Deputy Principal's report

Outdoor Education at Oakleigh Grammar

Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure to be able to attend several school camps. How wonderful it has been that many of our students from Years 5, 9 and 12 have been able to attend camp. With Years 10 and 11 due on camp in a fortnight, and other groups later in the year, I am sure that they too are looking forward to their camp.

On each of these occasions, it was great to see the students taking on various challenges and working with each other in the different activities, some of which were new to them.

Despite being a little out of their comfort zone at times, there was a good spirit, collegiality and much laughter. There is a lot to be said too, of sitting down in a communal dining room and sharing a meal together with friends, especially if you have also had a hand in preparing that meal for others. Our Year 12s also took to making their fine desserts with much skill and creativity!

At Oakleigh Grammar, our Outdoor Education Program is designed to enhance the educational experiences for our students. The program allows them to holistically develop their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings, through a range of practical, hands-on experiences. All students from Years 3 to 11 have the opportunity to participate in an outdoor education program that offers appropriate challenge and complexity to encourage exploration of, and reflection about, the following elements:

Independence, self-confidence and resilience
Problem solving, teamwork, organisation, critical thinking and creativity
Leadership (especially for others that may not have roles at school)
Service to the community
Connection to the natural environment and increasing respect for, and understanding of, sustainable living practices
Resourcefulness, perseverance and determination, especially in new and challenging experiences and activities
Key personal and social competencies including wellbeing, empathy and tolerance.

Across their time at Oakleigh Grammar students are exposed to different physical environments, including coastal, mountain, forest, farm and river settings. Exposure to these different locations provides opportunities for students to build their understanding of relevant skills, through the authentic application of these in different contexts. It also provides opportunities to develop an appreciation of the uniqueness of each setting visited. In addition to these experiences, our Year 12 students participate in a 3-day live-in program that focuses on the development of team-building and study skills linked to their VCE studies – but they also get to swim with dolphins and learn how to surf.

I find time on camp a great way to get to know the students in a different light to that of a classroom and why I will always put my hand up to attend one.

Peter Dickinson

Deputy Principal - Operations