OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor Education at Somerset College
Why Outdoor Education Matters
The outdoor philosophy is based on the seven “Rs”: Rites of passage, Relationships, Reach, Rootedness, Responsibility, Risk and Reflection. Our aim in the Junior Preparatory is to expose the children to many outdoor experiences and equip them with the appropriate skills required to meet these challenges. In the Senior Preparatory, the children build on their knowledge of the outdoors and learn to apply the skills developed over the previous years.
PREPARATORY
ACTIVITIES
Grade 1: Expedition Week | Basic map reading, pitching tents, first aid, knot-tying and paddling.
Grade 2 | Two-day camp alongside the Breede River
Grade 3 | Three-day camp
Grades 4 and 5 | Three-day camps
Grade 6 | Four-day camp
Grade 7: Gr 7 Experience | Week-long adventure in the Matroosberg Mountains.
SENIOR APPROACH
The Outdoor Education Programme allows students to learn about life outside the classroom and away from home. In doing so, students learn to work closely in teams and to appreciate the environment uniquely. We aim to enable all students to continue with their socio-emotional development in an environment away from daily distractions and routines.
Trek – A Rite of Passage
Trek is the flagship of Somerset College’s Outdoor Education Programme — a 27-day journey of self-discovery undertaken by all Grade 9 students each November. Covering 360km on foot, by canoe and bicycle, the journey starts from the school and ends at the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
In small, single-sex groups led by trained adults (including staff and alumni), students take turns to lead, navigate challenges, cook, camp, and reflect, all without cell phones or electronic devices. Trek is more than an adventure; it is a carefully planned rite of passage that builds resilience, teamwork, responsibility, and self-awareness.
Challenging yet transformative, Trek pushes students beyond their comfort zones and fosters personal growth in ways no classroom can. For many, it becomes the defining highlight of their Somerset College journey.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Grade 8: Mizpah camp | Three-day camp at the start of the year. The focus is for the new students to get to know each other and bond as a tutor group and grade.
Grade 8: Outward Bound | This camp/activities at the end of their Grade 8 year aim to prepare the students for Trek and to breach the gap between the Mizpah camp and Trek.
Grade 9: Trek | Flagship event of the school. It is a 27-day adventurous journey covering 360 km. Students are divided into single sex groups and must cover the distance by hiking, paddling and cycling. The aim is to create an opportunity in nature for personal growth and discovery
Grade 10: Cederberg camp | During this week, students have the opportunity to hike in the magnificent Cederberg mountain range, get involved in campsite activities, visit historic sites and do community work.
Grade 11: Back to Basics camp | This 4 day leadership camp focuses on a wide range of team-building, problem-solving and leadership skills.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
I absolutely loved trek, every aspect about it, even the rough days.
ANONYMOUS
Each step brought stunning views, unforgettable memories, and deep conversations with people who became my grade, my community, and my friends. Around campfires and on trails, bonds were forged that I know will last a lifetime.
GRADE 11 STUDENT
Cederberg was one of my favourite camps, it allowed everyone to be very independent with cooking their own meal and fun activities.
GRADE 12 STUDENT
Mizpah, Trek and Cederberg are some of my best memories from school.
OLD OAK