Outdoor Education

Physical Education in Years 11 and 12

The performance of Trinity College students in the 2012 WACE Physical Education Studies examination was again of the highest order. The Year 12 cohort scored an impressive 14% above the state average for their mean scaled score which is a magnificent achievement. Fifteen students from the group of forty eight achieved an excellent rating (score above 75%), representing 31% of our school cohort taking Physical Education Studies at Stage 3 level. Statistically, these results are of the highest order and continue to prove that Trinity College is a leader in this subject.

Harry McInnes (’12) and William Smith (‘12) each received a Certificate of Distinction in Physical Education Studies which placed them in the top 0.5% of the students statewide in this subject. This is an outstanding achievement and both boys were recognised for their efforts at the Physical Education Studies Teachers’ Association (PESTA) where they received certificates of excellence.

Special thanks must go to Brendan Chapman, Stephen Leahy (‘78) and John Taylor for their ongoing efforts in preparing the students for their final WACE examinations.

Physical Education Studies is becoming an increasingly popular choice for our Year 11 and Year 12 students with over 60% of students studying the course in Year 11 alone. Highlights of the course continue to be the practical volleyball sessions in Year 11 whilst the ability of Year 12 students to practically apply biomechanical, physiological and psychological concepts to their own PSA sporting endeavours ensures a greater level of understanding of key content areas.

With the huge success of the course over the past six years, as a department, we are delighted to see a growing number of students exploring the health and fitness sector at a tertiary level. Sound knowledge and understanding in key areas such as nutrition, anatomy, physiology and biomechanics have laid excellent foundations for many of our students to continue their studies in the areas of physiotherapy, sport science, medicine and sports management. Further to this, it has also provided many other students with the necessary skills to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Mr David Hankin Physical Education Studies Teacher

Pre-service Teacher Program

Pre-service teachers perform an important function at Trinity College. They assist with the training of our sports teams as well as providing a source of up-to-date teaching methods currently being taught at institutions such as Edith Cowan University, Notre Dame University and the University of Western Australia. “It felt like only yesterday I was walking around the school grounds as a student at Trinity College and to come back as an Old Boy to complete my teaching practicum was a truly honourable and rewarding experience. The Physical Education Department’s professionalism towards teaching and the passion that they show for Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Fitness and Health is second-tonone. To be able to model myself and learn from them was extremely valuable. One of the highlights of my practicum was being Assistant Coach for the Trinity 2nd XVIII which finished on top of the ladder for the season.” Boston Williamson (’09) – Notre Dame University

The staff here at Trinity College is our most valuable resource. Along with the current Health and Physical Education teachers I would like to thank these young teachers for their contribution to the education of the young men at Trinity College. All indicators highlight the fact that our students are excelling in, not only the development of knowledge, but physical and interpersonal skills supporting the College mantra of Men for Others.

Mr Rod Rainer Head of Health and Physical Education

Mr Brett Silver Outdoor Education Coordinator

Outdoor Education continued to be a popular choice for students throughout 2013 and the introduction of a number of new Outdoor Education staff provided students with boundless opportunities to enjoy the subject.

Through an eight week rotation elective all Year 7 students had their first Outdoor Education experience. The course is very practical based and aims to develop these boys into young men with lifelong skills such as organisation, interpersonal skills, independence as well as always having a positive attitude. The Year 7 cohort were exposed to mountain biking, fishing, camp cooking and kayaking.

Outdoor Education for our Year 8 students continued with similar activities however they were exposed to more of the technical and complicated elements. These boys were given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills learnt in class on a one day mountain biking expedition through the John Forrest National Park. Congratulations to all boys who completed the ride and thank you to all staff who accompanied the students along the track.

Explorus Adventure Learning in the South West again welcomed our Year 10 students to be involved in a four day wilderness experience. Boys were led through a number of challenging activities including a visit to an underground cave to a depth close to 100m, abseiling down a sheer cliff face of 37m and completing a high ropes course suspended in the karri forest.

Years 11 and 12 Outdoor Education students completed competency based courses built around external Certificates in Sport and recreation and Outdoor Recreation. They gained valuable nationally recognised qualifications including their Skippers Ticket, Bronze Medallion, and First Aid Certificate.

The Year 11 students spent five nights off the coast of Dampier at the end of Term 3. Navigation, cooking, sailing, fishing and camping were some of the elements on the expedition, as well as enjoying the natural wonders of this fantastic part of Western Australia. The boys were treated with some fantastic weather and completed the week with great success. The location for the Year 12 mountain biking camp was the Munda Biddi Trail in and around Dwellingup. The students completed three legs of the trail as well as challenging themselves with two of the more difficult sections of riding. All students were self-reliant for the week and worked well with the staff who accompanied them.

Congratulations to all students involved in Outdoor Education throughout 2013 for such a successful and enjoyable year.

A special thank you must be given to Mr Peter Oliver who attended all of these expeditions and the rest of the Outdoor Education staff for their dedication to Trinity’s comprehensive off campus commitments.

Mr Brett Silver Outdoor Education Coordinator