Ravenswood is dedicated to nurturing a profound sense of social responsibility and global awareness among its students.
Rooted in the School’s Guiding Principles of Excellence, Respect, Optimism, Courage and Compassion, our Global Experiences and Social Justice Programs are integral to our educational ethos.
Through our Service and Social Justice Program, students are empowered to engage with social justice advocacy, action and awareness, both locally and globally. Whether it’s fundraising for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, crafting sanitary packs for Days for Girls, or participating in initiatives during National Reconciliation Week, students are actively involved in bringing about positive change.
Complementing these endeavours is our Global Experience Program, designed to cultivate intercultural understanding and prepare students for an increasingly globalised world.
From overseas tours and immersions to language acquisition opportunities as well as intercultural learning experiences, Ravenswood offers a plethora of experiences that extend beyond the classroom, allowing our students to gain invaluable insights into diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections across borders.
RAVO Reconciliation Group
At Ravenswood, the RAVO Reconciliation Group is a beacon of proactive engagement and advocacy for Indigenous rights and understanding. Led by passionate students, the group convenes weekly to delve into issues affecting First Nations peoples and to spearhead initiatives promoting reconciliation.
Facilitated by the School Chaplain Pastor Anna White-Atkins and our Social Justice Coordinator, the self-motivated group drives discussions, organises events and raises awareness within the School community. Through activities such as developing classroom resources, organising fundraisers for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and promoting Acknowledgement of Country statements, the RAVO Reconciliation Group demonstrates a commitment to meaningful action.
Their efforts also extend beyond the school gates, with participation in programs like the Red Earth Indigenous Immersion and engagement with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
Social Justice and Community Service
The values of social justice and community service are deeply embedded in the fabric of Ravenswood senior students’ lives.
Through diverse volunteering initiatives, students embark on a journey of altruism, guided by mentors who help them discern their strengths and interests in relation to serving others.
Whether championing environmental causes, supporting renowned charities like Lifeline, The Salvation Army and The Cancer Council, or participating in events such as Daffodil Day and the Red Shield Appeal, students help address a range of social needs and issues.
Two Year 12 Social Justice Captains are also elected yearly to lead initiatives and inspire their peers to make a difference. Ravenswood students make tangible contributions through their service and nurture a culture of empathy and responsibility within the School community. These experiences also empower students to become compassionate leaders, driving positive change in the world around them.
The annual Gail Kelly Making a Difference Leadership Award, founded and funded by Ravenswood Council Chair Dr Gail Kelly in 2019, further encourages the philanthropic efforts of Year 11 Ravenswood students by providing a student with $10,000 to support a local or international charity of their choice.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
At Ravenswood, students are given the opportunity to embrace The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program as a pathway to personal growth and community impact.
This renowned initiative, tailored for young people aged 14 to 25, encourages participants to set and achieve goals in community service, skills development, physical activity and adventurous expeditions.
Flexibility is at the core of the award: students design bespoke programs aligned with their passions and interests – whether that’s volunteering, mastering new skills or embarking on challenging adventures. Through each level – Bronze, Silver and Gold – students undertake progressively demanding experiences, culminating in the prestigious Gold Award, which includes a Residential Project fostering purposeful connections beyond familiar circles. Embodying the School’s values of service and leadership, Ravenswood students seize the opportunities offered by the award to step out of their comfort zones, discover their potential and benefit their communities.
Global Exchanges and Immersions
Ravenswood’s Global Exchanges and Immersions offer students transformative experiences that enrich their understanding of diverse cultures and develop global citizenship.
Students are supported to take part in Immersion trips in Noumea, Fiji and the Northern Territory, as well as exchange programs in Europe and other global destinations, where they cultivate lifelong friendships and develop essential life skills such as independence and cultural awareness. These exchanges, facilitated by dedicated educators, provide opportunities for language acquisition and immersive cultural experiences.
Additionally, Ravenswood offers a range of tours and immersions tailored to different interests and academic pursuits, where students explore diverse cultures and industries, broadening their perspectives and fostering a passion for learning.
Red Earth Immersions also provide students with unique opportunities to explore Indigenous cultures and engage in community-based projects. Through Red Earth Immersions, students deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives and gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
2024’s Love RAVO Day highlighted the importance of Principal Mrs Anne Johnstone’s word of the year, ‘Actualise’, as every student from Prep to Year 12 gathered with staff on the Oval in their school Houses to actualise social justice initiatives to support a range of special causes.