When it comes to Outdoor Education, St Andrew’s Cathedral School experiences are unparalleled in their field.
Complementing our prime city centre location, St Andrew’s Cathedral School boasts an inspiring Outdoor Education programme, connecting our students with Australia’s wide, open spaces. This comprehensive outdoor curriculum has become a hallmark of a St Andrew’s Cathedral School education and a life changing experience for many of our students. Our specially trained Outdoor Education staff can end up mentoring and working alongside the same students over the course of a decade.
The programme is designed to help our students develop character, resilience, confidence and leadership skills, for use both in the great outdoors and in their everyday lives – and that’s something we’re immensely proud of.
“As a Christian school we believe that each student is infinitely precious. Their worth is not simply measured by grades, achievements or awards. Our Outdoor Education programme allows students to really explore who they are, and grow their values and character – something we believe is immeasurably important on their journey to adulthood,” said Mr John Chapman, Head of Outdoor Education.
“Our Outdoor Education programme allows students to really explore who they are, and grow their values and character.”
The annual Kosi to Coast expedition
To round off the Outdoor Education programme, Year 10 students are offered a number of challenging camp options. A popular choice is the annual Kosi to Coast expedition, where students undertake a challenging journey, that can be as demanding as it is rewarding.
Last year’s Kosi to Coast saw 57 students embark on this remarkable 20-day adventure. It took them from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, through the rugged Pilot Wilderness and down the Snowy River to the Victorian coastline at Corringle.
The students were split into groups of no more than 12. Alongside two staff, this group became their community, support and in some ways, their family for the expedition. Two of the groups started on the same day, and following a two-day gap, the next two groups began. For the section of the journey that involved white water rafting, two additional instructors joined each group.
Exceptional character building experiences
Prior to the expedition, the Outdoor Education department ran an information evening that provided details on what Kosi to Coast entailed. This included the goals and aims of the trip, and what equipment was required. Students were encouraged to practise carrying a heavy pack and breaking in their hiking boots.
For an expedition of this calibre, students need to bring an attitude of adaption – to surroundings, conditions, activities and weather. Leaders prepare the group to face at least one emotionally tough day on the hike: when personal motivation and morale can be low, and individuals are forced to draw on the strength of their companions, for camaraderie and support.
Ready, set go!
The 2024 group set off on a sunny Sydney morning in November, beginning their expedition with the two-hour drive to Kirrikee, the School’s Outdoor Education Centre in the Southern Highlands. Here they spent their first day preparing for the hike by carefully checking their equipment and packing their food. They left early on the second day for the five-hour drive to Kosciusko National Park.
The 20-day trip was split into two sections, with the first eight days of the trip being hiking, and the remaining days white water rafting and travelling back to Kirrikee.
As the National Parks and Wildlife Service had closed many sections of the park, the 2024 group had to deviate from the normal itinerary and instead started their hike at Charlotte Pass. They summitted Mount Stilwell before spending their first expedition night beside the bubbling waters of the Snowy River.
Over the following days they walked the beautiful but challenging Main Range Track to the top of Mount Kosciuszko and traversed the Pilot Wilderness, taking in the iconic Cascade Hut and Tin Mine Hut. As the first part of the expedition drew to a close, the group made their way down the steep and challenging terrain of The Pinch. Most groups endured inclement weather on parts of the hike section, with rain showers, hail and high winds providing additional challenges.
At the half way point, the group arrived at the Pinch River Campground, in the Lower Snowy River area of Kosciuszko National Park. The following ten days saw the group white water raft down the Snowy River, all the way to the coast, stopping each night to camp and setting off early again each morning.
Life on the hike
On arrival each night at their respective campsites, students pitched their tents and prepared their food. They relaxed from the day’s endeavours and had a time of group reflection together.
On the paddling section of the expedition, students were given the choice of sleeping under tarps or keeping their tents. All the groups opted for tarps as they provided greater airflow, are more efficient to pack down and allow for a different group dynamic. The challenge of tarps was the occasional bug that wanted to share the shelter, but students took this in their stride.
As there were no mobile phones, the groups kept themselves entertained. They sang songs and got to know each other more – as they hiked, splashed each other with water when it was hot, played games when they arrived at camp, told jokes and stories, made up nicknames and more.
Overnight solo
An unexpected highlight of the trip for many was the ‘solo’. Between the hiking and paddling sections of the expedition, the students took part in an ‘overnight solo’. Students were given a designated campsite, out of speaking range with other students, but within close enough proximity to staff to ensure safety. This is completed in the middle of the journey to provide an opportunity for rest and reflection. Students were given simple supplies to build their own shelter, food that did not need to be cooked, and they were briefed on ideas on how to use this time well.
“The feeling of contentment as you feel the spray from the rapids or the singing birds as you climb up a mountain. It was the wonder, curiosity and awe of God’s creation, and the potential the world has to offer. This expedition is a memory I will always hold on to, from the lessons, people, challenges, and connection to God – I genuinely loved the experience,” said Bella Isenegger, current Year 11 student, who undertook the expedition last year.
“This expedition is a memory I will always hold on to – I genuinely loved the experience.”
Students returned to Sydney on day 20, following a final night celebration at Kirrikee. Parents were met with a tired but happy bunch – a group of students only beginning to make sense of, and reflect on, all they had seen, experienced and felt.
“Those I have spoken to have returned from the Kosi-to-Coast full of adventurous tales – deeply challenged in their character, self-reflective, grateful and just all-round more mature individuals. It’s such a formative experience and does a beautiful work in the hearts and minds of our students,” said Dr Julie McGonigle, Head of School.
