From the Principal

To the Blue Mountains Grammar School Community,

Embracing Our Unique Location

For its entire history, Blue Mountains Grammar School has deeply integrated its educational approach with the stunning World Heritage-listed environment that surrounds it. Our unique location offers unparalleled opportunities for learning and growth through nature. Every time visitors to our school come, they don't just comment on our area; they want to go out and explore it.

Over the past 12 months, we have taken significant steps to better understand what we can offer to improve our students' outdoor education experiences. Both our Junior School and Senior School students are now more fully immersed in authentic outdoor activities designed to foster resilience, self-confidence, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Most of the excellence in this space is a testament to our exceptional staff, who go above and beyond, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts. We have specially trained staff in our Junior School and our Senior School, and we are exceptionally well-positioned to enjoy our surroundings. 

If you've noticed our new school bus making its rounds, you might have seen the new statement proudly displayed: "Blue Mountains Grammar School - The Wilderness Experience." This distinction highlights our unique position as one of the few schools globally situated in a World Heritage Listed area. This setting provides our students with extraordinary educational benefits that are hard to find elsewhere.

We've repeatedly observed that our students thrive when engaged with nature. Whether through year-level camps, excursions and other outdoor activities, being in the wilderness offers them opportunities to face challenges, build character, and develop lifelong skills. I rarely hear students being disgruntled when they are heading out to Bungawarra.

Many parents have shared varied feedback from their children about their experiences on these WildEd adventures. I remember some of the most challenging yet rewarding moments when I was at school and now, when I return from camp with my tutor group. These experiences stand out in our memories because they push us beyond our comfort zones and teach us valuable lessons about perseverance and success.

At the heart of our Blue Mountains Grammar School mission is unleashing each student's potential. This mission, which we all share and strive to uphold, drives us to create experiences that foster significant development when students face both physical and mental challenges in a supportive environment. Every outdoor excursion combines fun and excitement with moments of discomfort and difficulty. That is the way our team designs those challenges. These experiences teach students that it's okay to feel uncomfortable and that overcoming challenges can be incredibly rewarding.

Our programs are designed to offer the right mix of encouragement, support, and safety alongside challenge and difficulty. While some students may initially dislike being out in nature, the long-term benefits are immense. Research consistently shows that resilience is built through working through hardships, and nature provides an ideal setting for this kind of growth. One of the most common comments I get from our alumni is about how much they enjoyed their Bungawarra experiences. 

Wilderness education is a crucial part of our balanced education, and we are proud to offer these opportunities as part of our commitment to excellence at Blue Mountains Grammar School. I am thankful to our team, who creatively bring these unique experiences alive for our children. 

Warm regards,

Steven Coote 

Principal