Beaconhills College’s Year 9 Summit to School program has been recognised as an Exemplary Program in the 2026 Outdoor Education Australia Awards.

The national award celebrates outdoor education programs that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, strong educational outcomes and a positive impact on young people. Of more than 500 nominations received for the award, only 2% were recognised as Exemplary Programs.

Designed and delivered entirely by the College, Summit to School takes around 320 Year 9 students on a seven-day expedition across Gunaikurnai Country each year. Beginning at Mount Baw Baw, the journey combines hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting and Indigenous cultural learning before finishing with the much loved Greet and the Gate where students are welcomed home by family, friends and staff.

Head of Experiential Learning Lachlan Groh and Head of Beacon Explorers Belinda Dalziel said the award reflects the collective effort behind the program.

“From our Beacon Explorers team and teaching staff to students and maintenance staff who work together to grow produce for the program’s net-zero impact, as well as families supporting the students, it truly is a community effort”, Belinda said.

Lachlan said the program is designed to help students connect with the outdoors while building confidence and resilience through challenge, reflection and shared experiences.

Belinda said that one of the most rewarding moments is seeing students return to campus with a renewed sense of self-belief.

“Watching them walk through the gates, embrace their families and proudly say, ‘I did it,’ captures exactly what this program is about.”