Yr12 Environmental Science Whitsundays Camp

Early in the morning on the Kings Birthday, 46 Year 12 Environmental Science students and 5 staff members gathered at Melbourne Airport to embark on a 5-day Camp to the Whitsundays for an educational study tour.  

Using the Big4 Adventure Camp in Airlie Beach as our base, the students took part in various activities which reinforced the concepts learnt in VCE Environmental Science. These activities included a Crocodile Safari and Wetlands tour of the Proserpine River ecosystem as well as an animal encounters and coral restoration experience on Daydream Island. The absolute highlight of the camp was taking part in the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program with Ocean Rafting. This involved taking a boat out to a fringing reef near Teague Island and carrying out an underwater snorkel transect survey where students had to identify and count keystone species. The results of our survey go towards the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority monitoring program and students can use the data later in the year for a SAC. During our Ocean Rafting tour, lunch was spent on Whitehaven Beach and students enjoyed a scenic walk through the rainforest of Whitsunday Island. 

Despite our busy itinerary, the students even managed to complete SACs and homework between activities. Everywhere we went, both tour operators and members of the public, complemented our students on their exemplary behaviour and resilience. We couldn't be prouder of this group of young people. 

Marnie Sparrow & Nic Barclay (Year 12 Environmental Science teachers)