LEARNING MATTERS

YEAR 8 SURVIVOR CHALLENGE: ROGAINING

It is important to remember that much of the critical learning undertaken by students takes place outside the classroom.  A great example is the Survivor Challenge, a year-long competition involving all Year 8 forms. The most recent Survivor event has seen all Year 8s Rogaining at Cardinia Park Reservoir in Emerald.   Working in small groups of between 2-4, they were given a detailed map of the park, a time limit of two hours, and required to locate as many checkpoints as possible.  With the winning group achieving the most points, rogaining is made even more challenging with the checkpoints being worth a variety of points depending on how easy or difficult they are to find.  Moreover, points are deducted for groups returning late (5 points per minute!).  

This activity forces students to use a variety of essential skills.  In order to maximise their score they must work effectively as a team and communicate well to plan the best route possible. 

They must encourage and motivate each other, while at the same time testing their navigation and map-reading abilities.  Throw in the challenge created by the undulating and often rugged parkland environment, the unpredictable weather, and the pressure of a time limit, rogaining is clearly a difficult but rewarding task.  This year the top three forms were 8B, 8F and 8D.  Congratulations and well done to all Year 8 students.

Richard Long

Curriculum Coordinator