Our unique Explore Serve Journey (ESJ) program is an intentionally designed sequence of experiences grounded in educational theory and research to provide a peak experience to support and equip girls as they grow and transition from childhood to adulthood. At the end of Term 1, our Year 11 girls travelled from Armidale ( Australia's highest city) to Mount Mount Kosciuszko (mainland Australia's highest mountain) with many adventures along the way. 

They sailed on Sydney Harbour, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and volunteered at not-for-profit organisations before heading off to Canberra to visit the National Art Gallery, War Memorial and Old and New Parliment House.

The lifts were on 'wind hold' due to 95km/h wind gusts, but our Year 10 girls still made it to the summit of Mount Kosciusko.🗻To do so, they had to walk an extra 8km and climb an extra 600 metres in elevation, starting their journey at the very bottom of Thredbo Village.

The final days in Thredbo involved riding the 18km Thredbo Trail of flow, fun and beautiful alpine streams before our girls honed their downhill mountain biking skills. 

With full-face helmets and Enduro bikes, they hit the lifts and explored the flow, jump and technical trails. 

"It was an exhilarating last experience, and we are so proud of how far these girls have come in terms of skill and confidence," our Outdoor Education Specialist, Ms Amanda Burney, said. 

As with the Year 9 and Year 11  ESJ programs, each activity is designed not only to test physical limits but also to nurture resilience, critical thinking, the ability to work together in real-world situations and the challenge of living in community. 

ESJ began as a little thought more than four years ago. Today, it stands as an embedded and anticipated component of the PLC Armidale experience, reinforcing the importance of perseverance. 

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.