Outdoor Education

from Annual: Trinity 2014

Roll Call

Mr Brett Silver Outdoor Education Coordinator

Outdoor Education caters for all students and provides them with learning experiences they can transfer to other areas of College life. Through activities such as fishing, mountain biking, camping, climbing and boating boys develop independence, organisational skills and a positive attitude to challenge themselves with new activities.

Trinity College Outdoor Education students have again had the opportunity to experience a range of activities, challenges and expeditions throughout 2014. These students operated under the guidance of College Outdoor Education staff as well as some specialist instructors from the industry. The programs in which our students are involved differ from year to year and 2014 provided students with some great memories and enjoyable times.

Outdoor Education Years 7-10

Trinity students continued to show their enjoyment and dedication to Outdoor Education with high numbers of students choosing it as one of their elective subjects in Years 8, 9 and 10.

The Year 7 unit provides students with a brief taste of what Outdoor Education at Trinity College has to offer in future years. Boys were given the chance to paddle in the Swan River, try their luck with some fishing and cook their own meals on a Trangia camping stove. With the success of cooking shows such as MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules boys thoroughly enjoyed cooking and trying to create new meals.

Year 8 students worked on developing skills learnt in Year 7 and taking their skills to the next level. Similar activities are included as in Year 7 with the inclusion of mountain biking. Boys were then tested with a ride through the John Forrest National Park. Congratulations to all boys who completed the ride.

In 2014 Trinity College Year 10 Outdoor Education students were given the chance to attend the three night adventure learning camp in Augusta. This camp comprised of night caving, rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes, hiking as well as learning about the environment and how to conserve it for others to enjoy. Giants Cave was one of the highlights with boys climbing down to the deepest chamber of the cave that is found 88 metres underground. Special mention must go to the boys who overcame their fear of heights to conquer the 38 metre abseil at Wilyabrup sea cliffs.

Senior School VET Courses in Outdoor Education

Year 11 students studying Outdoor Education have been completing a Certificate I in Sport and Recreation while Year 12 students complete a Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation. Both certificates are nationally recognised and include external qualifications such as the Senior First Aid and Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.

Both programs are operated by a registered training organisation and conducted at the College. Through practical lessons and expeditions boys are challenged to be hands-on and encouraged to work outside their comfort zones.

The Year 11 students set out on a four night expedition off the coast of Dampier. Boys were required to navigate a course through the islands of the Dampier Archipelago, as well as enjoy the natural wonders of this fantastic part of Western Australia. Within groups of three, they were required to be self-sufficient and work as a team to get from island to island. Fishing, diving, camping, hiking and sailing were just a few of the activities offered on the expedition. Highlights included Nelson Waite (11.3) catching a small shark with his bare hands, lots of great snorkeling spots and a sense of achievement at the conclusion of the camp. Special mention must go to Mr Brendan Chapman, Mr Peter Oliver and Mr Andrew Jenkin who attended the camps with the Year 11 students.

The Munda Biddi mountain bike trail was the setting for the Year 12 expedition. Boys planned the journey from Nanga to Marrinup and included a number of specially designed off-road mountain bike tracks. Students were self-sufficient in regards to packing, food and bike maintenance for the entirety of the camp. Special moments that are worthy of recognition include Mr Leggett’s fall which, unfortunately, meant he would not ride again for the camp and the continued positive banter and attitude of the boys, even when faced with some unpleasant weather. Congratulations to the boys who completed the ride.

Congratulation to all students involved in Outdoor Education throughout 2014 for such a successful and enjoyable year.

A special thank you is given to all staff involved in Outdoor Education at the College and for their dedication to Trinity’s comprehensive off campus commitments.

Mr Brett Silver Outdoor Education Coordinator