Outdoor Education
What Adventures are happening in Outdoor Education?
Year 9’s
Our 2026 Outdoor Education program for our Year 9 came in early at the Great Ocean Road at the end of step up last year. The year 9’s participated in their first ever surf camp at Lorne, which for many was a taste tester of the adventures Outdoor Education at EMC has to offer. Students learnt how to set up tents, cook on trangias, assess water safety and develop a connection and understanding about the coastal environment they visited. As outdoor-eders, we can’t get enough of the waves. Our Year 9 classes travelled to Phillip island at YCW to continue to build on their skill set in surfing. For a change of scenery the year 9’s participated in a day excursion of canoeing at our local environment of Devilbend reservoir where they learnt about local waterways and different canoeing techniques and strokes.
Year 10’s
Year 10 OED class kicked off the 2026 surfing season with high vibes and even bigger waves at Phillip Island YCW where students had an opportunity to expand their skill set in surfing. After a blast of a day in the ocean, the day was concluded with a visit to the local bakery in San Remo. Nothing better than a delicious sausage roll and doughnut after a day of big surf! Our Year 10’s also visited Devilbend reservoir for a canoe day excursion where they applied their skills actively through canoe rescue techniques. Lets just say, no one left without being tipped in. Making the most of the sun, the Year 10’s finished the day strong with a visit to Mt Martha beach for an icecream. Upcoming, the Year 10’s have an exciting adventure at Mt Arapiles Toonan State Park where students will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to rock climb and abseil. Students will participate in a half day of top-roping and a full day of multi-pitching, creating lifelong memories and new experiences.
Year 11’s
Ms Thompson’s Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies switched it up from surfing and canoeing, as they went snorkelling at Sorrento with dolphins and seals with a small local business called polperro. Mother nature was kind to us bringing out the sunshine however unfortunately the dolphins didn’t make an appearance. This meant the students got the ultimate experience of swimming with seals at popeseye and were lucky enough to spot multiple weedy seadragons, taking the plunge and opening their eyes to another world. Following this, the Year 11’s participated in a 6km walk at Point Nepean park, where they learnt about the history of colonization. In the last week of February, the OES Year 11s traveled to Wilsons Prom for a 4 day camp, where they undertook activities of surfing and overnight hiking for 3 days. It was a fantastic effort, with everyone walking over 30kms, building memories, connections and knowledge to tie into their studies. VCE Outdoor Education is truly a whole new level of adventure and fun!
Year 12’s
Our hard working year 12s are preparing themselves for a whole week long canoe expedition along the Glenelg River within the National Park. The Year 12’s participated in a day excursion to Devilbend reservoir where they perfected their canoeing techniques and skills, each undertaking a capsize and canoe rescue. Only a few weeks away, the Glenelg camp is where students will travel to the Moleside camping area on day one where they will begin their journey. Over the 5 days, the cohort will make their way downstream via canoe to McLennons Punt, camping on the rivers banks every evening and cooking group meals. They’ll pack all their belongings into a canoe, camp under the stars, cook dinner off a fire and count as many koalas they can spot while paddling downstream.
This opportunity allows the Year 12 OES class to connect with Gunditjmara, Boandik and Jadawadjali Country giving them first hand experience and connections to their in class key knowledge point learning.
