At John Wollaston we aim to develop the whole child from the early years. One means by which we do this is through structured Encounter experiences. The Encounter Program is unique to our school and offers important learning experiences for each year level which facilitate character development, resilience building and personal growth. Students enjoy the opportunity to test themselves in contexts outside the classroom in the company of their peers and the staff. For many students, the Encounter is the highlight of their year.
Pre-Primary – Naturescape Kings Park
Students venture to Kings Park and enjoy an extended day of adventure as they make their way around the Rio Tinto Nature Scape, climbing and exploring the man-made structures and splash in water ways. Students explore the Kooyar Kep Wetland and learn about the plants and animals that live in and around it. Moorditch Boya is a great introduction to Noongar language through storytelling, art and exploration.
Year 1 – Perth Zoo
Year 1 students enjoy an extended day at the Perth Zoo discovering all the various animals and their habitats. Students engage in the Gwabba Boodja – Beautiful Bushland program at the zoo. Students learn about the six Noongar seasons and the changing bushland habitat. Through story and role play, students explore how the seasons are linked to animal behaviour and ways that we can care for country.
Year 2 – Rottnest Island
Year 2 students enjoy an extended day which commences by ferrying across the ocean to Rottnest Island. During their day on the Island, they walk parts of the town site, discover historical landmarks, learn about the Island’s history, enjoy a swim and play at the beach and meet the furry locals. This is a long day for students where at times, they need to dig deep for their inner grit to keep going!
Year 3 – Woodman Point Outdoor Recreation Camp
Year 3 students enjoy an extended day at Woodman Point Recreation Camp where they have the opportunity to challenge themselves personally while working with their peers. They are presented with thrilling experiences and exciting activities to promote personal growth and development. Through a series of challenges, students work on their team building skills to achieve a successful outcome for all.
Year 4 – The Amazing Race around the City
Year 4 students enjoy an extended day discovering their city and the interesting history and facts about Perth. They complete a range of challenges in a scavenger hunt format in small groups. They navigate their way around the City, Elizabeth Quay and South Perth learning some of Perth’s unique history and cultural connections. The day culminates with a whole cohort overnight experience!
Year 5 – Swan Valley Adventure Centre Camp
Year 5 students enjoy a two night camp at Swan Valley Adventure Centre where they participate in a range of adventure activities. These encourage children to step outside their comfort zone and experience a range of adventure-based activities traditionally not offered in everyday life. Living in shared accommodation, students learn respect for each other, develop relationships outside their normal friendship circle and work to maintain relationships.
Year 6 – Boshack Camp
Students make their way to Bolgart and ‘go bush’ for a four day back to basics nature camp. Located on a bush farm, students leave behind every day conveniences such as computers, TVs, phones, and gaming. This often presents one of the biggest challenges for our students. Over the course of the four days, students enjoy activities that develop teamwork and conflict resolution, appreciation of nature and the bush environment and taking care of the natural environment.
Year 7 – Fairbridge Camp and Manjedal Activities Centre
The Year 7 Encounter experience is one that we are very proud of. Our Year 7 students have the opportunity to attend a camp in Semester 1, which aims to consolidate new relationships and build resilience. Throughout the year, working alongside the Chaplain, Dean of Operations and Service Council, Year 7 students may have the opportunity to complete some service activities for our local community. Finally, as students develop Relationships, Respect, Resilience and Responsibility for Year 8, we attend a final overnight Encounter that is wholly student planned. Our Year 7 Encounter experiences are great opportunities to develop skills outside of a classroom environment.
Year 8 – CYC Baldivis Camp
Year 9 – Potters Gorge, Collie
The Year 9 students attend a three day camp to Potters Gorge in Collie. Students complete various teambuilding activities, such as raft building and abseiling. This experience is designed so the students co-ordinate their effort as a small community, to complete the expedition. It tests their ability to work together as a team, communicate with one another, support and encourage each other to achieve a common goal.
Year 10 – Cape to Cape
Students attend a three night, four day camp at the end of Term 3 which is a fully guided, fully catered adventure experience centred on the Cape to Cape Track. The purpose of the Encounter is to develop personal resilience and spiritual awareness, develop teamwork skills, improve cooperation, communication, trust, self-esteem and problem solving skills while having fun with their peers.
Year 11 – Glen Gerreyn from The HopeFull Institute
In Year 11 students participate in a seminar-based Encounter exploring topics such as personal identity, purpose, resilience, creativity and leadership. Glen Gerreyn from the HopeFull Institute facilitates this Encounter with the aim of the experience designed to enhance self-esteem, develop resilience and build character.
