The Rite Journey’s flagship program is a year-long process for Year 9 students
In 1909 anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep recognised that most cultures transitioned individuals from one social role to another by way of what he termed ‘rites of passage’. He recognised three distinct elements throughout different cultures: separation, transformation and reincorporation.
The Rite Journey acknowledges the lack of this process in western culture and reinvents this transition into adulthood using a Hero’s Journey. It expands the 3 elements into seven stages.
At a significant local landmark the students show gratitude for their childhood and are called on their journey to adulthood.
Parents, carers and mentors join the students for an opportunity to learn, reflect and look forward.
The students are guided throughout the year by a number of supportive adults including teachers, parents/carers and mentors.
Resilience is built by giving students challenges and helping them acquire the skills, resources and mindset necessary to overcome them.
The biggest challenge of the year takes students out of their comfort zone to help them learn more about themselves.
Students reflect on what they have learned and experienced over the year and the gifts and skills they will carry into adulthood.
Students are celebrated and honoured at a gratitude ceremony involving teachers, parents/carers and mentors.
Utilise this program to craft meaningful curriculum connections to meet the needs of students in your unique school context.
The Rite Journey recognises and pays our respects to the First Nations peoples across this country, whose lands were never ceded and remain important to the living First Nations peoples today. In particular we would like to acknowledge Peramangk First Nations Peoples and their ancestral lands on which our office is located.
We respect and acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging along with the living cultures, spirit, and country of all First Peoples.
