Experiential Learning

Hands-on adventure activities within ORteens and the STORM App combine for an innovative program for Year 9 and Year 10 students, aligned with the Australian Curriculum, designed to enhance optimism and resilience through adventure and experiential learning. This program includes:

  • Physical Resilience Activities: Students step out of their comfort zones, adapting to change and thriving in adversity.

  • Personal “Optimistic Resilience Plan”: Students develop a STORM (Strong, Talented, Optimistic, Resilient Me) journal, a personalised strategy incorporating positive psychology.

  • Partnership with Riverlife Adventure Centre, Vertigo Brisbane & Sporting Wheelies: Leveraging expert guidance in adventure activities.

  • Key Themes: Focus on personal strengths, mindfulness, empathy, mental health, gratitude, and positive mindset strategies.

  • Diverse Activities: Includes resilience talks, wheelchair challenge course, marine travel with impairments, kayaking, rock climbing, water bike challenges, and more.

  • Mindful and Focused Nature Connection: For deep reflection and STORM journaling.

Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, these activities promote physical and mental well-being, empathy, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. The program's versatility caters to all students, including those from the LGBT community and those with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and personal growth. It's an exceptional opportunity for students to develop life skills in an engaging, challenging, and supportive environment.

Hands-on adventure activities provide an irreplaceable opportunity for students to learn resilience in ways that classroom learning alone cannot. They confront real challenges, manage uncertainties, and navigate the discomfort of stepping out of their comfort zones. 

This direct engagement fosters a deep understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses, encourages risk-taking within a safe environment, and develops problem-solving skills. 

Unlike theoretical learning, these experiences allow students to embody resilience, turning abstract concepts into tangible skills and memories, which they can recall and apply in future life challenges.