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OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Outdoor  Education is a course offered as a year 9 or 10 elective PE course. It  may be taken as a semester unit - Outdoor Education 1 and Outdoor  Education 2 and can not be repeated. Students may do the elective in  one year or over two years (we recommend it be done over one year as  the group becomes cohesive). Students who elect to do the course will  be encouraged to achieve highly in skill development, leadership,  safety, planning and knowledge.

Course Aims

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  • Provide  students with opportunities to develop skills and acquire knowledge  that will lead to increase safety and enjoyment in outdoor recreational  activities.
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  • Develop a strong sense of environment and a caring attitude to the environment.
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  • Encourage and assist students to explore a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
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  • Promote lifetime recreation.
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  • Development of problem solving skills, group dynamics, trust and communication.

Excursions (Camps)

Term 1 - Ocean Sports
  Term 2 - Bush Walking
  Term 3 - Skiing/Snowboarding
  Term 4 - High Ropes Course

Outdoor Education 1 - Semester 1

  1.  
  2. Orientation to Outdoors and Outdoor Education
        An introductory unit with the overall aim of creating a base of  attitude, knowledge and skill necessary for safe enjoyment of the  outdoors.
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  4. Group Initiatives
        Looks at clearly defined  problems, which must be solved by the group according to specific  rules. These will develop group dynamics; communication, trust,  leadership, and problem solving skills important for camp and outdoor  adventure activities.
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  6. Ocean Sports
        An introduction to  ocean sports including body surfing, the use of boogie boards and  surfboards. Students will also be required to pass swimming and  lifesaving skills in the Bronze Star award. Basic First Aid principles  related to the ocean and our camp will commence in term 1 - leading to  a St John's certificate in Outdoor Education 2.
        Camp preparation:
        - equipment checks and set up.
        - menu planning for camp meals.
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  8. Bush Walking
        An introduction to bushwalking, bushcraft and remote camping skills.  Topics include: Map and compass, Weather, Survival and First Aid in the  bush and Equipment, Food and Clothing Planning.

Outdoor Education 2 - Semester 2

  1.  
  2. Cross Country Skiing, Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
        This unit aims to introduce students to the basic techniques of Cross  Country/Downhill skiing and snowboarding and to encourage enjoyment of  the snow and appreciation of the alpine environment. Topics include:  Safety, Equipment, Fitness for Skiing, First Aid, Skiing/Snowboarding  techniques, Camp preparation and Environment considerations.
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  4. Adventure Sports
        This unit deals with experiencing outdoor adventure activities in and  around Canberra. Topics and activities may include the following: rock  climbing, abseiling, rope sports, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing,  sailing, dragon boating, ice skating, horse riding, small wheel sports,  and bike riding. St Johns First Aid certificates will be finalised and  tested in this term.