HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION OUTDOOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ONE SEMESTER

Outdoor and Environmental Studies

This subject is aimed at providing students with an individual challenge designed to encourage young people to develop into mature, active citizens who will positively contribute towards society. It presents a balanced, noncompetitive and enjoyable program of voluntary activities which encourage personal discovery and growth, selfreliance, perseverance, responsibility and service to the community.

The curriculum is focused on providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be well prepared for their camping excursions and appreciation of their community and environment. Students participate in a range of assessment tasks including film analysis, practical and theoretical first aid, a research task, structured questions and a semester exam.

The curriculum also encompasses learning activities that provide students with the opportunity to pursue VCE Units 1/2 Outdoor and Environmental Studies

About Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Outdoor and Environmental Studies is a pathway presenting students with the opportunity to challenge themselves within 4 specific areas. Students are expected to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh award component of this subject in their own time. The four sections are:

• Physical Recreation

• Skill

• Community Service

• Adventurous Journey

The curriculum centers around a multidimensional approach presenting students with an array of topics which include:

• Camp planning and preparation

• First Aid

• Nutrition

• Safety and safe procedure

• Route planning and navigation

• Camp craft

• Environmental care

• Team building and leadership

Pathways

Outdoor and Environmental studies and the Duke of Edinburgh Award has been recognised as a valuable opportunity for students to challenge themselves by setting realistic and achievable goals. Students have the opportunity to acquire essential life skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and drive. This can further enhance opportunities in CV’s, jobs and tertiary studies. Students who participate in this subject are encouraged to continue their interest in the VCE subject Outdoor and Environmental Studies.

Unit Focus Areas

Topic 1: Duke of Edinburgh Registration

Topic 2: First Aid: Students research a number of first aid scenarios that may arise when out in the community, especially whilst hiking/camping. These include snake bites, bleeding, seizures, soft tissue injuries, fractures, and CPR. Role plays are undertaken to reinforce concepts and an evaluation is undertaken with an emphasis on management of the victim.

Topic 3: Camp planning and preparation: This area of study includes a focus on students acquiring the skills necessary to ensure that their camping experience is safe and fun. Students research the appropriate clothing and equipment required for hiking/camping. Practically, students engage in the safe use of the Trangia (cooking stove), tent set up and shelter. Ideas of appropriate food are discussed. Groups are formed to plan their menu.

Nutrition: Students investigate appropriate food for hiking/camps. In particular there is a focus on physical health and foods that provide the appropriate nutrition for the activity they are undertaking.

Safety and safe procedure: Students explore the risks associated with excursions and when participating in the Award section of the program. Scenarios are presented and students are asked to identify the related risks. JSA’s are completed to show the students understanding of this subject area.

Route planning and navigation: Students become competent in the use of the compass. Maps are used to create cross sections. Navigational maps are referenced to show students where they will be hiking, the terrain, local landmarks and features.

Camp craft: Students research the etiquette of hiking and sharing walking trails.

Topic 4: Environmental Care: Students explore and examine the concept of ‘Leave No Trace or ‘Minimal Impact’. The idea is that we appreciate the environment we visit but have minimal impact on the local surroundings. Students also undertake a research task on an environmental issue that can impact on their local community. Students research the concept of Biodiversity and life in general.

Topic 5: Team building and leadership: Students engage in a number of initiatives that aim to develop teamwork, collaboration and communication. Different types of leadership are discussed and how this can influence the outcome of the activity.

Assessment

• STRUCTURED QUESTIONS: First Aid

• RESEARCH TASK: Environmental issue.

• FILM ANALYSIS: Camp planning and preparation

• EXAMINATION