Learning has no bounds.
The Cathedral School is renowned for its robust and highly successful outdoor education program that transcends traditional classroom boundaries, and places a profound emphasis on nurturing character, courage, confidence, and resilience.
From Year 2 to Year 10, every student participates in an annual expedition as part of our mandatory Outdoor Education program. Each year level explores specific themes, creating a multidisciplinary approach that weaves together elements of History, Geography, Science, Mathematics, English, Art, and personal development. This creates a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, fostering holistic growth.
Our programs are operated by the locally owned team at Outer Limits, who specialise in the design and delivery of safe and fun outdoor recreation programs for schools. Their experienced and skilled staff hold a variety of qualifications, love adventure and the outdoors and want to share their knowledge, and respect for the environment with the next generations. The team operate out of a variety of locations in North Queensland, including their Outer Limits Adventure Centre in Paluma which is home to their High Ropes course.
Junior School Program
In the Junior School, our outdoor activities are thoughtfully designed to be developmental and age-appropriate, serving as a valuable extension to classroom learning. Through these experiences, students cultivate essential attributes such as teamwork, confidence, resilience, problem-solving, initiative, and leadership—all while having a great time.
Middle/Senior School Program
Recognising that learning is most effective when accompanied by emotion, challenge, and adequate support, the Middle School’s outdoor education program builds upon the foundation laid in the Junior School. Here, students focus on values, passions, and responsibilities in adventurous and challenging scenarios. Tasks are tailored to demand perseverance, fitness, craftsmanship, imagination, self-discipline, and significant achievement. This program empowers students to conquer their fears, unveiling their untapped potential.
Year 2: Jourama Falls
Location
Jourama Falls (91 kms north of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
First school camp, introduction to camp environment.
Length
2 days, 1 night
Basics
Whole year level in three groups, sleeping in 10 person tents.
Swim and water challenges, balance/obstacle challenges, camp challenges (tents, bivvys and ropes) and walk to lookout.
Year 3: Big Crystal Creek
Location
Big Crystal Creek private camp ground (76km north of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
Introduction to hiking and low ropes.
Length
3 days, 2 nights
Basics
Whole year level, sleeping in 10 person tents. Low ropes at Outer Limits Adventure Centre and hiking to Witts Lookout in Paluma, river tubing, sling shots, slacklining, teambuilder games and camp skills (tents, bivvys and ropes).
Year 4: Camp Gedling
Location
Camp Gedling, Hervey’s Range (35km SW of Townsville)
Learning/Activity Progressions
Introduction to orienteering, high ropes (basic) and abseiling from tower.
Length
3 days, 2 nights
Basics
Whole year level, sleeping in 10 person tents.
Abseiling, high ropes (basic), orienteering, teambuilding games, target archery, catapults.
Year 5: Hidden Valley
Location
Hidden Valley (114km north of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
Moderately difficult longer hike, introduction to mountain biking, and abseiling progression (natural surface).
Length
4 days, 3 nights
Basics
Whole year level, sleeping in 10 person tents.
Mountain biking, raft building, bushwalking, archery, and archery tag, catapult, and team building activities.
Year 6: Canberra
Location
Canberra, ACT.
Learning/Activity Progressions
Cultural tour of the Australian Capital.
Length
6 days, 5 nights
Basics
Whole year level, city-based cultural and educational activities. Visiting Parliament House, National Gallery, Museums, Zoo, and more.
Year 7: Paluma
Location
Paluma National Park (90km north of Townsville)
Learning/Activity Progressions
Hiking and bushwalking progression, camp and survival skills, navigation and leadership skills.
Length
5 days, 4 nights
Basics
Whole year level, six groups. Tents, bivys, and undercover sleeping platforms.
Mountain biking (dirt road and some single trail), kayaking, bushwalking/hiking archery tag, teambuilding activities, high ropes.
Year 8: Tully Region / Dunk Island
Location
Tully Region (240km north of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
Longer hike, introduction to kayaking whilst navigating, progression of mountain bike skills (intermediate).
Length
5 days, 4 nights
Basics
Two camps with three groups each. Changing camp location and participating in a range of activities. Rafting, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking.
Year 9: Hidden Valley
Location
Hidden Valley (114km north of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
Hiking with pack, navigating, abseiling, and mountain biking.
Length
7 days, 6 nights
Basics
Whole year level moving through six camp sites. Hiking, abseiling, rafting, mountain biking.
Year 10: Airlie Beach / Whitsundays
Location
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays (228km south of Townsville).
Learning/Activity Progressions
Scenic but challenging walks, introduction to sailing and snorkelling.
Length
6 days, 5 nights
Basics
Sailing, snorkelling and hiking the Whitsundays.
Outdoor Education Camp Schedule for 2024
Term 1
FEBRUARY 12
Year 3 to Year 5 Outdoor Education Parent Information Evening – Wonder Hub.
FEBRUARY 15-18
Year 12 Biology Orpheus Island Camp. (Curriculum-based camp, School-operated program).
FEBRUARY 18-23
Year 6 Canberra Trip. (School-operated program).
MARCH 20-22
Year 4 Outdoor Education.
Term 2
APRIL 17-19
Year 3 Outdoor Education.
MAY 7
Year 7 Billabong Sanctuary Excursion. (School-operated program).
MAY 12-17
Year 10 Outdoor Education (Group A).
MAY 19-24
Year 10 Outdoor Education (Group B).
JUNE 3-7
Year 8 Outdoor Education (Group A).
JUNE 10-14
Year 8 Outdoor Education (Group B).
Term 3
JULY 16-19
Year 5 Outdoor Education.
JULY 27-AUGUST 2
Year 9 Outdoor Education.
AUGUST 19-23
Year 7 Outdoor Education.
SEPTEMBER 10
Year 2 Outdoor Education Parent Information Evening – Wonder Hub.
Term 4
OCTOBER 3-4
Year 2 Outdoor Education.
NOVEMBER 20
Year 9 Retreat. (School-operated program).
NOVEMBER 30-December 15
History and Culture Tour – Europe. (School-operated program).
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Educating for life-long success.
154 Ross River Road, Mundingburra QLD 4812