Lucy Gregory, Head of Frensham Junior School
At Frensham Junior School, we believe that amazing learning can also occur beyond the classroom walls. When children step into new places, meet new people, and try new things, something magical happens — their eyes light up, their curiosity grows, and their confidence soars.
From the thrill of a high ropes course to the quiet awe of a gallery visit, our off-campus experiences are designed to spark joy, build resilience, and bring learning to life. Research shows that learning in different environments boosts motivation, strengthens memory, and encourages the habits of lifelong learners.
Our students dive into a wide mix of adventures: curriculum-linked excursions, cultural visits, inter-school sporting carnivals, service projects, and creative workshops. They might be sketching at Ngununggula Gallery, chatting with residents at a local aged care facility, paddling a canoe across still waters, or tackling an orienteering challenge in the bush. Each moment is carefully planned to build not just knowledge, but character — fostering leadership, teamwork, compassion, and creativity.
One of the highlights of the year is camp. Whether it’s a day camp full of action or an overnight adventure, children are given the chance to stretch themselves, try new challenges, and celebrate achievements — big and small. Activities like abseiling, stand-up paddle boarding, and high ropes not only build physical skills but also grow self-belief and trust in others. These shared challenges often create the stories students remember — and retell — for years to come.
Back at school, the benefits are clear. Students return buzzing with stories, brimming with new ideas, and carrying a deeper sense of belonging — to their friends, their school, and their wider community. Sporting carnivals strengthen perseverance and fair play. Service projects spark empathy and gratitude. Gallery visits open minds to new perspectives. Swimming lessons and our Year 5 and 6 overnight boarding experiences encourage independence and adaptability.
Every off-campus experience is an opportunity for children to discover more about the world — and about themselves. By stepping beyond the familiar, they not only gain skills for school but for life: courage, kindness, curiosity, and the belief that they can take on any challenge that comes their way.