Broadening Horizons Beyond the Classroom
The Year 11 VCE Retreat took place from Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November, giving students the chance to step outside the familiar rhythms of school life and explore what their future pathways might look like. The week encouraged independence, curiosity and informed decision making, supporting students at a pivotal point in their learning journey as they begin thinking seriously about life after Year 12.
Across the week, students experienced a blend of tertiary exploration, cultural immersion and practical life skills. They toured a range of university campuses, gaining insight into the different environments, study options and communities that exist beyond school.
A highlight was staying at Newman College, a historic residential college built in 1918 and affiliated with the University of Melbourne. Home to around 225 undergraduate students and 55 postgraduate students and tutors, it offered a valuable glimpse into what residential university life can feel like in a real and grounded way. As student Lilly McKay shared:
“Newman College was good because you got to experience what life would be like if you were staying on site at a university.”
Experiencing each campus helped them compare different learning environments and consider how these choices align with their strengths, interests and long-term goals.
Danu Liyanage, shared of the experience: “Our school retreat was a really valuable experience, giving us the chance to explore a range of university pathways and environments. Over the week, we visited Deakin, Melbourne, ACU and RMIT, where we toured the campuses, learned about different courses and got a feel for what uni life might look like in the future. Each campus had its own vibe and strengths, which helped us think more seriously about our goals and the pathways we might take after Year 12. We were also able to vividly experience Sunset Boulevard for the first time on the big screen at ACMI whilst receiving a beneficial lecture at the end about the film’s cinematography and themes. Overall, the retreat was eye-opening, motivating and a great opportunity to start planning for life beyond school.”
Experiencing a classic film through ACMI’s modern, creative lens echoed our own approach at The Knox School, where traditional ideas are explored in fresh ways that spark deeper thinking and inspired discussion.
The retreat also included moments of fun and connection that helped strengthen friendships and build confidence. Students tried their hand at lawn bowls, settled into the Nova Cinema in Carlton to watch Back to the Future and even clapped together when Marty’s parents shared their first kiss on screen. These shared experiences brought laughter, community and a sense of ease during a busy week of exploration.
Friday, the last day, students began the morning by helping to set up for the annual Twilight Festival before closing out the day with some fun heading to Forest Hill Chase for bowling and laser tag. After the healthy competition from the bowling lanes, the final activity for the day was some House Arts planning and a reflective exercise where students wrote a letter to their future selves to be opened at the end of Year 12. This moment encouraged them to pause, look ahead and consider the kind of person they hope to become, not just for next year but the many years to come.
The Year 11 VCE Retreat offered students time to explore new spaces, ask big questions and build independence. Experiences like these help our students grow in confidence, while preparing them for the choices and opportunities ahead.
