Camps & Excursions
Unit 3/4 Halls Gap Outdoor Education Camp
Sitting on the bus, the unit 3 and 4 outdoor ed class primed ourselves for the next few days learning about sustainability and management practices. We were headed for Halls Gap with a trip to the zoo as well as many educational sessions on the itinerary. Our first stop was Mount William where we climbed to the top to see a breathtaking view of fog, fog, and more fog. While we didn't get to see much, it was a rewarding experience to reach the highest point in the Grampians. The next activity was a tour of the Halls Gap zoo where we were informed of endangered species such as the yellow footed rock wallaby and the strategies in place to boost numbers. After a long day we fired up the barbeques, cooked a delicious dinner, and went to bed.
The next morning, we took a drive down the road to the YHA Eco Lodge and were spoken to about the design features of the building helping conserve energy. Next, we headed to WAMA (Wildlife Art Museum of Australia), saw some mind-blowing displays of fungi art, and even got to try our hand at charcoal drawing. After a bakery lunch we participated in a volunteering session with Parks Victoria pulling out Sallow Wattle which has taken over a large span of area in the Grampians. While a native species to NSW, it has been found to be invasive in parts of Victoria. To fill in some time after our session we took a quick drive and arrived at Silverband Falls which was followed by a game of mini golf while looking at the effects of urbanisation and tourism. Finishing off the day with a delicious dinner in Halls Gap and frozen yoghurt for dessert we were all ready for bed.
On our last day, some of us were woken early at about 6 o'clock because of a suspicious noise. Someone had been singing and when later confronted they said they were "innocent until proven guilty." After breakfast we climbed Hollow Mountain, this time rewarded with spectacular views from all directions. A quick detour to pack up our campsite and a visit to Brambuk, we headed home for some much-needed rest.
Intro to Outdoor Ed Camp
In Week 8, the Year 9 Intro to Outdoors class made their way to the Grampians for an overnight bushwalk. We were fortunate to be out in the bush and enjoying the mountains with the weather also helping out.
The group had been preparing for this for weeks so were well prepared, although some students still obviously packed too much in their backpacks. Once we had adjusted our packs we set off along the base of the Serra Range and walked alongside the Wannon River. It didn't take long for the wet tracks to take their first victim, and Mallory found out what falling with a pack on feels like! Tilly then followed soon after and we all took more care when walking on the muddy areas.
The walk turned out to be great for the group, as we were able to chat as we walked and enjoy the surroundings with some undulating tracks. We enjoyed the changes in scenery and ecosystems from Jimmy's Creek to the rocky outcrops we were able to climb on. We arrived at Wannon Crossing and set up in time to have a swim in the chilly Wannon River. Cooking on the Trangias at the campsite was pretty good after practicing at school and we fit it all in, as well as a few games of Spotlight, before the rain came which was lucky for all.
Day 2 was nice to wake with the Sun shining. After packing up we found our way onto Lynch's track and set off with the Wannon flowing alongside us. The vegetation thinned out at times and we able to spot some friendly wildlife, as well as witness evidence of the destruction of the recent bushfires as well as the revegetation it created. Some side missions of rock bouldering, and hike in campsites lead us to near the end where we encountered alot of water flowing over the road.
These water crossings were an exciting way to finish the walk, where all had to take off our shoes and walk through the freezing river on more than one occasion! A very refreshing but chilly end to a fun and challenging camp.
AIE Trip to Melbourne
Starting off early in the day for our trip to the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) in Melbourne. We took a group photo and then Thomas, who has worked at AIE for a number of years took us all to begin the tour. First, we all sat in a meeting room to have a brief overview regarding what AIE is about, what they have to offer, and why AIE is a great pathway for anyone who may be interested in a variety of technology programs. Then, Thomas brought us up to the third floor which had a virtual production volume room that contained of huge LED screens which allows groups of students to work together and create virtual backgrounds like we see in movies and tv today. The second floor had a big green screen room for film and media creators to, similar with the volume room, create fluid backgrounds. Just like in the photo now, a team had built pieces of a pirate ship to help immerse their film. Following that, the first floor we visited Advance Diploma adult students studying Game Programming, Game Art and Design. They were working in teams and building playable games. We came back to our room for VET in Schools students. This is the room that our group sat in and collectively tried out numerous game projects that first year and second year students had worked on last year, as well as creating feedback/bug reports for those games. Overall, it was a great time for us to experience what a technological pathway has to offer and many of us enjoyed our time.
-Tom
