VCE/VET Sport, Aquatic & Recreation
By Katie Cook
VCE/VET Sport, Aquatic & Recreation
By Katie Cook
It has been a very busy term for the VCE/VET Sport, Aquatic and Recreation students. All have worked exceptionally hard learning new theory and then applying this knowledge to an assortment of practical situations.
This term, our Unit 1&2 students have worked hard to develop their skills in organising work priorities, improving officiating skills and knowledge, providing quality service, and managing interpersonal conflict. It has been a busy and rewarding term, with students showing great determination and resilience as they applied their learning through both theory and practical activities.
As part of the course the students had the valuable opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice by planning and running the Warrandyte Primary School Athletics Carnival. Throughout the day, students played a key role in facilitating the event. Their responsibilities included assisting with planning, setting up and packing down equipment, marshalling and judging track events, and running all field events. Each task was undertaken with professionalism, teamwork and enthusiasm.
The experience was directly connected to their current VET units of competency. By officiating across a variety of track and field events, students demonstrated their ability to continuously improve their officiating skills and knowledge through real-world application and reflection. In addition, their strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills highlighted their capacity to provide quality service, ensuring that the younger students had a safe, enjoyable, and well-organised carnival experience.
The primary school staff were full of praise for our students, acknowledging their professionalism, dedication, and the positive way they represented Warrandyte High School.
We congratulate the students on their hard work and the way they brought their learning to life.
Students are now preparing for their final assessment in this area where they will be responsible for officiating the year 7&8 interschool basketball competition.
In term 4 students will be focusing on their final unit for the year 'Maintain sport, fitness and rereation industry knowledge'. As part of this students will be planning, leading and participating in a 3 day hike at Wilsons Promontory National Park. This is something studdents are eagerly looking forward to.
This term, our Unit 3&4 students completed the final unit of their Certificate III in Sport, Aquatic and Recreation, focusing on Workplace Health and Safety. A key component of this unit was learning to participate in hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control processes.
Throughout the term, students developed a strong understanding of how to conduct risk assessments, evaluate different types of risks, identify contributing factors, and implement strategies to minimise hazards. This knowledge was built through a combination of theoretical learning in the classroom and practical application at school. A highlight of the term was attending a three-day Sailing Camp in Geelong. Here, they had the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world situations, assessing risks in a variety of contexts both on and off the water. The camp not only strengthened their practical understanding but also provided valuable experiences in teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. Students are now focused on preparing for their end of year exam. I wish to congratulate all students on their efforts over the past 2 years. The group has stuck together through challenging times and also celebrated many successors together. It has been a pleasure to teach these students and watch them grow as leaders in the area. I wish them all the very best in everything they do in the future.
VCE/VET Sport, Aquatic and Recreation Sailing Camp
Across three days, our Unit 3&4 VCE/VET Sport, Aquatic and Recreation students participated in an action-packed sailing camp at the Victorian Sailing School, where they were able to consolidate their theoretical knowledge through practical application.
Day One began with hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures, before students were introduced to sailing theory and boat rigging. Despite strong winds, they were able to sail the larger Dolphin boats under the guidance of instructors. The day finished with a balance of recreational and physical activities including beach volleyball, table tennis, and an indoor rock climbing and bouldering session, where many students pushed themselves to their physical limits.
Day Two saw sailing postponed in the morning due to unsafe wind conditions. Instead, students extended their knowledge of reading weather charts and wind conditions, before boarding speedboats to explore the local coastline and also experience the different weather conditions on the water. They observed key maritime landmarks such as the old power station, grain export terminal, shipping channels and the Spirit of Tasmania. By the afternoon, conditions improved, enabling students to sail the Dolphin boats with the jib sail, rotating through all three crew roles. The day concluded with visits to Torquay for some retail therapy and Bells Beach to further practice hazard identification in coastal settings, followed by a celebratory group dinner reflecting on their two-year journey in completing Certificate III in Sport, Aquatic and Recreation.
Day Three provided ideal sailing conditions. Students worked in crews of three to independently sail the smaller Envy boats, taking on the roles of skipper, crew 1 and crew 2. The day concluded with a competitive race where changing wind conditions challenged students to adapt and problem-solve collaboratively. Staff at the Sailing School were highly complimentary of our students’ teamwork, dedication, flexibility and quick ability to pick up new skills.
The camp was a wonderful culmination of two years of study, enabling students to demonstrate their skills in a practical and challenging environment. Congratulations to all students on their commitment and achievements throughout the program.