Around the outdoor classrooms

The Year 11 students studying Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies explored the Grampians Region during week 4 of Term 1 for their very first camp of the year. 

During camp, students were able to complete experiential learning making connections with the Study Design in preparation for SACs 1 – 4 for Unit 3 as well as the end of year Exam. Students are currently studying historical relationships with outdoor environments and were able to better understand this throughout activities on their camp. 

Departure was early Wednesday morning to drive to Ararat where they completed a tour at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, to learn about the Gold Rush within the area. After the tour, students then headed to One Tree Hill lookout to eat lunch and view the Grampians Region in its entirety for the first time. Through this, students will be able to refer to the landscape and characteristics that have shaped the Grampians Region. 

Later in the afternoon students completed a tour of the Halls Gap Zoo, where they learnt about native flora and fauna and the adaptations they have made since Australia’s separation from Gondwana 200 million years ago. 

Thursday consisted of a Park Ranger information session where students learnt about the traditional owners within the Grampians, as well as testing the Health of Lake Bellfield through observable characteristics. In the afternoon students then Rock Climbed and Abseiled in Halls Gap near Delly’s Bridge in a whopping 30-degree heat. Not only did students face their fear of heights they all worked together and supported each other through the heat. Before we knew it it was time to pack up camp and head back to school. 

On the way back, students visited the You Yangs where they hiked Flinders Peak and were able to better understand Major Mitchell's first expedition in 1836 of the area. Students did an amazing job making experiential links to their Study Design for SACs 1 – 4 and the final exam whilst on camp, well done to everyone who completed the camp. 

Taylah McConachy

Outdoor Education, Health and Physical Education Teacher