Stepping Out

Melaine Blair

Head of Learning - Health & Physical Education

Outdoor Education programs play an important role in helping students develop confidence, resilience and strong connections with others beyond the classroom. Through camps, activities and shared experiences in unfamiliar environments, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, build teamwork and independence, and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world. These skills support thier studies in other learing areas, while the experiences support personal growth and wellbeing,  creating lasting memories and friendships throughout their secondary school years.

Bushwhacked - Year 10 students shine!

Last term, the Bushwhacked 2026 camp program kicked off with a three-day experience at the Cathedral Ranges. With a severe rainfall forecast leading in, there was some uncertainty around conditions. We were fortunate to get a favorable window and were able to run the full program.

Students hiked between Neds Gully and Cooks Mill, and took on optional sunrise and sunset challenge walks. For a number of students this was their first overnight camping experience - a challenge they handled with real resilience. Across the program, there was a strong focus on our Character Strengths curriculum, with students reflecting on their experiences through their Bushwhacked Journals and beginning to understand how these strengths show up in real situations.

Staff were particularly impressed with the initiative shown by the group, with many students stepping up and completing tasks before even being asked. It was a fantastic first program and a really strong start to Bushwhacked for 2026.

OES Hangs Ten!

Mark Haebich

Teacher - OES

The VCE Outdoor Education & Environmental Studies (Unit 1&2) class headed out to URBNSURF in Tullamarine for a full day focused on water safety, basic first aid and practical rescue skills. 

Students worked through a range of rescue drills and were so efficient with their approach that we were able to jump into a bodyboarding session earlier than planned.  From there, we moved into a learn-to-surf session in the bays, where every student managed to get up on a board and showed clear improvement across the session. It was great to see confidence build so quickly.

We finished the day with a behind-the-scenes look at the wave machine, learning about the technology that drives the surf park as well as the business side of running a facility like this.

Students were engaged throughout the entire day, and all adults involved commented on how respectful and enthusiastic the group was. this term we are looking forward to more outdoor learning experiences that connect directly to the VCE course and study design.