Outdoor Education Academic
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utdoor Education in 2004 saw some significant changes in the development of the upper school courses.
The Year 11 course culminated in a Seatrek expedition to Shark Bay for six days. Eighteen students Mr Adam Scott and two staff sailed the Coordinator of Outdoor Peron Peninsular observing Education and living in the natural environment. Some highlights of the trip included staying at a spectacular red dirt campsite at Big Lagoon and visiting the original homestead at Shark Bay where we had a spa in the artesian spring. Unfortunately the weather turned and Shark Bay received 80% of its rainfall in the last two days we were there. This was a great learning experience for everyone about being prepared for the worst and working as a team when situations become difficult. We all survived to tell the tales to our grand children. In the second year of Year 12 Outdoor Education, we introduced some new initiatives to the course. In Term One each student earned a bronze medallion as a part of their first aid and search and rescue requirements.
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Our main emphasis for the year was a cycling expedition along the “Munda Biddi” trail between Dwellingup and Jarrahdale. The expedition was physically quite demanding as we wound our way along the hills from campsite to campsite. We witnessed some spectacular scenery including two of Perth’s dams and some beautiful campsites that were vibrant with wildflowers and native fauna. Each student took a leadership role in order to get us safely to our destination. With one exception, where we went wildly off track down a huge hill, we managed to find our way safely through the bush. I commend the boys for their achievements during this expedition. The middle school courses continue to be a popular option for students. For the first time, there were six classes in Year 10 resulting in the need for two camps. These adventure camps in Margaret River prove to be a good test for students who want to leave their comfort zone and challenge themselves to abseiling, rock climbing, caving and performing manoeuvres ten metres above ground in the treetops. Thanks to the participating teachers for giving up their time and energy on all our camps. Particular thanks to Mr Steve Leahy, Mr Marcus Wilkinson, Mr Gary Malarkey and Mr Jerry Scott. Adam Scott Head of Outdoor Education
