Connecting from the start

As with any transition, the start of school is often met with a level of anticipation, excitement and some trepidation. At BBC, a boy’s first day in Year 7 presents the chance to foster new connections and to set the tone for the year ahead by retreating to the outdoors. Our Year 7 boys head off campus for a unique retreat experience where the commonality of a new experience helps boys to create friendships and immerse themselves in the school’s values.

Our boys take part in high ropes courses, raft building, hiking and also take lessons in cooking, learning to polish their shoes, ironing their shirts to wear their uniform with pride, as they realise the unique role and the vibrancy they add to our school community.

Our Year 7 students return from their Connect Retreat through a stirring guard of honour before joining our Senior Leaders in their first war cry as Middle School students.

This Outdoor Education program is specifically designed to help boys build confidence and resilience, alleviate any anxiety associated with the transition into Middle School and foster genuine connections. It acts as an important rite of passage with the activities symbolic of their growing independence.