Class 8 & 9 News

Geology and Land Surveying Camp at Ellery Creek Big Hole

In Week 6 our Year 8/9 class packed their swags and headed out to the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges for the much-anticipated Geology and Land Surveying Camp at Ellery Creek Big Hole. 

Surrounded by towering red cliffs and the timeless beauty of Central Australia, students immersed themselves in a unique learning experience that combined science, mathematics, and the magic of being together under the desert sky.

The geology sessions with Rob Sutherland brought the land to life in remarkable ways. Rob guided the students through the story of our ancient country, pointing out the unique rock formations, folds, and layers that tell of powerful forces shaping the MacDonnell Ranges over hundreds of millions of years. Students were able to connect the theory they had learned in the classroom with the visible features around them, deepening their appreciation for both the science and the wonder of this landscape.

Equally engaging were the surveying activities with Dan. Equipped with compasses, measuring tools, and even a classic theodolite, students were challenged to apply their recent lessons in trigonometry to real-world tasks. In small groups, they worked out the position, distance, and bearing of chosen objects across the landscape. The data collected during these practical exercises is now being carefully transformed back at school into proportional maps—beautiful student work that reflects both mathematical precision and artistic care.

Of course, a camp is never just about the academic side. Shared meals, laughter, and swimming at Ellery Creek made the days vibrant and memorable. As the sun set behind the ranges each evening, students gathered around the fire, where stories were told, songs were sung, and the desert night sky revealed its endless tapestry of stars. For many, the quiet moments of gazing into the Milky Way were just as inspiring as the daytime lessons.

The camp was a joyful and enriching experience, giving students the chance to see their lessons come alive in nature, work collaboratively, and appreciate the incredible country that surrounds Alice Springs. Thank you, Katie and Rob, for your wonderful contribution that made this trip so valuable for our students!

Warm regards,

Dan