Program delivers mindset and skills for the future

Caulfield Grammar School’s Year 9 Kakadu Program embraces the stories, culture and communities of the Northern Territory and embodies the essence of curriculum innovation.

The Kakadu Year 9 Program has a profound effect on each student’s sense of self.

Caulfield Grammar School’s Year 9 Kakadu Program embraces the stories, culture and communities of the Northern Territory.

The award-winning program provides Year 9 students the opportunity to experience residential living and learning at Jabiru on the edge of Kakadu National Park. This world-class learning experience involves students living on-country with traditional owners. In the remote wilderness, with guidance from elders and teachers and educational tools, students learn to expand their view of themselves and their country in a deep, self-reflective way.

The Year 9 Kakadu Program embodies the essence of curriculum innovation. Along with a profound effect on each student’s sense of self and their engagement with Indigenous and remote Australia, the school is confident of the positive impact of this program, both within its community and beyond. 

Caulfield Grammar’s director of student experience Mike Gregory says the 24-day experience is profound.

“Cultural immersion programs allow students opportunities for personal leadership and to see the results of their own actions,” he explains. “By taking the students out of their routines, they learn about themselves and discover how strong, resilient and capable they can become.”  

While the program is unashamedly designed to be a provocation, it is also a personal inquiry. The aim is that each student, through active participation, will open their mind to learning, reflection and inspiration about themselves and others that will continue long after they return home.  

“When students return to school, they’re very aware of the experience they’ve had and the personal growth that has happened. They take that forward through the rest of their years at Caulfield Grammar,” Mr Gregory says.

Caulfield Grammar’s students learn by doing. Successes. Failures. Wonders. All in our extraordinary Australian backyard.

FACT FILE

WHO WE ARE
We offer a thriving learning environment that nourishes students to know who they are, what they value and why they are valued. Competencies are nurtured in the way we teach, the breadth of co-curricular offerings, and our commitment to every learner’s wellbeing. Continuous learning is from Early Learning to Year 12 across three campuses – Wheelers Hill, Malvern and Caulfield – including boarding from Year 9. 

LEARNERS FOR LIFE
We believe in developing a mind for life, so that learners are equipped with the mental, emotional and academic capabilities they need for whatever path they choose. The school’s purpose is to enable quality learning every day, in every experience, for every learner, for life.  

A COMMUNITY OF JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNERS
Students have access to a learning community. Multiple educators work alongside teachers, giving each child in- class support and a high level of individual attention.  

DEDICATED LEARNING MENTORS YEARS 7-8
To improve our ability to impact the learning of every student, a dedicated learning mentor – an important inclusion – in each class supports each student’s academic and pastoral progress. 

VCE SUBJECTS FROM YEAR 10
Students begin VCE subjects in Year 10 with an emphasis on helping learners customise their studies to prepare for entry into the tertiary course or career of their choice.  

CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EDUCATION OUTDOORS 
Students “learn by doing” through authentic real-world connection and collaboration. Immersive learning experiences exist within our sport, music, language, arts and STEM programs. Students consider the effect of their actions and lifestyle on the world around them at the unique Yarra Junction environmental campus.

EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Students choose from a broad range of programs supported by highly credentialed specialists. Sport is a key element in our fabric of life. And for students interested in the arts, there are endless opportunities for creative expression in music, theatre, visual arts, and dance. 
For more, visit caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au