Staff Story

One of the things that drew me to Melbourne Grammar was the exceptional depth of learning opportunities offered through the Outdoor Education program. From taking our Prep students off campus for ‘Forest School’ and introducing them to the bush, surfing and snorkelling at Year 7, to running our 20-day Year 10 expedition known as Beyond the Gates (BTG), the program strikes a strong balance between exploration and discovery, curriculum-based learning, and personal growth.

Our aim is to foster understanding, connection, and a deep awareness of self, community and environment. The entire program is sequential so that each year students build on the skills and experiences they’ve previously gained, growing in confidence and working towards their next achievement.

Each year in Outdoor Education has its own rhythm. For me, it often feels like conducting an orchestra in ensuring the whole complex program moves cohesively, that every part plays its role, and that our staff are empowered to deliver their best.

I first came across Melbourne Grammar’s program at a conference, where one of the staff gave a presentation on the journey of preparation for BTG that really stuck with me. At the time, I was working for a commercial provider, running programs for dozens of schools each year. I enjoyed the work, but I often questioned whether I was making a significant impact for students given the limited interactions, and lack of sequential programming. The strength of continuity I saw at Melbourne Grammar in working with students over many years, not just a few days, was a game-changer.

Seeing the change in students throughout their time at the School is immensely satisfying. I might meet a Year 7 student who is new to the School and has hardly spent any time outdoors, doesn’t feel confident with new peers, and doesn’t enjoy camping at all. By Year 12, that same student could be leading an LGR hike, independent of staff, and then coming back to speak about the experience in front of the whole school. That kind of transformation is powerful and real.

We have a dedicated team of knowledgeable Outdoor Educators at Melbourne Grammar, who are embedded across the School. This means they can build relationships with teachers and students across the campus at which they are located, and get to know the academic and pastoral elements of the School. That integration allows Outdoor Education to best support learning in the field, and the School’s broader goal of providing an exceptional holistic education.

As a team, we’re constantly refining what we do towards standards of excellence. We cover the fundamentals, of course, like safety, logistics, and educational resources. But we also get to ask bigger questions: How do we encourage deeper learning? How do we create an even greater transformation through these experiences?

Importantly, there are many staff members who aren’t part of the Outdoor Education team, but who still volunteer their time to participate in trips. Some give up their holiday time to be part of what we do, because they see the value of these experiences, and the changes they create in the students. Everyone, leading with the Headmaster, looks to engage with and support what Outdoor Education can achieve for students.

We’re fortunate to have three dedicated campsites across Victoria. That makes a real difference in the quality, consistency, and sustainability of what we can offer. We also have the team and resources to make use of other venues and remote environments as needed to best facilitate each journey.

My own high school only had a minimal Outdoor Education program, but the experiences I did have were unforgettable. That’s part of what drives me now. In everything we do, I’m hopeful students find their own moments of awe and wonder that prompt them to think more deeply about the world. 

Whether it’s stepping onto sand and into waves for the first time, or recognising Barrimal, the emu in the sky, there are many lightbulb moments that can mean a student becomes an advocate for leadership, their community, and the environment. The journey through Outdoor Education has the power to shape how students think, feel, and move through the world, often for decades to come.

Nic Bishop joined Melbourne Grammar in 2018 and has been Director of Outdoor Education since 2022. He holds a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation from Holmesglen Institute, a Diploma in Business Management from the Australian Institute of Management, and a Diploma in Photography from Photography Studies College.