Year 9 Residential Program

The Year 9 Residential Program is a ground-breaking, life-changing experience for Pymble girls and their male peers from our boys’ partner schools.

For four weeks, students live and learn in the peaceful, technology-free environment of Vision Valley, with time and space to connect with themselves, each other and the environment. Under the care of our expert Vision Valley team, students enjoy a carefully curated range of challenges and experiences and the chance to grow and learn in a unique environment.

Each program is a signature, seasonal experience that is unique to each group and the students’ journeys, passions and interests. This contextualised learning allows them to link academic concepts to the real world, and to connect more deeply within the intentions of the program

The impact of such extended experiences is profound and transformative for students at this age. They become more aware of their individual strengths and abilities, more mindful of each other and their surroundings and they develop great resilience along with a strong appreciation of the natural environment.

Proven outcomes

References: Cooper, H., Ullman, J., Curry, C., & Gray, T. (2023). Assessing the Impact of the Vision Valley Outdoor Education Pilot Initiative at Pymble Ladies’ College.

97%

Positive impact of four-week digital detox

100%

Increased appreciation and knowledge of the world

97%

Feel better about themselves

84%

More tolerant of other people’s opinions and choices

90%

Helped develop respectful co-educational relationships

100%

Ability to be comfortable learning with both boys and girls

Memories from
the Valley

“At the end of the first day, I knew I had made a good choice to come here. By the end of the four weeks, I literally did not want to leave. I could have done it all over again.”

Addison

“Our beach expedition was hard. We walked 8km a day, up so many flights of stairs. At times you think, I can’t do this, but everyone helps each other make it through. At the end, you look back and think, ‘Hey, I did that – and with a 20kg backpack on!’”

Annabelle

“Is it weird to say doing my own washing was fun? I liked being independent.”

JoJo

A typical day

6.00am - 6.30am
Rise
6.30am - 7.30am
Exercise and Showers
7.30am - 9.00am
Breakfast and Duties
9.00am - 10.30am
Learning or Activities Block
10.30am - 11.00am
Break

11.00am - 12.30pm
Learning or Activities Block
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Break
1.30pm - 3.00pm
Learning or Activities Block
3.00pm - 3.30pm
Break

3.30pm - 5.30pm
Recreation Projects
5.30 - 6.30pm
Free Time or Dinner Duties
6.30pm - 7.30pm
Dinner and Dinner Duties
7.30pm - 8.30pm
Evening Activity and Downtime
9.00pm
Bedtime

Learning

Learning is different at Vision Valley and the benefits are equally unique. The traditional classroom is abandoned for the great outdoors and students are immersed in nature during the four-week Residential Program.