Year 11 Environmental Science Camp - Queenscliff

On the 23rd to the 25th of October, 30 students from the Year 11 Environmental Science classes spent 3 days in Queenscliff participating in a variety of educational experiences and programs. The purpose of this camp was to give students experience of field work in the areas of ecological sampling, land management, regenerative farming, marine biology, pollution monitoring and habitat assessment & management. Students undertook a regenerative farming session at the Common Ground Project in Freshwater Creek - where they learnt about how regenerative farming can reduce the ecological footprint of foods. In Queenscliff, students went on an educational 'Marine Biology' boat cruise of Port Phillip Bay to snorkel with Australian Fur Seals at Popes Eye Marine Park and carry out in situ water testing of various locations around the Bay. On the boat cruise, we were lucky enough to even spot pods of dolphins as they played along side our boat. The students also had a presentation from a Marine Biologist working with Parks Victoria who taught us about the environmental and geological history of the Bay as well as the types of organisms and interactions that exist in the amazing ecosystem. On our way home, we stopped at Serendip Sanctuary near the You Yangs where students conducted a habitat assessment of a Grassy Woodland under the supervision of Ranger Vanessa from Parks Victoria. Overall it was an amazing experience that gave students first hand experience in many areas that we have studied this and will study next year. 

We want to congratulate the students for their exemplary behaviour and attitude to learning on camp. We ate looking forward to taking this group again next year for a snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Marnie Sparrow, Nicholas Barclay & Sharnee Armstrong