Outdoor Education
Year 10 Outdoor Education – Stand-Up Paddleboarding
During Week 5 of Term 2, our Year 10 Outdoor Education students visited Portsea to participate in a 2-hour guided Stand-Up Paddleboarding excursion, immersing themselves in a coastal marine environment while developing practical outdoor skills.
The excursion supported students' learning by developing paddling techniques, balance, and safe board handling, while also exploring risk management in aquatic environments, including weather conditions, tides, and personal safety. Students gained a greater appreciation for coastal ecosystems and discussed the importance of responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.
The experience also promoted confidence, resilience, and teamwork as students challenged themselves in a new activity. It was fantastic to see most students successfully standing up on their boards, with plenty of laughter and a few funny moments along the way. Overall, the excursion was a valuable and enjoyable opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with a real-world outdoor experience.
Year 11 Outdoor Education – Kayaking and Caving
Year 11 Outdoor Education students recently participated in a kayaking and caving excursion, gaining a greater understanding of river and cave environments through hands-on experiences. Students kayaked along the Yarra River through Wonga Park, Warrandyte, and Templestowe, navigating Grade 1 and 2 beginner rapids while developing their paddling skills and confidence on the water.
They then explored caves at Yarra Junction, where they learned about the history of the cave system, the unique rock formations, and the creatures that inhabit these underground environments. Throughout the excursion, students demonstrated excellent behaviour, embraced every challenge, and showed a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. There were plenty of memorable and entertaining moments, including a few close calls with students almost falling into the water during kayaking and some getting temporarily stuck on rocks while exploring the caves. These moments added to the fun and adventure of the experience. Overall, the students represented the school exceptionally well, gave everything a go, and gained valuable knowledge about natural environments while developing teamwork, resilience, and outdoor skills.
Year 9 Outdoor Education – Urban Surf Excursion
Year 9 students recently took part in an Urban Surf excursion, where they developed important water safety knowledge, surf skills, and basic emergency response training in a controlled coastal environment. Students learnt key water safety and rescue techniques, including how to recognise and respond to hazardous conditions. A major focus of the session was learning how to identify a rip current and safely escape from one, helping students build confidence and awareness in open water environments.
They also completed CPR training and learnt how to correctly use a defibrillator (AED) in an emergency situation, developing essential lifesaving skills.
In addition, students participated in a surf lesson where they practiced balance, board skills, and ocean awareness. The experience allowed students to apply their learning in a real-world setting while building confidence in the water. Overall, students engaged well throughout the day, showed great enthusiasm, and gained valuable skills that support both safety and enjoyment in coastal environments.
Nick Buckland
Outdoor Education Coordinator