Challenge Week at the University Campus
Abigail, Year 9, University Campus
On 11 to 15 May 2026, Year 9 students participated in their first Challenge Week program. They had to choose from several different programs, each ultimately taking part in one. This article will talk about a select few of these programs and dive into what participants carried out throughout the week.
Art for Soul:
In Art for Soul students participated in a variety of artistic activities, including a two-day workshop with a street/graffiti artist. They learned new art techniques and skills from a real artist, visited the National Gallery of Victoria, watched a live performance at The Princess Theatre, and created ceramics with a variety of techniques.
Basketball Masterclass:
In Basketball Masterclass students went through athlete testing and player assessments which involved a tour elite training facility. Students got to experience professional athlete training in different facilities such as the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South and Hoop City in Cheltenham. It was a great program for students looking to improve and play basketball.
Community Care:
In Community Care students met the Banyule Council Support Group and created photo books using Snapfish, cooked meals for people in need, planted trees with the Whittlesea Council conservation team, and learned about youth homelessness with the Salvation Army. The program was great for students who enjoy helping others and supporting the community.
Conservation
During Conservation students were able to explore new and creative conservation projects, learn how their actions can help the planet, discover how Melbourne’s CBD connects to global conservation. They also got to visit Melbourne Zoo, Sea Life, IMAX Theatre and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This program was perfect for students who care about the environment and enjoy hands-on projects that help the community.
Financial Literacy
In Financial Literacy students learnt the basics of investing and different types of assets, understand how the Australian share market works, research real companies and create their own trading plan, explore the city and visit the Old Treasury building, and visit Sovereign Hill to find out how the Gold Rush shaped Victoria’s economy. Finally, they took part in an ASX share market simulation at La Trobe University.
Food of Melbourne
During Food of Melbourne students got to take the Ultimate Foodie Tour at Queen Victoria Market, explore Melbourne’s best eats on the Food Trail Tour, take part in a MasterChef-style cooking class, discover food culture and global flavours and visit William Angliss TAFE to learn new cooking skills. This was a fun program for students who love cooking or are interested in learning about different cultures and cuisines.
Life Skills
During Life Skills students worked alongside the Life Skills participants to build confidence and inclusion, support people with disabilities with fun, skill-building activities, help with art, dance, sports, social skills and multimedia sessions. Furthermore, they got to go on an excursion to Keon Park Bowling Alley with the Life Skill group.
News @ 9
During News@9 students were able to create different film clips at La Trobe University Media Studio and Foley room, work in all stages of film production using industry standard equipment, make a news report about Challenge Week programs and activities. They also got to experience different role like producer, floor manager and camera operator.
Sports and Recreation
In Sports and Recreation students got to challenge themselves with WheelTalk activities, playing up to an hour of Wheelchair Basketball and got to go rock climbing to test their strength and agility. It was a great program for students who enjoy being active and try new experiences.
Sound of Music
During Sound of Music students learnt about different musical instruments, they got to set up and prepare instruments for playing, choose music pieces to perform and take part in rehearsals and workshops. They also got to showcase their final performance and go on a music-focused excursion in the city.
Wellbeing
For Wellbeing students got to learn how exercise, nutrition, and a healthy mind support overall wellbeing, take part in gym fitness, swimming, and Pilates. They got to practice meditation and stress-management strategies, make granola bars and create healthy meal plans, join team building activities and go on a hike at Bushrangers Bay, and they were able to set goals and create a vision board for your future.
