Outdoor Education Report

This year is the inaugural year for Outdoor Education at Christway College-Wyndham. We started with just one subject, which the Year 7, 8 and 9’s had the opportunity to choose as an elective.  The students had the opportunity to learn about coastal environments in class and participate in two activities in our local coastal environments of Point Cook and Werribee South.

Students saw firsthand the impacts of erosion and other processes that can change our coastlines. They found items such as cuttlefish, crab skeletons. John, our guide talked about some of the plants that are crucial to restoring the integrity of the sand dunes.

Our other excursion experience was to Werribee South Beach, students were a little apprehensive as most of them had not stand-up paddle boarded before. But after a quick lesson on the grass, we ventured into the shallow and then deeper water. The students had a great time racing each other and Mr Mawdsley and Ms  Walsh, and occasionally pushing each other into the water.

Our final experience was indoor rock-climbing, unfortunately this year we were not able to organize an outdoor rock-climbing experience, but the students had a wonderful time at Cliffhanger Gym in Altona where they challenged themselves and even some of the instructors working there.

Next year, 2025, the College is planning to have two outdoor education subjects: one for the Year 7 and 8 students, and another for the Year 9 and 10 students. We are looking forward to expanding our program to include outdoor journey experiences.

Rachel Walsh

Teacher