Broadening horizons through experience
At St Catherine’s, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through camps, tours and exchange programs, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Whether exploring the outdoors, engaging with different cultures or learning alongside international peers, students gain experiences that stay with them long after they leave school.
Exchange is so important
Edie
because it gives us the chance to discover
a brand new part of the world and meet many new people.
I had the chance to live with my exchange sister for a month, which was so fun. I’m definitely going to remember it forever.
Camps
Our camp program is designed to support students as they grow in confidence and capability, with each year group participating in age-appropriate experiences that progressively build resilience, teamwork and independence:
- Year 7 Crosslands: A three-night camp focused on team-building activities including mountain biking, giant swing and high ropes.
- Year 8 Killalea State Park: A three-night coastal camp with surfing, hiking and Indigenous cultural learning.
- Year 9 Hawkesbury River: A journey-based canoeing camp that develops resilience, cooperation and independence.
- Year 10 Camp Pathways: Students choose from an Adventure Camp, an Odyssey Camp or a First Nations Cultural Immersion.
International exchanges
Our exchange programs encourage cultural immersion, independence and meaningful international connections, helping students develop confidence as global citizens.
- United Kingdom Cultural Exchange (Year 9): A four-week exchange with Royal High School Bath.
- Switzerland Cultural Exchange (Year 10): A four-week exchange with Freies Gymnasium, Zurich.
- French Language Exchange (Years 10-11): A five-week immersion in Paris at Institution Notre Dame Sainte Croix de Neuilly.
Global tours
Our global tours provide authentic opportunities for students to engage with different cultures, communities and perspectives while extending their learning beyond the classroom:
- Cambodia Service Tour: A 12-day service experience supporting community projects.
- Performing Arts Tours: Performance-focused tours that allow students to rehearse, perform and engage with global audiences.
- Sport Tours: Competitive and training tours to international sporting destinations.
