Under the sea...
Jordan Barnes
Teacher - Physical Education
Year 10 Physical Education students also headed to Flinders for an exciting snorkelling excursion that combined skill development, adventure, and hands-on learning in the marine environment.
Delivered by Peninsula Outdoors, the program introduced students to the fundamentals of snorkelling through a structured water safety and learn-to-snorkel lesson. The day began with 90 minutes of snorkel theory and training in the on-site dive pool, where students built confidence using snorkelling equipment and practised essential safety techniques.
Following a short break, students then took part in a two-hour guided snorkel at Flinders Pier, exploring the local underwater environment and applying the skills they had learned earlier in the day.
This snorkelling excursion provided students with the opportunity to engage in a new and unfamiliar physical activity within a natural outdoor environment. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, develop water confidence, and experience physical activity in a non‑competitive and supportive setting.
While snorkelling, students explored the marine environment and observed a variety of marine life, including starfish, seahorses, and a diverse range of fish species, as well as a small shipwreck. Students’ theory and practical knowledge were soon put to the test as they entered the water from a large pier, approximately three metres high, which served as the safety entrance due to the low tide. This added an element of challenge, requiring students to apply resilience, confidence, and trust in their skills. Overall, the experience supported the aims of the Outdoor Recreation and Physical Activity unit by promoting active participation, appreciation of natural environments, and positive attitudes towards lifelong physical activity.
It was fantastic to see students embracing the challenge, supporting each other and making the most of this unique learning opportunity.
Ella Pagliaro
Year 10
The day at flinders pier was amazing. We must thank Ms Blair for driving us down!
When we got there, we had fun trying out the snorkelling equipment and getting comfortable swimming with our weight belt on, diving, and equalizing. After that we headed out to the pier but sadly we didn't really get to discover that much under the pier due to works they were doing on it. But all the same we saw many different fish and I spotted a beautiful seahorse. One of the amazing things we got to do was explore the wreck that is out just past the pier. Probably the scariest thing was that when we jumped off the pier, I was trying to remember all of the techniques we were taught like holding out weight belt and our snorkel to make sure we didn't lose them.
Emily Richardson
Year 10
The snorkelling trip was a new and exciting experience for the whole class. From arriving at school at 7am to an amazing sunrise to practicing diving with our snorkels on in the dive pool, and trying to walk in flippers without falling over, it really was a memorable day. My favourite part was jumping into the ocean off the pier. At first it was very intimidating - the wind was cold and water dark below - but when we all got in it was lots of fun. We saw many animals like seahorse; fish - and I think someone saw a type of shark! I think this excursion really showed everyone how fun snorkelling can be as well and how easily accessible this experience is - just down the coast at Flinders.