“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” — Muhammad Ali, professional boxer and activist
As the sun rises over Thredbo Village, a group of eager Year 6 students gathers in the car park, their anticipation palpable. It’s not a typical morning—5 am wake-up calls from teachers tend to signal something out of the ordinary. Today, they’re embarking on a journey that will test their limits and leave a lasting impression on their young minds.
The destination? The summit of Australia’s tallest mountain—Mount Kosciuszko. For most, the prospect of such a feat (walking 17km including 900m of vertical elevation) is daunting, including for the teachers accompanying them. But as they set off, excitement fills the air, mingling with nervous energy. Despite knowing the challenge that lies ahead—sweat, sore feet, and uncertainty—the students are eager to embrace it.
What sets this journey apart is not just the destination, but the path taken to reach it. While approximately 300 schools tackle the Kosciuszko summit walk each year, Tudor House stands out. Not only do we bring Year 6 students—a rarity in itself—but we start the hike from the bottom, a decision unheard of by many. Passers-by are amazed by the youthfulness of the students and astounded to learn of their unconventional starting point (school groups almost exclusively use the chair lift to make the walk significantly easier).
But why do we do it? Over the past two years, Tudor House has made this trek a tradition, with every Year 6 student reaching the summit. It’s not just about reaching the goal; it’s about the journey itself. Some students might not have chosen to undertake such a challenge, and others may have faltered along the way. Yet with support, encouragement, and the camaraderie of their peers, they all confront the risk of failure and emerge victorious.
In reflecting on my own school experiences, I vividly recall the reality of falling short in four consecutive attempts to win a GPS Premiership in Years 11 and 12, but in those moments, difficult as they were at the time, I learnt the importance of facing adversity and the necessity of setbacks. It’s not just about winning and succeeding; it’s about the courage to try, to push oneself, to bounce back from failure and to find strength in the company of others. These challenging moments, planned or unplanned, shape character and prepare students for the complexities of the world beyond the classroom.
Tudor House provides students with countless opportunities to forge their character, strengthen their resolve, and cultivate a spirit of service. The Kosciuszko hike is just one example of these transformative experiences, instilling lessons of perseverance and resilience that extend far beyond the mountain summit.
As we celebrate the achievements of our Year 6 students in conquering Kosciuszko, let us also recognise the profound impact of these experiences in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. It’s not just about reaching the peak—it’s about the journey along the way, and the invaluable lessons learned along the path to success.
Adam Larby
Head of Tudor House