Outdoor Learning
An abundance of gardens for quiet reflection, wellbeing and learning about sustainability
The St James’ campus offers an abundance of gardens for quiet reflection, wellbeing, learning about sustainability and conservation. Featuring bush-tucker gardens, herb and vegetable planters, and mature fruit trees, the School grounds are home to a rich biodiversity of native plants, animals and insects.
The School campus was designed to allow for an abundance of outdoor learning environments where students can get closer to nature, manage risk and develop their fundamental movement skills.
School subjects are brought alive through embedding outdoor learning in the curriculum, with outdoor classrooms, camps, excursions and expeditions all helping to shape our future leaders.
The natural environment
St James’ supports outdoor learning for students of all ages. As well as offering a range of stimulating outdoor learning spaces, the School offers an extensive list of co-curricular opportunities, which add significantly to the quality of each student’s school experience, while introducing them to a variety of opportunities for growth and development.
Students have unlimited access to our Djerabin Boodja, an expansive natural playground complete with native plants and trees where they can let their imaginations run wild.
Sustainability
At St James’ students connect with nature at every opportunity, allowing children opportunities to immerse themselves in nature firsthand is unforgettable. Students of all ages are shown the importance of sustainability and conservation across expansive outdoor learning environments. From sowing seeds and harvesting crops to designing and building habitats, students are taught about sustainability and encouraged to become responsible world citizens.
Outdoor learning environments
Djerabin Boodja (meaning ‘happy place’), provides students with a natural environment where they can immerse themselves in nature and use their imagination. It includes a yarning circle, campfire and resources for building cubbies.
The Bush Tucker Garden is filled with edible native plants that were planted by students and staff. They are harvested and used for cooking experiences.
A working community garden where students, staff and parent helpers work together to maintain the fruit and vegetable crops. Students have a say in which crops are grown each season, and each year group cares for their own patch. The harvested crops are then sold at the Junior School market stall.
There are many herb planters and borders throughout the School grounds that are used by students for cooking and sensory learning activities.
The Japanese Garden provides a peaceful place for reflection and contemplation.
The Senior School oval is a large sports field used by Senior School students for various activities and sport lessons.
The Junior School playing field is a sports field located in the Junior School for sports and recreational activities.
The ELC nature playground is a hand-crafted timber playground designed to foster adventure and develop gross-motor skills.
The ELC pencil playground is a fully fenced lawn where ELC students can engage in outdoor learning and recreation.
The pirate ship playground is a hand-crafted timber structure and sandpit for all Junior School students to enjoy.
The bike track is a long gravel track that runs through the Djerabin Boodja. Students in Year 3 to Year 6 can bring their bikes from home and ride on the track daily.
The Junior School basketball court is a fully fenced multi-games area for Junior School students.
The Senior School basketball courts are hard courts that can be used for various sports and recreational activities.
