Senior School Experiential Education: Field Trips, Outdoor Education & Challenge Week 2024 - 2025
Annually in SEPTEMBER, we establish community
In September, our Middle and Senior School divisions focus on building community and connections. Our whole Senior School division takes part in a multi-night overnight camp retreat during the first week of school at Camp Timberlane facilitated by ALIVE Outdoors. During the third week of school, our Middle School students will head to Camp Arowhon for a two night overnight camp excursion also facilitated by ALIVE Outdoors. These fall camp retreats will establish community, set norms for socialization, and initiate positive energy to start the year. Also, various curriculum-driven day and overnight field trips take place at different points throughout the school year. These school field trips are a mandatory part of the student experience at York. Associated fees are not included in tuition and will be charged to the student’s account.
Annually in MAY, we push our limits
In early May, The York School runs a unique experiential program called Challenge Week. Students from Grades 6-10 take part in week-long curriculum-driven excursions across Canada and North America.
Challenge Week is intended to enhance students’ education and love of learning through a series of hands-on experiences that extend their learning beyond the classroom. Students are asked to extend themselves beyond their comfort zone to gain the skills and confidence to learn through experience. Challenge Week is one of the most important platforms in which the Learner Profile of the Middle Years Program (MYP) is developed through experience. Becoming risk-takers, inquirers, communicators, and open-minded, caring citizens are concrete outcomes that support the International Baccalaureate philosophy. Challenge Week is a mandatory part of the Middle and Senior School curriculum. Grade-specific excursions are linked directly to a specific course or area of study. Fees associated with Challenge Week are in addition to tuition and will be charged to the student’s account.
