Learning Outside the Classroom
Avila College students have many broad and varied opportunities to further develop academically, think globally, embrace their intellectual curiosity and learn beyond the classroom.
World Study Tours
Planning a space mission at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is just one of the many global learning experiences available to Avila College students. Other opportunities include international language and cultural study tours, sustainable community project expeditions to developing countries and an indigenous immersion tour to Central Australia. International trip itineraries are carefully constructed to enable students to further develop as socially responsible global citizens, gain a better understanding of themselves and build connections across borders.
Camps and Adventures
The Discovery Learning Program is a dynamic element of the College curriculum, and facilitates experiential learning beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Outdoor education experiences on residential camps offer a chance for students to take greater responsibility for themselves, connect with nature and each other, explore an unfamiliar environment and learn hands-on skills.
City Inquiry
The Year 8 City Inquiry program fosters students’ research skills, critical analysis and collaborative learning while developing their independence and initiative. With the city as their classroom, students explore the CBD and engage in an inquiry project answering the question “What does it mean to be a Melbournian?”.
NaviGate
The NaviGate program is designed to inspire Year 9 students to step out of their comfort zone, open the ‘gate’ and explore new ideas and possibilities whilst developing enterprising skills, collaborating in teams and embracing physical challenges.
Beyond 2040 Project
Designed by Avila Teachers, Beyond 2040 provides Year 7 students with meaningful opportunities to engage deeply in solution-finding and design thinking. Students work collaboratively with their peers as they research, discuss and consider what the future could look like if we embraced the best solutions available in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths today. A panel of professional experts including scientists, analysts, designers, engineers and lawyers share their experience and expertise as they engage with students throughout the program.
Environmental Field Work
Through the Humanities program and specialist senior subjects, Avila students regularly move outside the classroom to conduct fieldwork in a range of natural and urban environments. From analysing water in the wetlands, to learning about contemporary architecture and sustainable city planning, students have the opportunity to conduct investigative projects, measure, monitor, observe and hear from experts as they interact with the world around them.
Museums, Exhibitions and Landmarks
The curriculum at Avila College is regularly augmented with educational excursions to a range of museums, exhibitions and landmarks so students can see and experience their classroom learning firsthand and meet the people who influence and curate these specialty areas. From meeting our MP’s in action at parliament house and hearing authors at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival to viewing an international exhibition at NGV or participating in a Mission to Mars, Avila students are provided with real-world contexts designed to engage and inspire them to be lifelong learners.
