We learn all about The King’s School Tudor House’s amazing outdoor education program
It’s no secret that we just love everything about The King’s School, Tudor House in Mossy. With top-notch indoor and outdoor learning spots, incredible teachers, an international-standard curriculum, gorge expansive grounds and a MAG-NIF-ICENT century-old building, how could we not adore it.
Aaaaand now we’ve got reason to love it even more. After having the opportunity to get an in-depth scoop on their renowned Kahiba program we just knew we had to share it with you guys!
Here’s why:
1 :: The name
We just love the name to start! The word Kahiba originates from the Aboriginal word for ‘young’ and as head of school Adam Larby told us, “the name encapsulates that sort of sense of eagerness from youth into adulthood. The program is capturing that transition in life.” And what a transition it is, right?
2 :: Where it all started
The program can trace its origins back to the Aussie institution of the Cub Scouts movement. Anyone who’s ever been a Scout themselves (or even a Girl Guide) knows just how fun that was. There’s a reason these kinds of programs have been running for over 100 years and although the program has changed over the years just like the rest of the world has, the sentiment is still the same- resourcefulness, independence and confidence. Things we think the kiddos of today still really need.
3 :: It’s all curriculum linked
All the activities the students join in whilst in the program are linked to the school curriculum. Every activity is a learning opportunity for the students and there are plenty of chances for cross-curricular understanding. This means students are not only learning about one subject but also how that fits in with their other subjects – just like in real life.
4 :: It’s research informed
Amazing programs like Kahiba are gaining movement all over the world and Kings School, Tudor House are one of the pioneers of it here in Aus.
“We’re being informed by some of the schools in England of this push to get kids outside, there is a real nature and forest schools movement that’s happening around the world and we have been learning from them and seeing what other educators and schools and countries are doing around the world to promote outdoor education,” says Adam.
We are total believers in less screen more green so we can defo get behind this!
5 :: The activities
Canoeing, archery, base building, fire building and management, fishing, first aid, knot tying, tree climbing, orienteering and competing on the 21 modules of the low ropes course- it all sounds like an absolute blast!
The program gets students of all ages involved, “We want to make it equally as fun and involved all the way from pre-k to year 6 but still recognising that pre-k have different skills from year 6’s, we still infuse the whole philosophy all the way through” Adam told us.
Recently, recognising the needs and abilities of all ages, they’ve added bike riding for the year 1 and 2 kiddos. And for the big kids, years 5 and 6 learn to cook their lunch to prepare them for the chance to do weekend camping on the grounds once they hit Year 6. How cool?!
6 :: It’s character-building
All those incredible challenges and activities are sure to do some pretty amazing things for the students’ self-esteem and character development. As Adam told us:
“I look at it with some of the kids, I see them fail and struggle and be out of their comfort zone in Kahiba doing outdoor activities, and then improving and getting better and then transferring that into the classroom. They might say I can’t remember my time’s tables or I can’t solve this problem but I’m not going to give up, I’m going to transfer my outdoor experiences into the classroom and say actually, I’m going to keep going, I’m going to show resilience”
7 :: The Kids LOVE IT!
Seeing kids having fun is a real joy of life and if that fun is also educational, character building and out amongst nature then triple bonus. We can totes believe that students would have a ball with this program but Adam confirmed it for us:
“There’s a real excitement for the kids whenever they do an activity in the program. The little ones love the base building and the older kids love camping and cooking. There’s excitement on Friday because the staff will come out in their Kahiba gear and the kids are in their gear as well and everyone knows basically from lunchtime, we’re all out and about.”
As if we needed a reason to love Fridays any more than we do?!
8 :: The Year 6 camping adventures
Once students hit year 6, they get the opportunity to use all their skills and experience they’ve learnt to go on weekend camping trips on the school grounds. The students head out at 4:30 on a Friday arvo and come back at 8:30 on a Saturday morning. There are physical checks from the teachers and they have a radio for communication but the rest is up to the students.
From organising the food, carrying their gear and sleeping under the stars [or in a cute log cabin weather permitting] this is a total independence opportunity for the students. We reckon this is such a cool way to teach kids life skills in a way that is safe but still gives them that sense of freedom they totally crave at that age. How good?
9 :: The Crowe’s Nest Climb
Lovingly called the ‘Crowsie Climb’ by the students this sounds like a total year highlight. The students get the chance to climb the stunning 30-metre-high tree that sits out the front of the school and from the top write their name and take in the glorious views of the Southern Highlands. This sounds like the ultimate rite of passage for all the kiddos who work so hard, but rest assured they’re all roped up for safety.
“We knew the climb was such a tradition at the school” says Adam “We didn’t want to cancel it but we wanted to make it safer for the kids. So once a year, we bring in specialists who have ropes and harness the kids up and they can still climb the tree and write their name at the top in a way that we’re comfortable with but they can still feel that sense of achievement.”
This is such a popular thing with the kids, Adam told us that even ex-students who have long since grown up will come back in the holidays to check out the tree and reminisce about the time they gave it a climb. Ah, memories.
OMGEEE this program sounds amazing and basically has us wishing we could go back to school and do it all again.
We’re truly fortunate to have The King’s School, Tudor House, nestled in the Highlands. With more than 169 acres of land and embracing a comprehensive approach to fostering growth, development, and learning, it really offers a one-of-a-kind educational journey for kids in our local community.
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