Big River:

Why teach outdoors?

Mark Haebich 

Teacher - VCE Vocational Major 

This term, our Year 12 VCE VM students travelled to Big River for a three-day paddling and camping program, supported by Rubicon Outdoor School. 

Based at Jim Bullock Campground, students spent their days paddling sections of the Big River, learning white-water skills, cooking and living together at camp, and taking increasing responsibility for themselves and the group.

For many students, these were completely new experiences. Paddling white water, swimming in the river, cooking over an open fire and spending several days immersed in the outdoors provided the kind of practical, hands-on learning that is at the heart of VCE Vocational Major.

Some of the most valuable experiences were also the simplest. Students spoke about sitting around the campfire talking with people, having less screen time, hearing the river at night and looking up at a sky full of stars. There was even a newly discovered hatred of light pollution! Others talked about a new appreciation for things we normally don't think twice about – hot showers, plumbing, heating, beds, toilets and having food readily available.

The campfire also provided the setting for some meaningful conversations. With the group approaching the end of Year 12, students reflected on the 'peaks and ploughs' of their high school years: the people, successes, challenges and experiences that have shaped them, and what might come next. The trip gave students a rare opportunity to slow things down, spend quality time together and to reflect on how far they have come over their high school journey.

A huge part of making the experience possible was the expertise and support of the staff at Rubicon Outdoor School, who provided the environment, equipment and guidance that allowed students to challenge themselves safely and experience something genuinely different. A big thank you also to Grace McCulloch and Luke Mitchell for their time, care and support of the students throughout the three days.

Luke Mitchell

Teacher - VCE Vocational Major Coordinator

Grace McCulloch

Teacher - VCE Vocational Major English

This VCE Vocational Major Big River program will forever be a highlight in our teaching careers. It has been incredible to watch and be a part of these students’ journeys throughout high school. This program was a special way to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the experiences that led them to where they are now. 

We both thank Mark Haebich for his passion and  commitment to our VCE Vocational Major program by organising this incredible opportunity for our students, and for inviting us along. It was both a privilege and a pleasure to spend quality time with these students, some of whom we have been working with since Year 7. This opportunity highlighted the importance of providing our VCE-VM students with access to programs such as this, and going forward we hope to incorporate similar experiences into the VM Program .