Term 1 An inquiry into the relationship between students and the Victorian coastline, wetlands, and environment. This exploration encourages students to discover how their academic learning, particularly in Science, Geography and TAD, is reflected and enriched in the natural world, fostering a holistic understanding of their environment and its significance in their education. Teamwork and Collaboration, Resilience and Perseverance, Environmental Awareness, SelfReliance and Independence, Physical Fitness and Outdoor Skills, Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness and Cultural Competence.
Year 8 KEEP City Experience (Melbourne CBD) Term 4 An inquiry into the dynamics of urban life through a design thinking lens. This exploration challenges students to observe and reflect on the complexities of the metropolitan environment of Melbourne’s CBD. This journey invites students to engage deeply with their surroundings, applying design thinking principles to real-world contexts and uncovering insights about the vibrant tapestry of city. Teamwork and Collaboration, Problem-Solving Abilities, Communication Skills, Self-Reliance and Independence, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Social Skills, Time Management, Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness and Cultural Competence.
Year 9 Arnhem Land Term 2 This cultural immersion experience with Culture College is compulsory and is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to engage deeply with the rich cultural heritage of First Nations Australians. It is an inquiry that aligns seamlessly with the humanities curriculum as well as allows students to develop practical skills, and build character, ensuring a balanced and holistic education. Teamwork and Collaboration, Leadership Skills, Problem-Solving Abilities, Resilience and Perseverance, Environmental Awareness, SelfReliance and Independence, Physical Fitness and Outdoor Skills, Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness and Cultural Competence.
Year 10 The Constellations Series Term 2 Designed to inspire and support our students as they pursue their individual passions, strengths, and interests, all while continuing to develop the knowledge, skills, and character essential for their future pathways. These journeys, whether within Australia or abroad, form a constellation: a cohesive series, each sharing a pattern of exploration that shapes unique destinations. Our aim is to empower and equip our learning community to foster character, connect meaningfully, and co-design their learning experiences, enabling them to enact change both now and into the future. Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Reliance and Independence, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Social Skills, Time Management, Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness and Cultural Competence.
Year 11 VCE Retreat Term 4 An inquiry into enhancing Year 11 VCE success focusing on academic strategies, stress management, and collaborative learning in a university environment. This exploration examines the ways in which environment fosters confidence, focus, and improved study habits. This retreat invites students to delve into and reshape their academic journey, equipping them with the tools for success in their final year and beyond. Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Reliance and Independence, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Social Skills and Time Management.
Other Curricular Opportunities Years 7 to 12 Music Camp Term 3 An exhilarating three-day Music Camp, where passion for music and the spirit of collaboration come alive! This immersive experience, set in a picturesque location, offers the opportunity for students to enhance their musical talents through intensive rehearsals. Embrace the joy of creating harmonies in our diverse ensembles and choirs and explore the dynamics of teamwork and artistic expression. This camp is designed to foster not only musical skills but also wellbeing and camaraderie among our young musicians. Teamwork and Collaboration, Leadership Skills, SelfReliance and Independence, Empathy and Social Skills and Time Management.
Year 10 Outdoor Education Elective Term 3 & 4 As part of the Year 10 Elective program, Outdoor Education requires students to challenge themselves by design and implement their own journey through the natural environment while exploring the relationship between the environment and our health and wellbeing as well as promoting sustainable outdoor practices. In this experiential learning subject students also gain a first aid qualification Problem solving, Resilience, Critical Thinking, Leadership Skills, Collaboration, Environmental Awareness, Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness and Cultural Competence.
Voluntary Extra-Curricular Opportunities Years 9 to 12 Snow Camp Location TBC (June/July School Holidays based on student interest) Snow Camp for Years 9 to 12 students, where learning leaps beyond the classroom into the exhilarating world of snow sports! Our philosophy of experiential learning, immersing students in real-world experiences to foster resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This unique opportunity combines academic enrichment with the thrill of winter sports, ensuring a well-rounded, unforgettable educational journey. Don’t miss this chance to turn the snowy slopes into a dynamic classroom. Problem Solving, Resilience and Perseverance, Communication Skills, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Social Skills, Cultural Competence and Leadership Skills.
Years 7 to 12 Generations in Jazz Term 2 In Term 2 the TKS Big Band and Senior Choir ensembles have the opportunity to perform at the Generations in Jazz festival in Mt Gambier. ‘GiJ’ is one of Australia’s premier youth music events, delivering a world-class experience to students from schools around Australia and New Zealand. The event provides performance opportunities for choirs and big band ensembles as they participate in the school Awards competitions, performing a short program of jazz-style works. The event experience goes well beyond performing, with students attending performances featuring international jazz musicians & vocalists and having the opportunity to watch the performances of other students from schools. The event is held over the first weekend in May and includes over 6000 attendees. Teamwork and Collaboration, Performance Skills, Confidence, Creativity, Critical Listening, Communication Skills and Networking.
Other Curricular Opportunities Whole School - Entrepreneurship Programs A variety of entrepreneurial programs equip our students with the experiences to further engage with design thinking to address a challenge, through ideation, prototyping and pitching a real-world solution or product. In addition to programs, our Knoxpeditions linked to curriculum also provide opportunities for students to develop and apply entrepreneurial skills. Social enterprise is an ideal vehicle to build our students’ entrepreneurial mindset which specifically relates to being change agents as they address challenges in the community through design thinking, ideation and prototyping, being agile and pivoting when need be, and able to pitch ideas to influence others about their solution. Teamwork and Collaboration, Leadership Skills, Resilience and Perseverance, Communication Skills, Self Reliance and Independence, Empathy and Social Skills and Time Management.
Year 9 The Duke of Edinburgh International Award The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a program that empowers young people by helping them develop important life skills. This program is run by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International framework and supported by staff at school. Leadership Skills, Physical Fitness and Outdoor Skills, Adventurous Journey, Service, Resilience and Perserverance, Self-Reliance and Independence.
→ knox.vic.edu.au 220 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South VIC 3152, Australia info@knox.vic.edu.au +61 3 8805 3800