We are incredibly fortunate that our school was founded on such beautiful land, and in a city bursting with artistic, cultural and natural opportunities we can weave into the curriculum. There is so much knowledge to be gained outside of our school gates—in the outdoors, museums, exhibitions and more—to complement our girls’ classroom studies.

When girls interact with these spaces, they can see the theory and ideas they have been learning about in action. They gain new perspectives, discover new passions and plan to explore these interests further within the gates of the School.

Our Year 9s have recently visited the Jam Factory, maintaining an industry partnership that encourages them to explore design and creativity. French students are visiting creperies, and geographers are exploring streets on Field Trips. And at long last, tonight our Year 2s will excitedly embark on their Zoo Snooze adventure, learning about wildlife as they sleep over at Adelaide Zoo.

This week our girls enjoyed the opportunity to be photographed for their co-curricular activities. It was wonderful to see the number of committees and clubs they belong to, where they pursue areas such as the Environment, Citizenship and Music. The colourful braids on their blazer sleeves represent service and dedication to these interests, which may well extend beyond their time at Wilderness.

Right now, many of our students are choosing their subjects for 2023 or applying to tertiary courses. As they make these decisions, a lot of thought will go into what subject areas they enjoy and can see as part of their life after school.

It is important that we provide opportunities for girls to see every subject area come to life, and then space for them to develop these interests further. Experiences are a core step in this process.

Next week our Library team will engage students with Book Week and its 2022 theme, ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’. It is also Winter Intercol week—good luck to all of our athletes, who I am sure will have plenty of Wilderness cheerleaders on the sidelines.