The Quest showcases Annesley’s commitment to outdoor education with the clear purpose of developing human capacity in a world defined by increasing technology, complexity and diversity. Our students ‘learn by doing’ in a range of natural settings, chosen to inspire and foster core skills of collaboration, resilience, perseverance, empathy, creativity and communication.

We know children learn through authentic and engaging experiences and at the heart of the Quest is the desire for our children to develop their understanding of their world, well beyond the school gate.

At the forefront of innovation, Annesley’s unique Quest program integrates extensive camp experiences with sustained, sequential outdoor classroom programs in every year of our Primary School journey.

Our Quest program has been awarded the following national and state awards.

Exemplary Outdoor Education Program 2024 – Outdoor Education Australia

Kirinari Primary Education Program of the Year ward 2026 – Outdoor Educators’ Association of South Australia

Outdoor Classroom Program

Reception – The Big Little Gardening Club – Intergenerational Learning
In partnership with Resthaven, our Reception students make connections across generations in our Annesley Farm, sharing wisdom in a vibrant learning space on our site in Wayville.

Year 1 – Central Market Experience
Sequential trips to the Adelaide Central Market across 4 weeks allow students to explore Adelaide’s iconic Central Market, meeting stall holders and learning about their personal histories, as well as learning to cook a variety of meals from different cultures.

Year 2 – Ride a Bike Right
In a 5 week ‘Learn to Ride’ bike-riding program, students are taught the skills of riding a bike independently and associated t safety practices. This initiative prepares students for the upcoming Quest adventures that involve mountain biking in Year 4-6.

Year 3 – Zoo SA Membership
In a 9 week, curriculum aligned partnership with Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Zoo and Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Year 3 students become Zoo SA members. They develop a deep sense of ownership of these rich learning spaces that become their classrooms each Tuesday in Term 3 as they explore the interdependence of living things and their environment.

Year 4 – Surf-Life Saving
A 6 week Surf Life Saving program Term 1 is designed to develop the appropriate surf skills and knowledge to enjoy the beach safely. In partnership with Glenelg Surf Life-Saving Club, students learn to operate various surf equipment and are taught about the hazards that are found at our beaches.

Year 5 – Outdoor Education
An 8 week program includes a 35km bike ride, Mt Lofty hike, Trangia cooking skills, tree climbing, orienteering and social justice experiences. These acquired skills are documented in ‘The Quest Passport’ and a badge is awarded at the successful completion of the program. Students are also introduced to the Forktree Project and ‘handed the keys’ to the program that they will continue into their final year at Annesley.

Year 6 – Sustainability and Social Justice
An 8 week program partnering with the Forktree Project, Cleland Wildlife Park and Baptist Care SA to learn about conservation, sustainability and homelessness. Students also spend a day kayaking and mountain-biking at Happy Valley Reservoir.

Camp Program

Year 1 – Late night at school
An evening spent at the school, students engage in various activities such as damper cooking, star gazing and song singing around the campfire.

Year 2 – School Sleepover
1 night spent at sleeping at school. Students experience packing a bag and spending a night away from their families with their peers.

Year 3 – Nunyara, Belair
A 2 day, 1 night camp in metropolitan Adelaide. Students participate in a range of camp activities including the signature Nunyara ‘Tree Climb’ challenge and sleep one night in dorms.

Year 4 – Adare, Victor Harbor
A 3 Day, 2 night camp is an opportunity to participate in a variety of water-based activities while on camp. In addition to this, they are exposed to riding bikes in a new environment, over different terrain and the ‘Flying Kiwi’ challenge.

Year 4 – Camp Out at School
An overnight tent experience shared with an adult family member in our nature spaces at school is an opportunity for students to build confidence with tent camping to prepare for the Willochra Expedition and Road Trip in Year 5 and 6. It is an important connection for our students with a significant adult in their life in an outdoor environment, while also giving our family members valuable insight into our Quest program.

Year 5 – Willochra Expedition
A 4 day, 3 night culminating event in the Year 5 Quest program is the Willochra Expedition located just outside Melrose in the Flinders Ranges. The Year 5 Outdoor Classroom program equips students with the necessary skills such as Trangia cooking, hiking and bike riding to be successful on this expedition.

Year 6 – Road Trip
A 5 day, 4 night Road Trip, exploring some of the great offering in South Eastern SA and into Victoria. Students surf, hike, mt bike, kayak, cave, camp and cook their way across a 1200km round trip. This unique experience is the pinnacle of the Quest experience at Annesley. Every program, camp and adventure builds skills in our students to be prepared for this true adventure.

• Sequential experiences – Repeated opportunities to grow character and skills, week on week, year on year across the primary journey
• High challenge and high support – With the right level of challenges and the right support, children are capable of achieving beyond their own boundaries
• Industry partnerships – Developed over a number of years, in the Quest program has forged a number of significant partnerships within the industry. These partnerships go beyond the ‘norm’ and allow us to create a bespoke program that suit our outcomes.
• Curriculum links – Authentic and meaningful links between the curriculum and Outdoor Classroom program add depth and value to learning at Annesley
• Camp Experiences and Outdoor Classroom connections – The unfamiliar environment, new friends and independence required for students to complete a camp cannot be underestimated. Our Outdoor Classroom programs are directly linked to build success in our camp experiences.

We offer Professional Learning workshops about Experiential Learning at Annesley for Teachers and School Leaders. Please enquire if you would like further information – enquiries@annesley.sa.edu.au.