This past November, Year 10 students traded their desks for sleeping bags, their classrooms for campfires, and their daily routines for an adventure that would challenge and transform them. From 23 November to 3 December 2025, they embarked on the Great Aussie Adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the only opportunity in their AIS journey to explore the untamed beauty and spirit of Australia.
A Progressive Journey: AIS Outdoor Education from Prep to Year 11
At the Australian International School, we believe that some of life’s most powerful lessons happen outside. Our Outdoor Education programme takes students on a carefully designed journey from their earliest years through to Year 11, building skills, character and confidence along the way.
In Elementary School, young learners start with day trips that spark curiosity about the natural world. As they grow, so do their adventures, progressing to overnight camps and culminating in a week-long overseas expedition in Year 5. These early experiences lay the groundwork for independence, resilience and a love of exploration.
By Secondary School, the stakes rise. Students face more demanding physical and mental challenges, from rock climbing and white-water rafting to trekking through remote landscapes. Year 10 marks a pivotal moment: an overseas expedition designed to test and refine everything they’ve learnt. In Year 11, students can choose to participate in international service-learning trips, where adventure meets purpose and global citizenship takes root.
Year 10 at Bush Camp Biloela: Where the Adventure Began
Located just two hours from Sydney within 250 acres of Australian bushland, Bush Camp Biloela provided the setting for this year’s Year 10 expedition. Students hiked into camp with their gear, prepared meals over open fires and camped outdoors.
Activities included canoeing, abseiling, raft building and bush navigation. Each activity required teamwork and problem-solving, giving students the chance to learn about the environment and work together in new ways.
Lessons Learnt Around the Campfire
Away from their usual routines and technology, students focused on working together and supporting one another. Evening campfires provided time for reflection, conversation and building friendships across the year group.
The camp offered more than outdoor skills. Students developed resilience, practised independence and experienced the value of collaboration in practical situations.
“This trip allowed me to make new friends, see many of Australia’s natural wonders and also made me feel courageous and confident. I really enjoyed when everyone sat together around the campfire. ” – Echo , Year 10 Student
Why Outdoor Education Matters
At AIS, Outdoor Education helps students develop critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving abilities. These experiences build confidence and resilience that students can apply in academic, personal and future professional contexts.
Through our program, students also develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves, their peers and the broader community. They return from these experiences with new perspectives and practical skills that contribute to their overall development.
A Rite of Passage
The Great Aussie Adventure is a celebration of how far our Year 10 students have come and a glimpse of who they’re becoming. It’s a rite of passage that reminds us all: real growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones, embrace the unknown and trust in the journey.
Choosing AIS for Your Child’s Future
At AIS, we’re committed to providing an education that goes beyond academic excellence. As an IB World School, we combine rigorous academic standards with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities like our Outdoor Education programme. We understand that some parents are looking for more than just strong exam results. You want a school that develops the whole child, building character, resilience and real-world skills alongside academic achievement. Our progressive approach to outdoor education, ensures that every student has the opportunity to grow through challenge, discover their strengths and develop into confident, capable young people ready for whatever comes next. If you’re seeking a school that values both academic rigour and practical, transformative experiences, we’d love to welcome you to the AIS community. Book a tour or schedule an online consultation to find out more about how AIS can support your child’s educational journey.
