SENIOR SCHOOL
Carey Zero
Carey Zero includes Zero at Kew, a unique core learning program in Year 10, and the Zero Journey, an exciting three-week expedition to northern Queensland.
Carey Zero is a program designed to empower students to develop resilience, build character and enhance connection to themselves, their peers and the world around them.
With a significant focus on reflection, connection and learning from First Nations perspectives, Carey Zero prepares students for their final years of school and their lives beyond Year 12. It is made up of two components: the Zero Journey, a three-week expedition in northern Queensland where students actively participate in wildlife conservation, marine research and community initiatives; and Zero at Kew, an innovative year-long subject that complements the expedition.
The Zero Journey
As part of the Carey Zero program, students travel to northern Queensland for a three-week expedition. Through partnerships with James Cook University (JCU) and Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), students undertake hands-on research and conservation work. All students participate in important environmental research projects at AWC's Mount Zero–Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, but other parts of the expedition will be unique to each group. For example, some groups may learn about the Great Barrier Reef at JCU's Orpheus Island Research Station, and some will develop a deeper understanding of our country’s history from a First Nations perspective with the Nywaigi people at the Mungalla Cattle Station.
Learn more about our work with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy on their website!
Zero at Kew
Zero at Kew is a year-long subject and part of the core learning program for all Year 10 students. It aims to empower our students by nurturing their physical, mental, social, spiritual and academic wellbeing, while also fostering leadership and essential life skills.
Students learn about environmental sustainability and our responsibility for the land we live on through principles that emphasise hands-on experiential learning and connects students with real-world contexts. Zero at Kew encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of our country’s history from a First Nations perspectives.
During their Zero at Kew subject, students are part of a Zero at Kew group consisting of 15 students and one Zero Mentor who is the first point of contact. The Zero Mentor also provides guidance, support and accountability throughout Year 10 and accompanies the group on the Zero Journey expedition.
Carey Zero logo
We're proud to unveil our Carey Zero logo, the visual identity for our re-imagined Year 10 experience.
The Carey Zero logo is based on a painting by Kamilaroi artist, Barry ‘Rainman’ Boland, which was commissioned by Carey to represent the Carey Zero experience and honour the connection to Country inherent in the program.
Boland's design incorporates elements representing land, sea and community – the three pillars of the Zero Journey experience. The central motif of the artwork is the turtle, representative of the ocean and marine life that Carey students engage with throughout their journey. The turtle is adorned with human footprints and the symbol of a meeting place, reflecting students coming together for inclusive cross-cultural learning through stories, knowledge and experiences. Surrounding the turtle are the footprints of the northern bettong and cassowary – land animals native to the area that students encounter through conservation projects and research.
