VCE Geography Fieldwork Camp 

By Hannah Crispin (Outdoor Education Teacher)

As part of our Unit 3 study, our VCE Geography class recently headed down to Phillip Island to undertake some fieldwork.  The first part of Unit 3 looks at how land has a story to tell about how humans have related to and used it over time.

The study site focused around the Summerland Peninsula - the southwestern protruding point which you may know because it is home to The Penguin Parade and The Nobbies.  Between 1985 and 2010 the Summerland Peninsula underwent a controversial buyback plan under the State Government which essentially meant the people had to move out so that the penguins would be able to move back in.  It is believed to be have set a precedent on the global stage; humans moving for animals.

Our small but punchy class - Ben, Noah, Matt, Caspa, Angus and Cam - was accompanied by some passionate Geographers; Mr Callow (how lucky were we!) and myself.  The students were investigating whether the positive environmental and economic outcomes that were intended through the buyback were in fact achieved through this change in land use.  They conducted four interviews with a range of key stakeholders including some local ex-estate residents, a Phillip Island Nature Parks ranger and the lead site manager from KANE Constructions overseeing the multi-million dollar redevelopment project.  The students also administered a survey for locals and carried out several site analyses for areas of re-vegetation and local tourism.  On the Tuesday night, after fish and chips, we visited the Penguin Parade to watch the show of Little Penguins make their regular evening journey up the beach before heading back to our incredible accommodation where we enjoyed The Little Mermaid and ice-cream; naturally.

We had an amazing time of learning, especially impacted by the different stories that we got to hear - with a bit of fun and relaxation mixed in.