Education beyond the classroom

At St Ives Preparatory School, the Camps and Tours programme is an integral part of our boys’ holistic education. These experiences build community and culture whilst moving learning beyond the classroom to provide opportunities for growth in character and resilience.

Each year, our boys participate in a carefully structured programme of recreational camps and academic tours that support their stage of development. For our youngest boys in Year 3, the overnight stay at Collaroy in Term 4 represents a milestone of independence; their first taste of camp life away from home. This is an important step as it is closely followed by an adventure to Point Wolstoncroft in Term 1 of Year 4. It is here that they apply teamwork and perseverance through outdoor challenges, setting the foundation for personal growth.

For Year 6, the responsibility is greater. At Point Wolstoncroft, they return not just as participants but as leaders, supporting the younger boys through challenges. Their academic tour to Canberra broadens horizons further, engaging them with the nation’s parliament, cultural treasures at the National Gallery, and stories of sacrifice at the Australian War Memorial.